Knowing your skin type is a must, in order to know which skin care products suits you identifying which type of skin you have is crucial, however, another very important step is identifying your skin concern, this may be rosacea, superficial veins, eczema, or hyperpigmentation, let’s talk hyperpigmentation!

• What Is Hyperpigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation is a skin condition where patches of the skin are darker than the rest. Dark patches on the face, neck and around mouth are formed due to deposits of extra melanin – color producing pigment

When pigment producing cells (melanocytes) are damaged, they produce more melanin that bundle together. Clusters of melanin on certain parts of the skin lead to dark patches or hyperpigmentation. It can occur on any skin type and age group, but is generally harmless.

• 3 Types Of Hyperpigmentation & Their Causes

Sunspots are caused by prolonged exposure to the sun. They are also called liver spots, and they can also cause freckles.

Melasma is a common skin condition seen more frequently in women then men and associated with sun exposure, oral contraceptive use, and pregnancy (mask of pregnancy). Melasma presents as irregular brown patches on the cheeks, forehead, bridge of nose, upper lip, and chin.

Post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is usually temporary pigmentation (most cases resolve within 2-6 months) and represents the skin’s response or reaction to some trauma whether that trauma be infection, acne, waxing, chemical peels or some energy based treatment such as a laser.

• Treatments For Hyperpigmentation

–          Retinoids is a broad term used for vitamin A derivative. They are a miracle ingredient in skin care known for their incredible benefits like anti-aging and skin lightening.

–          Vitamin C or ascorbic acid is a powerful antioxidant that reduces hyperpigmentation caused by sun damage. It functions by inhibiting the activity of enzyme tyrosinase that is responsible for melanin synthesis.

–          Niacin amide is a vitamin B3 derivative that helps in treating hyperpigmentation caused by sun damage. It also helps in production of collagen.

–          Hydroquinone is a skin lightening agent that functions by reducing the amount of melanin in the skin. 

• Acne causes inflammation and can leave the skin with hyperpigmentation. Azelaic acid treats discoloration and is a leave-on gentle exfoliant. It is one of the safest and effective treatments for hyperpigmentation.

• Diagnosis Of Hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation is diagnosed through physical examination by a certified dermatologist.

• Tips To Prevent Hyperpigmentation
  • Wearing sunscreen is the number one preventive measure for hyperpigmentation. Pick a broad spectrum sunscreen and apply it 20 minutes before you go outdoors.
  • Pay attention toyour skin care routine. Incorporate a mild exfoliating cleanser containing salicylic acid (beta hydroxy acid). Use a good moisturizer for hydration and to prevent further development of acne.
  • Don’t pick: Squeezing, pinching or picking spots, scabs, and acne on your skin may result in dark spots or make existing ones even worse

 

• Cosmetic Procedures For Hyperpigmentation
  • Chemical Peels
  • Laser Therapy
  • Microdermabrasion

While hyperpigmentation is common and a concern for many, a wide variety of products are now available to help brighten skin and even tone, the key will always be identifying your skin type, following a proper skin care routine & the results will definitely follow!

When it comes to defense against fine lines and maintaining a healthy glow, there is no I ingredient that is more lauded, than the gold standard, one and only retinoid! Topical or oral, this ingredient is a one in a million, irreplaceable and powerful!

• What is retinol?

To bring it back to the basics, retinol—alongside other retinoid, such as retinoic acid and retinol palmitate—is essentially a derivative of vitamin A, the group of fat-soluble vitamins common in carrots, eggs and sweet potatoes , which is one of the body’s key nutrients for boosting cell turnover.

There are two common types of retinol serums: pure retinol serums with highly concentrated formulas that should be introduced gradually into a skincare routine and used just once a day; and milder retinol serums that blend retinol with other skincare ingredients and can be used morning and night. Both can visibly improve the appearance of the tone and texture of the skin. 

