Stretch Marks: How Did This Happen to Me?

From pregnancy to weight loss to weight gain, women are on a never ending quest to avoid the development of stretch marks. Once developed, women search out methods for reducing the appearance of these, oftentimes, ghastly red markings which plageue the stomach, buttocks, hips and thighs. With products claiming to prevent and remove stretch marks, many women are frustrated and confused as to what products are truly effective. Understanding the basic concept behind stretch mark development, the methods for prevention and the successful stretch mark treatment options will ensure all women, pregnant or suffering from fluctuating weight are ensured the optimal beautifying outcome.

Stretch marks are a cosmetic disorder with no known physically damaging complications. With collagen as the protein in the skin which keeps the skin's elasticity in full effect, stretch marks commonly develop as the physical signs of the body's distress with sudden change in weight gain. As a stretch mark appears the process of tearing in the skin begins under the dermis and is attributed to the thinning of the stretching of the skin and blood vessels. For some women, this process, while progressive over several weeks and months, may attribute to some discomfort including excessive itching and dryness.

Generally caused by pregnancy, anyone can become prey to the development of stretch marks. From women who experience a sudden weight change, for children who push through a growth spurt, and even individuals who push for weight training, adding muscle quickly, stretch marks will, undoubtedly, appear. Realistically, there is no way to prevent a stretch mark from developing however, for some individuals, the degree and number of stretch marks devleoped may be slowed with the use of topical products and based on the genetic composition of collagen naturally occuring in the skin.

Ridding the sign of stretch marks is virtually imposssible. Because the collagen in the skin is stretched to its limit, using moisturizing creams and gels provide very little success, even when provided by a dermatologist. Because the gel or lotion must penetrate the outer layer of skin, also known as the dermis, and work to promote collagen development, the stretch mark will develop long before this process is even initiated. For pregnant women, the use of Vitamin E oil, gel and lotion is the most effective, right at the first few weeks of pregnancy and may prevent a stretch mark from appearing in such drastic coloring and size. However, such measures will not completely eliminate the development of the unslightly skin disorder. While the stretch mark can not be avoided, the use of Vitamin E, in significant quantities throughout pregnancy, will promote elasticity and softness in the skin so as to allow for more relaxed stretching of the dermis. Once afflicted with a stretch mark, however, many women turn to treatment methods including laser therapy following the birth of the child.

Laser theray, in the treatment of stretch marks, will not eliminate the stretch mark. Instead, laser therapy will promote the production of collagen in the stretch marks which are significantly depressed while also promoting the development of coloring to shade out or hide the stretch mark. What is important to understand is the laser therapy option will not get rid of the stretch mark and, instead, will simply reduce the signs of the skin disorder.

As with any skin disorder, understanding the process by which the disorder develops is vitally important in preventing and treating the condition. While there is not a 100 percent effective cure or prevention for stretch marks, there are options available for both women who are pregnant and women who are not. Discuss options from prescription topical creams to the use of laser therapy with a dermatologist.

How To Choose The Best Acne Product

With as many acne treatment options available, it may be hard to find the best acne product. Trying different products can leave your face looking worse than it did before you started. Knowing what chemicals or natural ingredients in popular acne treatment products can help you to decide which option is the best for you.

If you have sensitive skin, stay away from products that are too harsh. A product may get rid of your acne, but if it dries your face out worse than the Sahara desert, then you’ve justed added a different problem to solve. The best acne products won’t dry out your skin excessively.

Know your skin before you choose the best acne product. If you have oily skin, you will want to stick to a gel-based treatment; if you have dry skin, use an acne product that is creamy. If your skin is overly-sensitive, only use mild acne products. Sometimes using too much of a strong acne treatment product can leave you worse off than before. Most people’s skin is sensitive, and too much of any chemical can upset your skin’s PH balance.

Medicated acne treatment products work by drying up your acne while exfoliating your skin. The two most common ingredients in these medicated treatments are salycic acid and benzoyl peroxide. If you are prone to dry skin, choose acne products with a lower concentration of these ingredients.

Acne treatment products with natural ingredients work to dry up the pimples while soothing your skin. Vitamin E, aloe vera, and grapeseed oil are a few of these ingredients. Care should be taken with these medications as well because natural ingredients can irritate the skin as much as medicated treatments.

