Best Self Help

Keratosis Pilaris – Best Treatments

If you’ve got rough bumps on the backs of your arms, you’re certainly not alone. You may be suffering from a chronic condition known as Keratosis Pilaris.

This condition is fairly widespread. It’s thought to affect as much as 40 percent of adults (and from 50 to 60 percent of teens.)

Although keratosis pilaris isn’t life threatening, it can certainly be a problem for people who don’t like the aesthetic appearance. Here are a few important facts about Keratosis Pilaris and what you can do to minimize and reduce its appearance. We’ll also provide links to the Keratosis Pilaris treatments we have found to work best .

Keratosis Pilaris normally appears on the upper arms, buttocks and thighs. The skin in these areas flakes off skin cells under normal conditions, just as skin flakes off on other areas of the body. But for people with this condition, the skin cells don’t flake off. They stay on the surface of the skin and form small bumps over the hair follicles.

These bumps can appear as small pimple-like plugs. The result is that a person’s arms, buttocks and thighs can feel like sandpaper. This condition is sometimes referred to as “chicken skin” because of the bumpy look and feel in the affected areas.  The condition tends to get worse in low humidity and during the cold winter months when skin gets dry.

These bumps occur when the body overproduces one of its natural proteins called keratin. Keratin collects dead skin around the hair follicles and forms plugs on the surface of the skin. Sometimes, these plugs cause ingrown hairs.

There’s no diagnostic test for Keratosis pilaris. Once people read about the description and see pictures, they are usually able to self diagnose. A doctor or dermatologist can also diagnose using a visual examination. Since the condition is normally hereditary, the doctor may ask about your family background with the disease.

Keratosis pilaris doesn’t have a specific cure. For most people, with the condition, it will always be present in some form however, there are treatments.

First, here are some things you can do in your normal routine to minimize its effects and appearance. The first option is to use a loofah or other mild abrasive sponge when you take a bath or shower. Abrasion will help remove dead, dry skin and prevent it from being trapped in keratin around the hair follicles. Be gentle with scrubbing because irritation of the skin may only make the condition worse.

You can also try keeping your skin moist with hydrating lotion. Try an over the counter lotion first that is non-comedogenic so that it won’t clog your pores. Look for moisturizers that contain lactic acid, urea or propylene glycol. These ingredients all moisturize and soften rough skin. Lactic acid also works to keep keratin from building on the surface of your skin.

Your doctor may prescribe lotions with one or more of these ingredients. If you receive a prescription lotion, make sure to follow the directions exactly. These lotions will work for only as long as you use them.

Keratosis pilaris will likely continue to be present and only fades, in some cases, with age.

Best Keratosis Pilaris Treatments

While I don’t personally suffer with this condition, my adolescent daughter does, on  her upper arms and face (a condition called keratosis pilaris rubra faceii.)

We have found the following treatments to work the best:

Glytone Exfoliating Body Wash
Price: $26.0
This body wash contains glycolic acid to help exfoliate dry, rough skin. This body cleanser also helps to treat the symptoms of Keratosis Pilaris.

Follow the instructions for use very carefully, and use in conjunction with:

Glytone Body Lotion
Price: $36.0
This thick, rich body lotion will soften even the roughest, toughest skin. Utilizing distinctive emollients and 17.5% free glycolic acid, this lotion quickly and effectively rids your skin of dead cells. Benefits: Helps to smooth rough bumps. Helps to minimize Keratosis Pilaris symptoms. Leaves skin soft and moisturized.

The products listed above are not for use on the face, however this product is the best treatment we’ve found for keratosis pilaris rubra faceii:

NeoStrata Foaming Glycolic Wash AHA 20
Price: $32.0
A pH-balanced, soap-free formulation for deep cleansing without irritation. Regular use will leave the skin with a smooth texture and may help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Benefits: Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles18% Glycolic AcidSelf-foaming deliverySoap-free

Each of the products listed above can be difficult to find. Skinstore.com usually has them in stock, and sometimes even has sitewide coupon codes. Check for Skinstore.com coupons before you buy here.

Blackheads – What are blackheads and how can you stop them?

HThey are the one thing that can stop a teenager in their tracks. Adults fear them too. Blackheads always appear at the most inopportune time and in the worst place possible – on your face. Learn how to stop them from being a problem for you.

What Are Blackheads?

Blackheads, pimples, whiteheads, zits – these terms are used interchangeably by most people. Basically, you have sebaceous glands under your skin. These glands secrete oils, or sebum, through the pores in the skin.

For a variety of reasons, this oil can become trapped in the pore. Bacteria can come to feed on the oil and dirt trapped in the skin and a pus-filled bump forms. Blackheads are normally clear but can turn black when coming in contact with air.

Once you have blackheads, they can be hard to get rid of. But, using a few tips can help you stop any future outbreaks.

How to Prevent Blackheads from Forming

* Remove your make-up – It’s easy to fall asleep and forget to wash your face. But, make-up can clog the pores and lead to blackheads. Even mineral make-up needs to be removed to prevent build-up.

* Blackhead creams – These creams contain benzyl peroxide and other compounds to help kill the bacteria that can aggravate the condition. Regular use can treat the problem.

