Monthly Archives: June 2014

This entry was posted in scars on by | Open »

SCARS

NORMAL SCAR

There are three main scars firstly the normal scar this is formed when after an injury or cut is the process of healing. The appearance of which vary depending on the injury.If the skin at the edges of the wound has come together neatly, the scar will usually heal as a thin, pale line if the wound is wider,  where more surface skin is missing and more scar tissue is needed to bridge the gap between the edges of damaged skin (such as a bad graze on the knee), the scar may take longer to heal and not heal so neatly. Normal scars usually heal without much pain.

KELOID SCARS

A keloid scar is an overgrowth of tissue that occurs when too much collagen is produced at the site of the wound and the scar keeps growing, even after the wound has healed.

They often have the following characteristics:

  • it is often raised above the skin
  • it can feel itchy
  • it can feel painful
  • it can appear much larger than the original wound
  • it can cause a burning sensation and feel tender to touch
  • it can restrict movement if it is tight and near a joint
  • it is raised above the skin
  • it is hairless and appears shiny
  • it feels hard and has a ‘rubbery’ texture, although some keloids can form soft lumps (such as on the ear lobe after piercings)
  • a newly formed keloid scar is red or purple, becoming paler with time

The areas of the body where keloid scars are more likely to form include:

  • the area around the breastbone (sternum)
  • the upper arms and shoulders (deltoids)
  • the upper back
  • on the ear lobes

HYPERTROPHIC SCARS

These types of scar are red in colour and raised along a wound area this can restrict movement because the tissue is not as flexible as the original skin it tends to heal with in the wound and the tissue is slightly thicker than usual. Having started red and raised it eventually becomes flatter and pale. This kind of scar can stay like this for many years in its appearance.Pitted scars are a form of scar that is a condition of acne or chickenpox usually sunken or pitted.Scar contractures scars of this nature are from burns often the scar shrinks leaving the skin feeling tight and restricted .

The treatment of scars vary depending on the type  or  its position and area of the body it may be on. In the case of the keloid scars injections called corticosteroid are administered to relieve pain and swelling this also flattens the scar   Sometimes treatment may continue for several months if the scar is improving.This treatment cannot remove scars, but it can improve their appearance. Surgery  is not advised for keloids as they tend to grow back larger. Surgery for keloids is often combined with corticosteroid injections at the site of the removed scar immediately after the surgery. Some plastic surgeons also add other treatments, such as X-ray therapy and oral antibiotics to try and minimise recurrence of a keloid that has been surgically treated. Make up is a great way to hide scars especially on the face some Cosmetic camouflage (make-up) can help cover up scars up to 2-3 days as they are waterproof. There are also systems and natural ways in which to control and help hide if not remove a scar if you Click Here! you will discover an alternative treatment for scars that might be useful.

Having under gone 15 stitches to my head I was pointed in the direction of a product bio oil and now after nine months it has reduced my scar significantly see the proof in my video.

BIO-OIL

Scars can be unsightly to reduce or  the removal of a scar using the right product that works for you is key. I started to use BIO-OIL because

BIO-OIL is a specialist skin care oil that helps improve the appearance of scars, stretch marks and uneven skin tone. It is also effective for ageing and dehydrated skin. BIO-OIL has won 182 skin care awards and has become the No.1 selling scar and stretch mark product in 17 countries since its global launch in 2002.It has helped many people to have confidence in their appearance after the skin has been damaged in some way, either by  an accident  or illness.

The BIO-OIL formulation is a combination of plant extracts and vitamins suspended in an oil base. It contains the breakthrough ingredient PurCellin Oil™, which changes the formulation’s overall consistency, making it light and non-greasy, ensuring that the goodness contained in the vitamins and plant extracts is easily absorbed.

BIO-OIL has undergone safety assessments in accordance with the Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on Cosmetic Products. The toxicological profile, chemical structure, level of inclusion and total level of daily exposure of each ingredient used has been assessed and deemed safe for use (including for use by pregnant  women).BIO-OIL is a very effective way to help with all skin related complaints. people use it because it works for them.

I use bio oil to help me  reduce my scar take a look at my video

 

There are many ways in which a scar can be treated, it all depends on the type you have.
 Different treatments may help make them less visible and improve their appearance.

Sometimes a combination of different treatments may be used

In some cases when a scar is unsightly or uncomfortable treatments may include:                                              bio oil 150x150 SCARS

•silicone gel sheets
•pressure dressings
•corticosteroid injections
•cosmetic camouflage (make-up)
•surgery

Using creams or ointments can greatly improve the appearance and in some cases remove a scar. This is one of many products that can help reduce the appearance another which is very popular is MEDERMA.

maderma 150x150 SCARS

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This entry was posted in stretch marks on by | Open »

STRETCH MARKS

pregnancy close up 1372512 s STRETCH MARKS

PREGNANCY

The removal and reduction of stretch marks during pregnancy depends on many factors.

