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May 4th, 2012
A good skin hair regime can keep your skin healthy and glowing for a long time. The skin is the largest organ in your body and just as in the case of all other organs, requires very good care to ensure that it looks and stays healthy. The best part is, simply sticking to your basics will work wonders. Good skin care and a healthy lifestyle can delay the effects of ageing and also prevent natural skin problems. Here are 5 tips to get you started: 1. Avoid excessive exposure to the sun This is one of the most important ways you can take care of your skin. Excessive exposure can cause wrinkles, age spots and other skin problems. This can also lead to skin cancer. For effective protection from the sun: Use sunscreen: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 15, when you are outdoors. Also remember to reapply sunscreen at least every 2 hours (or more) if you are swimming or perspiring. Seek shade: Avoid exposing yourself to the sun between 10am and 4pm as this is the time when the sun’s rays are strongest. Protective clothing: Cover your skin with tightly woven, long-sleeved shirts, long pants and wide brimmed hats. It also pays to consider laundry additives that include an additional layer of ultra-violet protection. 2. Quit smoking Smoking makes your skin look older and induces wrinkling. Smoking causes narrowing of tiny blood vessels in the outermost layers of the skin, resulting in decreased blood flow. This depletes the skin of oxygen and nutrients that are important for your skin’s health. Smoking also damages collagen and elastin (i.e. the fibres that give your skin its strength and elasticity). It gets worse – the repetitive facial expressions you make when smoking, such as pursing your lips when inhaling and squinting your eyes to keep out smoke, can contribute to wrinkles. 3. Healthy diets are the way to go The path to beautiful skin is mostly from the inside. In other words, what you put into your system will show in your skin. A healthy diet can not only make you feel, it can make you look your best as well. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables along with whole grains and lean proteins. A diet rich with Vitamin C, minimal unhealthy fats and refined carbs can promote young looking skin. 4. Treat your skin gently Daily cleansing and shaving do take their toll on your skin. As a result. it pays to be as gentle as possible. Avoid long baths: Hot water and long showers/baths remove oils from your skin. Limit your bathing time and opt for warm water rather than hot. Avoid strong soaps: Strong soaps can strip oil from your skin. Mild cleansers are a much better solution. Shave carefully: Always use shaving cream, lotion or gel before shaving, to protect and lubricate your skin. Shave in the direction of your hair instead of against it, using a clean sharp razor. Pat your skin dry: After your shower/bath gently pat your skin dry with a soft towel so that some moisture remains on your skin. Moisturise: If you have dry skin, use a moisturiser that suits your skin type. Consider one that contains SPF for daily use. 5. Manage your stress Stress can cause the skin to become more sensitive and trigger acne breakouts and other skin problems. If you are under stress, you need to take active steps to manage your stress to pave for healthy skin and mind. Set reasonable targets and limits, scale back from your daily tasks and take time to do things that you enjoy. Activities such as spending time with your family, exercising and meditation can work wonders for your skin. For more great skin care tips and advice, talk to us at Cheshire Cosmetic and schedule a free consultation March 30th, 2012
In a world where first impressions and appearance count, dark uneven patches on your skin are definitely a cause for concern. Pigmentation (skin colouring) is dependent on the level of melanin produced in one’s skin. Fluctuations in melanin production levels may cause darker or lighter patches on the skin – excessive production will cause dark patches or hyperpigmentation, while absence or reduction in melanin causes white spots, or lighter areas also known as hypopigmentation. Pigmentation problems are not really a cause for alarm as they do not have any negative effects on your health. Cause of Pigmentation Problems
Treating Skin Pigmentation Problems Treatment for your pigmentation problem is dependent on the exact cause, your skin type and aesthetic objectives. When you first observe or suspect that you have pigmentation problems, immediately consult a qualified and reputed qualified facial plastic surgeon or dermatologist. He/she will ascertain the cause of your problem. Then based on examination of your skin and medical history he/she will suggest a strategy for treating the problem. This consultation will also give you a chance to discuss the risks involved, costs and recovery period associated with the type of treatment proposed. Types of Treatment
Always remember to consult a qualified and reputed cosmetic surgeon to ensure that your problem is taken care of safely and effectively. March 6th, 2012