* Exfoliate – Dead skin cells can get trapped, especially if you have oily skin. Gentle exfoliation removes these skin cells to prevent them from causing blackheads.

* Drink more water – Water helps to remove toxins from the body. It clears up the skin by rehydrating it. Aim for at least eight glasses of water a day.

* Use blackhead removal tools – Popping blackheads can lead to not only pain but scarring on your face. Those who don’t like the look of blackheads will definitely not appreciate the resultant skin discoloration from squeezing them. Find blackhead extractors in your nearby drug store.

* Use pore strips – Many blackheads appear in the oily T-zone. Pore strips are designed to pull oil, bacteria and forming blackheads from their pores before they can surface on the skin and cause more problems. Use the strips regularly.

* Wash your face – Sometimes the simplest solutions are right at hand. Regularly washing your face in the morning can remove any dirt that accumulates through the night. At night, wash off the dirt from the day before you go to bed. When dirt is washed away, you have eliminated one of the major substances that clog pores.

Adults and teens deal with blackheads. Hormones can be a reason for the overproduction of sebum from the sebaceous glands. Whether it is puberty or menopause, blackheads can ruin the landscape of your skin.

Here are some products that might help, as well:
DERMAdoctor Ain’t Misbehavin’ Intensive Medicated Blackhead Treatment 1 oz (30 ml)
Price: $42.0
This biphasic formulation targets blackheads at their source, providing both rapid and long-term impact. Potent astringents provide rapid improvement in the appearance of pores. Long-term relief is achieved as this intensified medicated therapy deeply penetrates pores, eliminating trapped dirt, oils and pore-plugging debris. Continued use provides positive reinforcement – clearing and preventing blackheads and keeping pores looking their absolute best. Contains: Maximum strength 2% Salicylic Acid (BHA), to unplug pores and treat acne. Aluminum Zirconium Tetrachlorohydrex Gly provides astringent benefits, rapidly improving the appearance of blackheads and pore size. Retinol and glycolic acid to keep pores clean and clear. Advanced polymer technology soaks up excess surface oils, yet won’t leave skin parched. Independent Clinical Trial ResultsAin’t Misbehavin’ Intensive Medicated Blackhead Treatment was clinically proven to: Reduce the number of blackheads by week 2 Reduce pore size Just what the skin doctor ordered. reg;Dermatologist Tested amp; ApprovedAllergy Tested, Non Irritating, Non Comedogenic, Fragrance Free, Dye Free, No Animal TestingMade in USA

New 3pcs 3 pcs Blemish Blackhead Extractor Acne Remover Needle Tool
Price: $5.99
Blemish Blackhead Extractor Acne Remover Needle Tool.

Tweezerman- No-Slip Skin Care Tool- Removes Blackheads and Whiteheads
Price: $11.25
Tweezerman- No-Slip Skin Care Tool- Removes Blackheads and Whiteheads For the Do-It-Yourself at-home facial. This specialized skin care tool features a thin angled loop to gently roll out white heads and a flat side to press out blackheads. Get beautiful, healthy and glowing skin. Textured no slip grip design for ultimate hand-control. Tips & Tricks: Take a hot, steamy shower or use a hot washcloth to open pores. For white heads, wait until the blemish has broken open then gently glide the angled wire over it to release debris from the pore. The opposite side’s long, flat loop is designed to gently press out blackheads without damaging skin. Use these spa tools with extreme care, so remember to always sterilize tools first with alcohol or antibacterial soap and hot water. Use on only super-clean skin and be sure to clean both skin and tool again after use.

St. Ives Naturally Clea Apricot Scrub Blemish & Blackhead Control
Price: $1.19
Naturally Clea Apricot Scrub Blemish & Blackhead Control

Biore Warming Anti-Blackhead Cream Cleanser
Price: $7.99
Pore Perfect, Heats & Treats

Olay Blackhead Clearing Scrub
Price: $5.99
Blackhead Clearing Scrub

The Clear Skin Diet

The Clear Skin Diet
Where to buy: www.amazon.com
Review by: ACHMom

When we think of acne, most people think of hormonal changes during teenage years. But did you know that more and more adults (especially women) also develop this skin problem? According to this book, this might be due to our modern diet, full of fats, sugars, processed foods, lack of fresh fruit and vegetables and fiber.

The Clear Skin diet is a well-researched book on the effect of poor nutrition on our skin. You will learn about acne, its causes and conventional treatment options. Why some foods can increase the occurrence of acne and how others, such as anti-inflammatory foods and those rich in antioxidants and certain herbs can help to clear up your skin and are beneficial to the healing process.

The book is jam-packed with in-depth information on acne. But it also gives you an action plan to put into place to start the process of clearing your skin. It includes acne-preventive recipes, food supplements, dietary requirements and even ideas on stress management and the positive effect this can have on your skin.

This  informative resource is written by Alan C Logan (a board-certified naturopath physician) and Valori Treloare, MD, Dermatologist. If you or anybody you know suffers from acne, it is certainly worthwhile reading this book, understanding the science behind skin and diet and the changes you can make for a clearer skin.