• Benefits of Retinol

Applying vitamin, a topically in the form of retinol can include the following benefits:

1. Prevent wrinkles due to its minimizing effect, as well as smooth out existing fine lines and wrinkles.
2. Brighten dull skin by exfoliating at a cellular level, which results in brighter and smoother new skin.
3. Regulate oily skin and minimize breakouts.
4. Fade dark age spots, sun spots and hyperpigmentation and even out complexion over time.

– How often should you use retinol serum?

A serum that blends retinol with other key ingredients can be used twice a day (morning and night) from first use, while a pure retinol serum should be gradually introduced into a skincare routine. Apply every third evening to build skin’s tolerance, then gradually increase to nightly application. 

A skin care routine at age 30, three to four times a week. By the 40s, every other night is beneficial and in the 50s, 60s and beyond, incorporate a retinol product five to seven times per week.

–      How to use retinol serum?

A retinol serum should be used after cleansing and toning, as part of your regular skincare routine. Follow with a hydrating night cream and apply SPF moisturizer the next morning. When applying, don’t stop at your face, apply on your neck as well.

–       When to Expect Results

As with any other skin care product, the key to seeing results is consistent use. a brighter, smoother skin tone is noticeable after 2-3 weeks of consistent use, retinol serum also helps to smooth skin’s texture, reduce the appearance of pores and pigmentation, and brighten skin tone

–       What about oral retinoid?

Oral retinoid are with no doubt the most effective solution to sever acne, however due to their possible side effects and effective action, along with prolonged duration they have to be prescribed by your doctor before use.

Retinol serum is an absolute must, but a proper skincare routine consists of several elements, including vitamin c and hyaluronic acid, for maximum benefits and a healthy glow, take care of your skin and body, it’s your only long lasting investment!

Dry skin and hair are common problems when the weather gets colder. Many people produce less sebum (oil) to naturally lubricate their skin as the air gets cooler and drier. Other contributing factors include less vitamin D from sun exposure and irritation from cold wind in the face. Indoors, the air gets drier as the heat comes on, and a closed-up home can lead to mold and toxin exposure, both of which can contribute to skin problems.

Other problems that can develop in the fall and winter months include dandruff, chapped lips, and aggravation of eczema. Some people further develop scaling, dull skin and hair, and even cracking and painful skin. Much of the damage to dry skin occurs because of disruption of the normal epidermal (skin) barrier, allowing skin moisture to evaporate out, and irritants and allergens to get in more easily.

There are several ways to protect yourself against the skin damage that cooler weather brings. These remedies include things you can do both internally and externally.

Bathe Less in the Colder Months
Perhaps the most important way to prevent dryness is to spend less time in the bath or shower, less often, and with less hot water and soap. When you do bathe, use a cleansing bar with extra oils added, to leave moisture on the surface of the skin.

Use the Right Moisturizer
Moisturizing wet skin after bathing with creams or oils is essential. No matter what product you use, it’s important to apply it when skin is still wet or damp, to lock moisture in.

If you tend towards eczema, products with ceramides in them may be more helpful in restoring the barrier. Numerous skin repair creams are available with antioxidants, to give your skin extra nourishment.

When choosing a cream to soothe your skin, it’s important to pay attention to the ingredients in it. All creams include a detergent to keep oil and water mixed, and a preservative to keep bacteria and fungus from growing. These components, along with fragrance and other ingredients, can cause allergic reactions in some people, especially when put on irritated or inflamed skin. Many creams contain the same ingredients, so it might take some detective work to figure out what your skin can and can’t tolerate. Generally speaking, some ingredients to avoid in creams include:

Formaldehyde releasers, like DMDM hydration
Imidazolidinyl urea
Quaternium-15
Parabens

Exfoliate with face scrubs, brushes, and exfoliators;

Your winter skincare routine would not be complete without regular exfoliation. Since the skin barrier function slows in winter, dead skin cells are more likely to build up.