Stretch marks are common during the later stages of pregnancy, affecting up to 80% of pregnant women. Whether or not you will get stretch marks depends on your skin type and how elastic it is.

During pregnancy, your body produces hormones that soften the ligaments in your pelvis so that they are more flexible when you give birth. Ligaments are strong bands of tissue that connect joints. However, the hormones also soften the fibres in your skin, making you prone to stretch marks.

As your baby grows, you may develop stretch marks on your abdomen (tummy) as your skin stretches. You may also develop stretch marks on your thighs and breasts as they get bigger.

After childbirth, most stretch marks will fade and become less noticeable, but they do not always disappear completely.

RAPID WEIGHT GAIN

By putting weight on quickly over a short period of time If you diet regularly, stretch marks can develop as your weight goes up and down. If you need to lose weight, lose it slowly and steadily so your skin is not put under strain for more information about losing weight watch this video it is fall of great tips and ideas in the help to control your weight to find out more Click Here!

It is fair to say that both men and women get stretch marks but it is mainly women who suffer the most. Losing weight too fast is an area that can cause stretch marks.

 

The most talked about and well known cause is pregnancy you are more likely to get stretch marks in pregnancy if you gain a lot of weight so a balanced diet is very important during pregnancy having the right balance is key but you don’t have to just eat salad there is a really good video that explains how to lose weight but still eat every day food take a look Click Here!

ATHLETES

It is true that athletes and muscle builders can get stretch marks as a result of muscle grow or even if the person stops training the muscle reduces and this can cause stretch marks.

I do of people using BIO-OIL to help reduce stretch marks.

SKIN CARE

Massaging your skin every day with moisturiser or a massage glove can help improve your circulation and encourage new tissue growth.

It is also important to eat a healthy, balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly VITAMIN E, VITAMIN C, and the minerals zinc and silicon. These vitamins and minerals will help keep your skin healthy.

 

stretch marks STRETCH MARKS

 

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This entry was posted in dermatits on by | Open »

DERMATITIS

Dermatitis is the inflammation of the skin when you come into contact with a particular substance.Contact dermatitis as it is known is a kind of eczema that causes the skin to go red and itchy and can make the skin have a burning or stinging the body but is more commonly found on the hand sensation this in turn leads to a dry blistering effect.

There are a couple of types of dermatitis: Irritant and Allergic.

The most common is irritant this is one I have had to deal with a lot of my life . It’s caused by contact with acids, alkaline materials such as soaps and detergents  fabric softeners, solvents, or other chemicals. The reaction usually looks like a burns.

There are a couple of types of dermatitis: Irritant and Allergic.

The most common is irritant this is one I have had to deal with a lot of my life . It’s caused by contact with acids, alkaline materials such as soaps and detergents  fabric softeners, solvents, or other chemicals. The reaction usually looks like a burns.

Other irritants may include:

  • Cement
  • Hair dyes
  • Long-term exposure to wet diapers
  • Pesticides or weed killers
  • Rubber gloves
  • Shampoos

Allergic contact dermatitis is caused by exposure to a substance or material to which you have become extra sensitive or allergic.

Common allergens include:

  • Adhesives, including those used for false eyelashes or toupees
  • Antibiotics such as neomycin rubbed on the surface of the skin
  • Balsam of Peru (used in many personal products and cosmetics, as well as in many foods and drinks)
  • Fabrics and clothing
  • Fragrances in perfumes, cosmetics, soaps, and moisturizers
  • Nail polish, hair dyes, and permanent wave solutions
  • Nickel or other metals (found in jewellery, watch straps, metal zips, bra hooks, buttons, pocketknives, lipstick holders, and powder compacts)
  • Poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac, and other plants
  • Rubber or latex gloves or shoes

The symptoms do not occur instantly just regular use will trigger it this is what I have found as I worked in the construction  industry .

Itching of the skin in exposed areas is a common symptom. In the case of an allergic dermatitis, itching can be severe. Dermatitis caused by an irritant may also cause burning or pain. I also found that if a got stressed this would bring on a rash that itches and shows as a redness but may form anywhere on my body this would often cause great embarrassment if I wanted to go out as the itching was that bad.

IRRITANT CONTACT DERMATITIS

Your symptoms will usually appear within 48 hours of coming into contact with the irritant.

Strong irritants may cause your skin to react immediately. More common irritants, such as soap and detergents, may need frequent and repeated contact before they cause problems.

Only the area of skin that has been in direct contact with the irritant will be affected.

The work place is where you are more at risk to dermatitis. I  worked with building materials such as cement and powders and used a lot of water which all resulted in me having dermatitis.