You may have to experiment with a few different options before you find the best acne product. Always test these products on a small area of your face, as allergic reactions can happen. If you should notice that your acne gets worse or painful, stop the use immediately contact your dermatologist.

If you’re ready to have clear skin, try Acne Spot Gel today.

Five Skin Care Myths

There are a lot of skin care companies and products that are competing for your hard earned dollars. The messages are often conflicting and confusing. There are some skin care myths that may be costing you money and preventing you from taking the best possible care of your skin.

Dr. Leslie Baumann, M.D. a professor and Director of Cosmetic Dermatology at the Miller School of Medicine at the university of Miami, has written an excellent book on skin care and using the right products for your individual skin type. Following are Five Skin Care Myths, adapted from her book, The Skin Type Solution.

Myth 1. The Best way to find the best product for your skin is to experiment with brands.
Truth 1. Unless you have a lot of money and free time that you want to spend on experimenting on your skin, this method is a waste of resources. However, the cosmetic companies are more than happy to let you but and try their products. Experimenting with skin care products works out really well for the big skin care companies, but not for the consumer.

Myth 2. The More Expensive Products Work Better.
Truth 2. Not necessarily. When skin care products are developed, the rights to the formulations are often sold under different brands. The difference between the drug store brands, department store brands, and the dermatologist formulations may be no more than the price tag. The expensive. designer brands spend a huge amount on packaging, marketing and advertising. These costs are passed on to the consumer.

Myth 3. Ivory Soap is for sensitive skin.
Truth 3. Even though Ivory markets itself as a brand for sensitive skin, this is not the case. Like any brand that foams and makes suds, Ivory is not good for sensitive skin. Soaps that make vigorous suds wash away the natural lipids that protect the skin. People with sensitive skin should never use products that make bubbles or thick suds. A thin layer of suds is OK. Shampoo should never be used to wash the face. There are minimally foaming products, such as Cetaphil, Dove, Ponds and some Nivea products that are good cleansers for sensitive skin.

Myth 4. The food we eat doesn't affect out skin.
Truth 4. The diet can affect skin. A low or no fat diet can increase the dryness of the skin. Studies have shown that patients taking drugs for cholesterol ofter have dry skin. Cholesterol is important in keeping skin hydrated.

Myth 5. Paying attention to skin is a waste of time.
Truth 5. Once you have identified your skin type and know the right routine for your skin, skin care should not take an excessive amount of time. You can learn the best routine for your skin type by consulting a dermatologist, or by reading The Skin Type Solution.

"The Skin Type Solution" has a simple quiz that identifies your individual skin type. By taking the quiz you can learn what type of skin you have and what the best type of products are for your skin. The doctor explains some of the biology of the skin and why certain products work better for you. She also provides a list of suggested products in various price ranges, from drug store brands to department store and designer brands.

Investing the time in reading this book and learning which products are best for your skin, and why, will save time and money in the long run. By purchasing the right products with assurance, consumers can save the money and frustrationion of experimenting with different brands. By using thte right products for your skin, you can get the best possible results for beautiful skin.

Skin Care Tips: Drinking Water and Avoiding Certain Soaps and Cleansers Among Beneficial Tactics

First and Foremost - In addition to being the largest Organ of our body, skin has other characteristics that must be addressed. Hair is actually a form of skin, but does not cover palms of the hands, soles of the feet, eyelids, nails and lips. During the summer, hair grows quicker than winter and more slowly at night than daytime!. Nails protect fingers and toes from injury and picking up things. A doctor can tell the general health of a person by looking at nails. Illnesses can affect nail growth. Your skin protects muscles, bones nerves and blood vessels as well.

Regardless if you are male, female, a teenager, senior citizen, or expectant mother, it essential to know your skin type. If your skin is not responding to regular cleaning habits, it is wise to always check with your physician if you are experiencing a prolonged skin problem. The following is a detailed account of how you can determine the needs of your skin and care for it to avoid infections, wrinkles and even skin cancer.