For those with sensitive skin, using a pure oil instead of a formulated cream might be a better way to moisturize without irritation. You’ll need to reapply every few hours to keep skin hydrated. The thicker the oil, the longer it will stay on and keep working. Olive oil thickened with beeswax and shea butter are two examples of longer-lasting applications.

Some oils you may want to try moisturizing with include:

Almond oil
Safflower oil
Coconut oil
Olive oil
Jojoba oil
Argan oil
Shea butter
Internal Remedies for Dry Skin
Drinking more water—at least four glasses per day in addition to what you drink with meals—is important for combating dry skin in cold weather. Adding omega-3s to your diet can help to keep skin hydrated as well.

Hair can become dull if overwashed, especially in cold weather when the skin makes less oil. People with dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis may find that their scaling increases during this time. Taking omega-3 fish oils or eating flaxseed can help with both dry skin and hair.

Cold weather skin care can be a challenge, because it means changing habits, and because some products may cause irritation in damaged skin. Finding the right balance of internal and external products can help prevent the cycle of inflammatory changes that comes from a disrupted skin barrier and enhance your appearance throughout the fall and winter.

If your face looks like you’re blushing and you get bumps that are a bit like acne, you might have skin condition called rosacea.

What is rosacea?

Rosacea is a common skin disease. It often begins with a tendency to blush or flush more easily than other people. The redness can slowly spread beyond the nose and cheeks to the forehead and chin. Even the ears, chest, and back can be red all the time

Symptoms of Rosacea include:

• Flushing: Many people who have rosacea have a history of frequent blushing or flushing. The facial redness, which might come and go, often is the earliest sign of the disorder.
• Persistent redness: Persistent facial redness might resemble a blush or sunburn that does not go away.
• Bumps and pimples: Small red solid bumps or pus-filled pimples often develop. Sometimes the bumps might resemble acne, but blackheads are absent. Burning or stinging might be present.
• Visible blood vessels: Small blood vessels become visible on the skin of many people who have rosacea

What causes rosacea?

The exact cause of rosacea is unknown. Possible causes include defects in the immune, nervous, or vascular systems. Rosacea tends to run in families. People who are fair-skinned and blush easily are more likely to have it. Symptoms often begin in adults between 30 and 60 years of age. Women get rosacea more on the cheeks and chin, while men are more likely to have rhinophyma. Rosacea tends to be more severe in men.

The four types of rosacea are:

• Subtype one, known as erythematotelangiectatic rosacea (ETR), is associated with facial redness, flushing, and visible blood vessels.
• Subtype two, papulopustular (or acne) rosacea, is associated with acne-like breakouts, and often affects middle-aged women.
• Subtype three, known as rhinophyma, is a rare form associated with thickening of the skin on your nose. It usually affects men and is often accompanied by another subtype of rosacea.
• Subtype four is known as ocular rosacea, and its symptoms are centered on the eye area.

Flare-ups might be triggered by:

• Hot drinks and spicy foods
• Red wine and other alcoholic beverages
• Temperature extremes
• Sun or wind
• Emotions
• Exercise
• Drugs that dilate blood vessels, including some blood pressure medications
• Some cosmetic, skin or hair care products

How to Manage Rosacea?

• There is no cure for rosacea. The primary goal of treatment is to control the redness, inflammation, and skin eruptions. The biggest key to controlling rosacea is to avoid triggers — factors that cause the skin to flush.

Lifestyle modifications

1. Put on sunscreen
2. Use only gentle skin care products.Avoid cleansers and creams that have alcohol, fragrance, witch hazel, and other harsh ingredients. After you wash your face, gently blot your skin dry with a soft cloth.
3. Use a moisturizer. It’s especially helpful in cold weather. Low temps and wind can dry up your skin.
4. Massageyour face. Gently rub your skin in a circular motion. Start in the middle of your face and work your way outward toward your ears.
5. Cover up.Put a green-tinted cover-up on your face to hide redness and broken blood vessels.
6. Go indoors.Get out of the heat and sun and cool off in an air-conditioned room.
7. Care for your eyes.If rosacea has made them red and irritated, use a watered-down baby shampoo or eyelid cleaner to gently clean your eyelids every day. Also put a warm compress on your eyes a few times a day.