This type of dermatitis is more common in certain occupations, including:

  • cleaners and housekeepers
  • food preparers, cooks and  caterers
  • hair dressers and beauticianshands 150x150 DERMATITIS ECZEMA
  • farm and fisheries workers
  • engineers and construction workers
  • healthcare professionals (including dentists and vets)
  • printers and painters

Having irritant dermatitis is made worse by

  • heat
  • cold
  • friction (rubbing against the irritant)
  • low humidity (dry air)

ALLERGIC CONTACT DERMATITIS

It may take several days for your symptoms to appear after you come into contact with the allergen.

In most cases, the affected skin will be the area of skin that had contact with the allergen. For example, if you are allergic to an eye shadow or blusher, your eyelids or cheeks may be affected. However, in some cases other areas of skin may also be affected

The first time you come into contact with a type of allergen, your body becomes sensitised to it. It’s only when you touch that substance again, that your skin reacts with an itchy red rash.

Common allergens that can cause allergic contact dermatitis include:

  • metals, such as nickel or cobalt in jewellery
  • cosmetics, such as fragrances, hair dye and nail varnish
  • preservatives added to certain medicines (including medicated creams)
  • rubber, including latex, a type of naturally occurring rubber
  • textiles, particularly the dyes and resins that are contained in them
  • strong adhesives (glue), such as epoxy resin adhesives
  • some plants, such as chrysanthemums, daffodils, tulips and primula

I have found that there are creams and ointments out there to help ease the discomfort and I am currently using BETNOVATE- OINTMENT

This is prescribed by my GP but there is alternatives on the market that can be brought over the counter. I have found that this ointment also helps with my ECZEMA.

E45 cream works well for cleaning if soaps irritant and I found a soap called SIMPLE SOAP is very effective in cleaning as it has no perfume or chemicals in it.

  • The best way to test for a reaction to allergens is by patch testing. During a patch test, tiny amounts of known allergens are applied to your skin. The substances are attached to your back using a special kind of non-allergic tape. Sometimes, they may be attached to the upper arms.

After two days, the patches are removed and your skin assessed to check if there has been any reaction. Your skin will usually also be examined after four to six days as most allergic contact dermatitis reactions will take this long to develop

 

 

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This entry was posted in acne on by | Open »

ACNE

skincare 300x225 ACNEHaving a problem with acne is never a easy or  comfortable thing to deal with.
Here is a great video with tips on how to deal with acneClick Here!

Acne scars can be treated with or without oils or creams. In some cases people have turned to more intense measures opting for Botox, fillers, lasers, chemical peels and various other forms of cosmetic surgery. But there is apparently another way a three way system which can be done at home. Simply by exfoliating, cleansing, then nourishing this will help the skin repair itself.

Exfoliation stimulates natural protein production in the upper layer of the dermis, increases oxygen flow and encourages enzyme protein production in the stratum cornea – the deepest layer of skin – which triggers self-repair.

Cleansing removes any remaining debris, while applying an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory moisturiser nourishes and calms the skin

TREATMENT

Once the acne has gone, you can be left with pitted ‘craters’ or discoloration in the form of red or brown marks you must commit to the exfoliate, cleanse, moisturise regime every evening for three to six months. Exfoliate each night – or every other if your skin is sensitive – to stimulate cell renewal. In the morning, simply cleanse and moisturise. A good exfoliator will contain both a mechanical component, such as sodium bicarbonate, magnesium oxide or quartz crystals, and an enzyme protein component such as pomegranate or pumpkin extract.

These mechanical components are natural, non-toxic, non-sensitising disruptors of the top layer of skin, which stimulates oxygen transfer.

The enzymatic component – usually a plant extract – helps dissolve the glue between dead skin cells.

acne 150x142 ACNE

To really improve scar tissue,  look for nourishing products containing certain ingredients. Firstly, retinol – a form of Vitamin A –  which increases cell production in the skin’s top layer. Your product should also include Vitamin C  – ascorbic acid – which helps to rejuvenate skin, and Vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant. go to your high street chemist and ask what the most popular exfoliators, cleansers and moisturisers are in store.

Stick to one brand because its products will complement one another, reducing the chance of irritation. I’d recommend Neutrogena, RoC or Aveeno.

For acne scarring on the back, where the skin is thick, use an exfoliator designed for the body, a shower wash containing salicylic acid – commonly used to treat acne and blemishes (Neutrogena makes one) – and body moisturiser with one or all of the key ingredients this may not work for everyone but if it can help in any way then that has to be good.

If you can avoid the sun this will help as the sun’s rays can cause the scaring to go brown and it will slow the healing process. So by applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher that contains the ingredient zinc oxide before you go out will prevent the Ultraviolet rays from causing damage to your skin.