Drinking water is a good method of combating skin irritations. Water keeps the body flushed of impurities and keeps the skins moisture level even. If you find drinking water from the tap to be somewhat difficult, why not try the many flavored waters on the market. The flavored water today, are free of calories, carbohydrates, and fats... all of which are contributors to poor health and unhealthy skin. Flavored water is also cheaper than purchasing sodas, check it out the next time you are in the food store. You will not only benefit from healthy skin but you will have a fatter pocketbook.

Avoiding soaps and cleansers with fragrances and fatty content may cause allergic reactions or sensitivity to the skin. To avoid possible reactions or sensitivity, use Anti-bacterial soaps containing triclosan or triclocarban to inhibit unpleasant odors. Mild soaps without coloring agents or perfumes will lessen the stinging of the skin and eyes. Non-perfume products will lessen the irritation or allergy if you have sensitive skin. Lipid-free cleansers are applied to the skin and wiped away instead of rinsed off with water. The cleansers contain glycerin, (transparent soap have high glycerin content) cetyl alcohol, sodium or sulfate. They leave a fine moisturizing film on the skin. Using Lipid-free products will be effective in removing make-up or those suffering from eczema. Older people with drier skin will also benefit from these fat free products.

Moisturizers counteract dryness of the skin by providing a protective agent such as glycerin, lanolin or vegetable fats which are only a small percentage of the soap or lotion. If you have dry skin, applying moisturizers after washing with soap, rather than relying on the moisture in soaps. Cleansing creams are used to both cleans and moisturize the skin. They contain mineral oil, petroleum, water and some waxes. They are applied to the skin and washed off for removal of makeup and sebum from the skin. Cold creams are gentler and used for dry skin.

Cleansing cream are not to be left on the skin, because they can cause irritation if left on for a long time. Hard-milled soaps and synthetic detergents are used for dry skin individuals. When the humidity is low in the winter or in the South-west, it is advised to use products for dryer skin.

Astringents and toners are usually perfumes products that are alcohol-based and used to remove oil from the skin. They produce a tight feeling and usually used after a routine washing with a bar of soap. Astringents are available for not only oily skin, but normal and dry skin types. Astringents are helpful for those who suffer from acne as well. Oily skin types required products that rinse off well. Soaps and liquid cleansers are available. Products for oily skin are stronger and can be used on other parts of the body other than the face. Those with oily skin have problems in their chest, neck and back. Many of the products available for acne are also suitable for oily skin.

Normal Skin can cleanse their skin with bar soap daily. Cleansing sheets, soap gels, and liquid cleansers are all available for normal skin.

The environment can be just as damaging to your skin as poor cleaning techniques and eating habits. Dust, cigarette smoke, dirt, fabrics such as wool or synthetic fibers and sun can cause the skin to become irritated and subject to clogged pores, causing acne, pimples, and wrinkles. Acne are tender, painful eruptions that drain pus and blood. Pimples or acne can also play a part on emotional and social impact in your life.

How do you care for your skin and avoid poor complexion? Drink plenty of water, eat a sensible diet of fruits, vegetables, meats and dairy products. Avoid spices, fatty foods and sweets. Keep clean, wash your face with appropriate cleansing agents, wash your hands frequently and avoid touching your face. Instead of squeezing or mashing pimples, wash with warm water, using your fingers to apply the soap, dry with soft towel, do not use a washcloth. Apply toners and other products with cotton balls. If you squeezing can cause long-term redness, brown stains called hyperpigmentation and scarring, a loss of skin substructure. If you ware makeup, be sure it is compatible with your skin type and you have a detailed cleansing method to remove the residue. Wash your hair regularly to ensure it is clean and your scalp is free from any problem causing skin irritations as well. Hair that is not clean and allowed to fall onto your face or neck, can cause problems.

Avoid sunburn, exposure to too much ultraviolet or UV light from the sun. Sun damage or photo damage produces both skin cancer and photo-aging or wrinkling, mottled pigmentation, scaling and dryness.

If you find yourself suffering from skin irritations, pimples, or acne, begin a routine of healthy cleaning and eating habits and be sure to contact your physician if you do not see a change in your complexion after following these suggested tips within a short time. Your physician can suggest a more aggressive program or medication to promote healthy skin.