Next time you look at yourself in the mirror pay close attention! You may small bumps, usually black or yellow in colour. These are known as blackheads and they occur as a result of excess oil production in your skin. This oil builds up in your pores, and several factors such as dust, perspiration and makeup tend to intensify the process. Getting rid of Blackheads The most common solution that people turn to is squeezing, which is temporary and can also irritate and damage the skin, causing infections. Here is an efficient way to remove blackheads without worsening the condition. 1 – Wash your face with a facial cleanser. One with Benzoyl peroxide is preferred as it exfoliates the skin and washes away dirt and dead cells. Massage the cleanser onto your face gently for a few minutes. Rinse your face thoroughly and dry it with a towel using a gentle, patting motion. 2 – Steam your face as it softens the blackheads making it easier to extract them. 3 – Using a blackhead extractor (usually a metal stick with a hole at the end) that’s thoroughly cleansed and sterilized, remove the blackheads. Position the hole over the blackhead and subtly exert pressure till the blackhead comes out. Take care to use the extractor mildly to prevent damage to the skin. Once done, apply an antibacterial ointment to prevent infection. An alternative to the extractor is a face mask. Leave the mask on for about 15 minutes and rinse with warm water. Another quick solution, which is temporary, is using pores strips. These white sheets of paper come with a mixture at the bottom that helps peel off blackheads from your face. 4 – Cleanse your face regularly. Prevent blackheads from recurring by adapting a good skin care regime which involves a facial wash, toner and moisturizer. Talk to your cosmetic dermatologist for further details on the best skin care programmes for your skin type/condition. March 6th, 2012
Studies have continued to show that our inner health always reflects on the outside. Besides diseases, factors that affect our emotional well-being, namely stress, depression and anxiety too are known to affect our skin, hair and even nails! Stress causes our bodies to produce excess testosterone and cartisol, which produce oil. This in turn causes the formation of acne and other related skin disorders. Production of testosterone can also lead to sleep disorders and hinder the lymphatic system whilst affecting blood circulation as well. These factors cause dark circles under the skin and puffiness. Another negative impact of stress is that it restricts the blood flow to the skin affecting other internal organs as well. This causes a hindrance in the renewal process of cells. Faster ageing and dull drab looking skin are by-products. Stress related skin problems
If you are faced with any of these problems or even suspect their presence, always consult a good cosmetic physician and get his/her advice. Never ever ignore any symptoms of skin disorders as they may lead to further complications later on. Always nip them at the bud! January 11th, 2011
The moment you think of exercise you may always look at it as a requirement for people who are involved in sports activities. Apart from athletes exercise is also used to lose weight, maintain physiques and a part of physiotherapy. But did you know that it can also give you a healthy skin at the same time? As a matter of fact it does. If you have not stuck to an exercise regime, try doing so. You may see a difference in your skin as it will start to glow due to improved blood circulation, which will help produce collagen and reduce your wrinkles. You will also notice the reduction of spots and pimples that occur due to stress. Since you sweat due to the physical activity you can also reduce acne. Through sweating your pores will be cleaned and will remove harmful chemicals which is buried deep in your cells. You necessarily do not have to spend a long time exercising and having a personal trainer to guide you through the exercises would be ideal. But you do not have to sign up for a gym but can follow easy routines such as walking, running, bike riding or swimming. You can also try Yoga or Aerobics as well. Skin being the largest organ in our body acts as a protection to our inner organs. It is easily exposed to pollution and dirt. Therefore it is essential that we keep it healthy. Improved blood circulation also helps easy delivery of nutrients to your skin. In the process your pores will flush out toxins and harmful substances from your skin cells. It prevents build-up of damaging substances which can cause adverse skin conditions. Another benefit of increases blood circulation is that it efficiently circulates oxygen through your entire system which will keep you fit and give you a radiant skin. Collagen production will also be stimulated through exercise and the improved circulation of blood and perspiration. This will help you have a wrinkle free supple skin, giving you a youthful appearance. Other parts of your body will also be firm and help you to reduce sagging and flabbiness. You may have acne and pimple outbreaks due to stress or hormone level changes. Exercise can de-stress you and balance the hormone levels in to an extent. You will also perspire which will eventually unclog the pores of your skin helping it to have a pimple and acne free skin. The reduction of stress level will also assist you to reduce wrinkles and fine lines as well. Exercise will uplift your moods making you capable of handling emotions as anger and frustration. This too will help you to have a wrinkle and fine line free face. Exercise will also help hydrate your body as the intake of fluids will improve with it. Drinking water will prevent your skin from getting dry especially in the winter season. All in all exercise will not only help you lose pounds, keep fit or help you build physique but also assist you to have a youthful appearance with a radiant skin. |