What is psoriasis?

• Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory condition, which affects the skin’s surface. The condition causes inflamed, red, flaky and itchy skin, often around the knees, elbows and scalp.

What are the signs and symptoms of psoriasis?

• Red patches of skin covered with thick, silvery scales
• Small scaling spots (commonly seen in children)
• Dry, cracked skin that may bleed or itch
• Itching, burning or soreness
• Thickened, pitted or ridged nails
• Swollen and stiff joints

What causes psoriasis?

Psoriasis is an immune-mediated disease that causes inflammation in the body, people with psoriasis have an increased production of skin cells resulting in this flaky appearance.

People with psoriasis tends to go through cycles, flaring for a few weeks or months, then subsiding for a while or going into remission.

What are the types of psoriasis?

There are several types of psoriasis, including:

• Plaque psoriasis. The most common form, plaque psoriasis causes dry, raised, red skin patches (lesions) covered with silvery scales. The plaques might be itchy or tender, and there may be few or many. They usually appear on elbows, knees, lower back and scalp.
• Nail psoriasis. Psoriasis affects the fingernails and toenails.
• Guttate psoriasis.This type primarily affects young adults and children.
• Inverse psoriasis.This mainly affects the skin folds of the groin, buttocks and breasts.
• Pustular psoriasis. rare form of psoriasis
• Erythroderma psoriasis. The least common type of psoriasis, erythroderma psoriasis can cover your entire body with a red, peeling rash that can itch or burn intensely.
• Psoriatic arthritis. Psoriatic arthritis causes swollen, painful joints that are typical of arthritis.

PSORIASIS TRIGGERS:

• Infections
• Weather, especially cold, dry conditions
• Injury to the skin, such as a cut or scrape, a bug bite, or a severe sunburn
• Stress
• Smoking and Heavy alcohol consumption
• Certain medications — including lithium, high blood pressure medications and antimalarial drugs

How common is psoriasis?

The condition is believed to affect 1 in 50 people, affecting all ages, races and genders. A large percentage of people are diagnosed below the age of 35

How to treat psoriasis?

There’s no cure for psoriasis, but a range of treatments can improve symptoms and the appearance of skin patches.

In most cases, the first treatment used will be a topical treatment, such as vitamin D analogues or topical corticosteroids. Topical treatments are creams and ointments applied to the skin.

If there is one crucial life changing step in your skin care routine, that would change your whole progress and results, it would be identifying your skin type, once you understand what your skin texture is and once you identify which products suits your skin texture, surprising results are guaranteed.

Skin type is determined by how much oil the skin on your face produces; depending on this, your skin type can be categorized as dry, combination and oily. Dry skin doesn’t retain sufficient oil.

What is dry skin?

Dry skin occurs when skin doesn’t retain sufficient moisture to keep it feeling soft and supple

What Are the Causes of Dry Skin?

• Harsh detergents or soaps: Soaps, shampoos, and detergents are made to get rid of oil on your skin which may dry your skin
• Heat: Any heat source, from space heaters and central heating to fireplaces and wood stoves, can lower the humidity in a room and make your skin dry.
• Hot showers or baths: Taking long, hot showers or soaking in a hot bath could cause your dry skin.
• Other skin conditions: People with certain conditions, like psoriasis or eczema, can also get dry skin.
• Swimming in pools: Chlorine, a chemical that keeps some pools clean, can dry out your skin.
• Weather: During the winter, humidity and temperature usually drop. This can make your skin drier.

 

How to identify dry skin?

• Dehydration, Flakes, rough texture, Cracks in the skin, Itch & Peeling skin are all signs of dry skin type.