Picking leads to further inflammation and injury of the skin, which adds to the skin’s discoloration and scarring. Squeezing or trying to pop a pimple causes pus and bacteria to filter deeper into the skin, resulting in more collagen damage .

in the end finding the right way for you is all that matters .there are many products and ideas if you click on the link Click Here! this will take you to a very helpful video on how to deal with acne .

 

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This entry was posted in ABOUT on by | Open »

ABOUT

skin ABOUT

Lets talk about acne, scars, eczema and skin care remedies including  treatments for scar removal these are just a few of the  areas we will be exploring. From acne creams to ointments finding the solutions to your skin problems giving you our own experiences .   The products and advice given is from our own experiences also  family and friends who all at one point have had skin conditions and used a remedy to reduce it, remove it, or just control it. There are  natural and alternative remedies that can some times  be beneficial to you depending on your condition so we will cover this subject in an attempt to guide you to the right formula for your needs in talking about different topics.

If you have experienced other skin care problems and have your own ideas and remedies then why not share them and help others by  contacting us so we can pass it on. We will do our best to inform you about all aspects of skin care also looking at as many kinds of scars and skin complaints to reduce the situation and make life a bit more bearable.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO CONTACT US THEN FEEL FREE TO USE THE CONTACT FORM

lady 2 300x111 ABOUT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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This entry was posted in sun and skin protection on by | Open »
  • Scientists from Manchester and London carried out the world’s first molecular study into the way malignant melanoma is caused
  • Malignant melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer
  • Findings revealed SPF 50 sunscreen allows UV radiation through to damage the DNA in the skin’s pigment cells
  • They advise anyone who spends time in the sun to cover up
  • Sunscreen alone should not be used as protection, the experts warned

Wearing sun cream is not a reliable way to prevent getting skin cancer, scientists have warned.

A ground breaking study into the way UV radiation attacks the skin has revealed that long-lasting damage is not stopped by sunscreen.

While an SPF cream can stop sunburn and the short-term effects of sunbathing, it allows enough rays through to cause potentially fatal disease in the long term.

Anyone who spends more than a short time in the sun should make sure they are covered up and should not rely on sunscreen alone, experts warned.

Scientists at Manchester University and London’s Institute of Cancer Research carried out the world’s first molecular study into the way malignant melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, is caused.

Their paper, published in the journal Nature, revealed that even highest grade

DOES CREAM ALONE WORK?

DOES CREAM ALONE WORK?

SPF 50 sun cream allows sufficient UV radiation through to damage the DNA in the skin’s pigment cells.

Dr Julie Sharp, of Cancer Research UK, which funded the study, said: ‘People tend to think they’re invincible once they’ve put it on and end up spending longer out in the sun, increasing their overall exposure to UV rays.

 

‘This research adds important evidence showing that sunscreen has a role, but that you shouldn’t just rely on this to protect your skin.’

Malignant melanoma is the fifth most common cancer in the UK, with more than 13,000 people diagnosed with the disease every year.

The scientists found that sunscreen could not stop solar radiation causing a mutation in the skin’s ‘guardian gene’ which produces proteins that protect against UV.

The researchers insisted people should continue to wear sunscreen, because while it does not provide complete protection, it can slow the cancer-causing effect of UV. But they said nobody should rely on sunscreen alone. Instead, people should also cover up when spending time in the sun (stock image)

With the gene damaged, the skin is vulnerable to further damage from the sun and more likely to develop a tumour.

Study author Richard Marais, of Manchester University, said: ‘UV light targets the very genes protecting us from its own damaging effects, showing how dangerous this cancer-causing agent is.

‘Very importantly, this study provides proof that sunscreen does not offer complete protection from the damaging effects of UV light.’

BREAKTHROUGH STUDY REVEALS HOW RADIATION ATTACKS THE SKIN

The research team examined the molecular effects of UV light on the skin of 110 mice which had been genetically altered to be susceptible to melanoma.

They found that the use of SPF 50 sun cream would delay the formation of tumours, but could not stop it altogether.

Over a 15-month period they exposed the mice to weekly dose of UV radiation similar to that a person would be receive to if they spent an hour a week in a garden in southern England.

The mice which did not have any protection each developed tumours after an average of 5.3 months, and within seven months every single one had the cancer.

Another group of mice had their fur shaved and SPF50 sunscreen applied. These mice developed tumours after an average of 7.5 months, and each had grown melanoma within 15 months.

Professor Marais insisted people should continue to wear sunscreen, because while it does not provide complete protection, it can slow the cancer-causing effect of UV.

But he said nobody should rely on sunscreen alone to protect them from skin cancer.

He said: ‘This work highlights the importance of combining sunscreen with other strategies to protect our skin, including wearing hats and loose fitting clothing, and seeking shade when the sun is at its strongest.’

Professor Marais said the crucial finding is the impact of a ‘guardian

original article by the daily mail