How to manage dry skin?

1. Use a humidifier in the winter
2. Limit yourself to one 5- to 10-minute bath or shower daily.
3. Minimize your use of soaps; if necessary
4. To avoid damaging the skin, stay away from bath sponges, scrub brushes, and washcloths.
5. Apply moisturizer immediately after bathing or washing your hands
6. To reduce the greasy feel of petroleum jelly and thick creams, rub a small amount into your hands and then rub it over the affected areas until neither your hands nor the affected areas feel greasy.
7. Never, ever scratch.
8. Use fragrance-free laundry detergents and avoid fabric softeners.
9. Avoid wearing wool and other fabrics that can irritate the skin.

Skin Care Routine for Dry Skin

• Cleanse with a hydrating cleanser that doesn’t disrupt the outer skin layer.
• Tone with an alcohol-free toner to restore skin PH.
• Target specific skin concerns with a serum.
• Moisturize with a nourishing, non comedogenic moisturizer to lock in hydration.
• Protect from harmful UV rays to prevent sun damage.

Silver lining

The key is neither eliminating the oil nor increasing it, it is controlling it. although dry skin may appear as ‘rough’ or ‘flaky and it tends to age faster, the chances of acne breakouts, clogged pores and other skin imperfections are much lower and less likely to occur

Each and every skin type has its bags of pros and cons, the key is knowing your skin type to take care of it accordingly, and thank us later!

 

If there is one crucial life changing step in your skin care routine , that would change your whole progress and results , it would be identifying your skin type , once you understand what your skin texture is and once you identify which products suits your skin texture , surprising results are guaranteed.

Skin type is determined by how much oil the skin on your face produces; depending on this, your skin type can be categorized as dry, combination and oily. An oily skin type is exactly what it sounds like – excess oil on the face persistently appearing as shiny or greasy.

What is the science behind oily skin?

• The skin is composed of three different layers, epidermis, dermis and the hypo dermis, sebaceous glands are ducts located in the dermis layer of the skin and they are responsible for the secretion of an ‘oily ‘substance called sebum. Under normal circumstances, this sebum is essential not only to lubricate and moisturize the skin but also to remove dead skin cells and other irritants from your pores.
• When these glands become overly active & produce excess sebum, your skin becomes shiny or greasy, your pores become clogged, and your skin would be identified as oily skin.

How to identify an oily skin?

Obviously, the first sign would be a shiny appearance, other signs include

• Visibly enlarged pores on the nose , forehead and chin
• More frequent acne breakouts , blackheads & pimples
• Makeup doesn’t stay much on the face

About the T-Zone …

The T-Zone region of the face which consists of the forehead and the nose tends to naturally have more active sebaceous glands, producing excess sebum. An oily T – Zone may be an indicator of an oily skin or a combination skin, depending on whether other areas appear shiny or not.

Who is more prone to have oily skin?

Oily skin is usually genetic however, other factors such as Puberty, Menstrual cycle, Pregnancy or menopause play a role as during these times hormone levels are heightened and sebaceous glands are overly active.

How to deal with oily skin?

1. Cleanse;washing your face at least 2 times daily is a must, using a cleanser with a blend of salicylic and buffered glycolic acid works effectively.
2. Tone ;further cleansing to the outer layer of the skin helps remove the excess bacteria and dirt trapped
3. Moisturize;should be non-comedogenic, oil-free that absorbs quickly, dries matte and feels light on the skin.
4. Serum ;Look for one that minimizes the appearance of pores
5. SPF;Direct exposure to the sun dehydrates your body and skin. This may cause your body to overproduce oil.  Look for ultra-light, matte finish sunscreen
6. Drink A LOT Of water
7. Use Oil-Free Makeup Products; ifyou’re prone to oily skin, buy oil-free makeup products. Oil-based products can clog your pores and result in skin conditions like acne.
8. Follow a Skincare RoutineIt is always healthy to follow a basic skincare regimen to allow your skin to breathe. Don’t compromise on your products.
9. Pat Dry Your Face
10.  Nutrition;Healthy food and lots of water play a major role in building up your overall immunity. Avoid diets that are high in carbohydrates. Raw vegetables, pulses, fruits and other foods rich in Vitamin A and fibers are a good option for people with oily skin.

Silver lining

Yes, oily skin tends to lead to clogged pores, which cause a host of skin imperfections including frequent acne breakouts, but did you know that people with oily skin tend to age much slower than those with a combination or dry skin? The extra moisture they tend to have reduces premature wrinkles and thickens the skin.

The same way oily has its bags of problems; dry skin on the other hand is much harder to care for and always appears dry and rough. The key is not eliminating the oil, it is controlling it, know your skin texture, find your skin products and thank us later!

Knowing it exists is NOT enough, get the information, and pass it on. Early detection is definitely early protection. Let’s talk pink for all the warriors, pink for all the survivors and all the fighters, pink for all the taken, pink October it is, let’s talk breast cancer!

What is breast cancer?

Breast cancer starts in the cells of the breast as a group of cancer cells that can then invade surrounding tissues or spread (metastasize) to other areas of the body.

How common is breast cancer?

1 in 8 chances she will develop breast cancer

What causes & risk factors of breast cancer?

The most well-known cause are breast cancer gene 1 (BRCA1) and breast cancer gene 2 (BRCA2), both of which significantly increase the risk of both breast and ovarian cancer

Risk factors include;

• Female gender
• Age > 55 years
• Family history [ first – degree female relative ; mother , sister or daughter ]
• Genetics
• Menstrual history early menstruating <12 or late menopause >55 years
• Hormone replacement history
• Alcohol / smoking / being overweight / lack of exercise
• Exposure to radiation
• Dense breasts

What are the symptoms of breast cancer?

• swelling of all or part of the breast
• skin irritation or dimpling
• breast pain
• nipple pain or the nipple turning inward
• redness, scaliness, or thickening of the nipple or breast skin
• a nipple discharge other than breast milk
• a lump in the underarm area

Note That Symptoms vary widely — from lumps to swelling to skin changes — and many breast cancers have no obvious symptoms at all.

Breast self-exam should be part of your monthly health care routine, and you should visit your doctor if you experience breast changes.

What are the types and stages of breast cancer?

There are 5 stages of breast cancer: stage 0 (zero), which is non-invasive ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), and stages I through IV (1 through 4), which are used for invasive breast cancer.

Early detection and screening

The goal of screening tests for breast cancer is to find it before it causes symptoms (like a lump that can be felt).

Mammogram

A mammogram is an X-ray picture of the breast. Doctors use a mammogram to look for early signs of breast cancer. 

Women between 40 and 44 have the option to start screening with a mammogram every year.

Women 45 to 54 should get mammograms every year.

Women 55 and older can switch to a mammogram every other year, or they can choose to continue yearly mammograms. Screening should continue as long as a woman is in good health and is expected to live at least 10 more years.

All women should understand what to expect when getting a mammogram for breast cancer screening – what the test can and cannot do.

Treatment

Treatment generally consists of surgery and radiation therapy for control of the disease in the breast, lymph nodes and surrounding areas and systemic therapy (anti-cancer medicines given by mouth or intravenously) to treat and/or reduce the risk of the cancer spreading (metastasis). Anti-cancer medicines include endocrine (hormone) therapy, chemotherapy and in some cases targeted biologic therapy (antibodies).

Breast cancer treatment can be highly effective, achieving survival probabilities of 90% or higher, particularly when the disease is identified early

Courage doesn’t always roar , sometimes it’s the voice of a cancer patient whispering I will win the fight , I will try again tomorrow , courage doesn’t always roar , it sleeps in the heart of every survicor , fighter and taken , and sometimes , courage wears pink.