This title is available at a discount of 32% at amazon.com >

Help for Dealing with Oily Skin

We all want perfect skin. For some of us, oily skin is our lot. If you have oily skin, it too can look radiant with a few skin tips.

What Is Oily Skin?

There are three basic skin types: oily, normal and dry. If you have oily skin, this usually means that you have a problematic T-zone. This is the area across the forehead and down the center of the face. It is prone to shine even in cooler weather but especially in warm seasons.

Those with oily skin can experience problems with unclear skin. This means acne, pimples, blackheads and that ever-present shine. All hope is not lost, though. It may be genetic, but there are ways to diminish the oil that is produced from causing problems.

Tips to Help Oily Skin

* Wash your face several times a day – Washing in the morning can remove dirt and oil that has accumulated during the night. During the day, washing your face at least once can keep the shine at bay. At night, any remaining oil is removed before you sleep.

* Use a cleansing system designed for oily skin – It can include an astringent, a toner and a moisturizer. This removes excess oil and returns a balance to the skin without drying it out. A moisturizer for oily skin is not oil based. Skin needs moisture to keep the skin healthy and the pores clear. All skin needs moisture to stay youthful.

Here’s what I use on my oily skin:
Origins Zero Oil – The fragrance of the Zero Oil line is divine. The deep pore cleanser with Saw Palmetto and Mint helps clear pores, eliminate excess oil and reduce shine. I also use the purfiying toner. The Origins Spot Remover Acne blemish treatment gel really works, too.

* Wear sunscreen – Choose one for facial skin and that works for oily skin. It keeps the moisture in and protects your skin from sun damage.

* Exfoliate often – Exfoliation removes all traces of dead skin which can clog pores and lead to acne. With your excess oil production it is important to keep pores clean. Just make sure you don’t use methods that are harsh or damaging to the skin. Be gentle and don’t overexfoliate.

* Avoid touching your face – When hair or hands graze the face too often, it can leave deposits of dirt and bacteria on the skin. Mixed with oil, this can lead to skin irritation and acne. Wash your hands often and keep hair tied back.

* Avoid using lots of oil in your hair products – Excess oils in the hair can be absorbed into the face and add to the already increased oil production.

* Wear oil control make-up – You can still wear make-up but it needs to be especially formulated for your skin type. Mineral make-up is designed to reduce shine and skin imperfections while allowing the skin to breathe.

Beauty Tips for Glowing, Healthy Summer Skin

As the weather gets warmer, we all want to shed the heavy clothing and invite the sun in. But, the sun can be harsh on tender skin. Here are a few beauty tips to help keep your skin healthy in the hottest weather.

Did you know that the skin is the largest organ of the body? It happens to reside on the outside of the body, protecting other organs within. The skin allows oxygen and other nutrients to be absorbed while preventing harmful substances from entering. It also excretes waste products that are harmful to the body.

The skin also acts like a crystal ball. It mirrors the health of the inside of our bodies. When something is out of whack there, the skin will show the world and you.

So, how can you keep your skin looking great – especially during the summer months when you want to show it off? Here are a few beauty secrets anyone can utilize.

* Drink water – Water is important for the body. The majority of our cells are composed of water. Without it, the body cannot function. Each day, we lose water through sweat, respiration and urination. It must be replenished. Remember, when you feel thirsty, you are already in the process of becoming dehydrated.

* Remove dead skin cells – This is often done through exfoliation. Using a sugar scrub once a week can remove excess dead skin cells from the body and the face. Exfoliation also prevents pores from being clogged, resulting in pimples.

* Make good food choices – Eating a lot of fat isn’t good for any part of your body. In the summer, everyone wants to go light. Choose salads and sandwiches instead of fried foods. Eat smaller meals more often instead of three heavier ones.

* Wear a hat – When you are out in the sun, wearing a hat protects the sensitive skin of your face from not only the sun but also from wind damage.

* Wear sunscreen – Even if you are gardening, sunscreen is important. Without a layer of protection between you and the sun, the harmful UV rays are allowed to penetrate the deeper layers of the skin and damage them. Use the strongest SPF you can find – at least 50 – even when out in the sun for only 30 minutes. Reapply every two hours.

* Moisturize – The heat can dry out your skin. After a long day outside, bathe and then moisturize your skin so that it can stay supple even while you sleep. Use a light one so that you are not in danger of clogging your pores.

Is your skin ready for the summer sun? In order to keep it looking good, protect it first.

Want more beautiful nails?

Freshly polished fingernails and toenails make us feel pretty. But, anyone can have trouble with their nails that makes them want to hide. One way to keep your nails looking their best is to revamp your diet.

What you are eating may be having a profound effect on your nails. Nails and hair share something in common. Eating the wrong foods can make them both brittle and dry. This can lead to hair loss and also breaking nails. Before you try supplements, examine your diet.

Here are a few things to consider:

Nails need protein to stay strong and hard. Hard nails grow longer and prettier. When nails are brittle, they reach a certain length and then break off. Getting the right types of protein ensure that you have good-looking nails but also a healthier diet. Choose lean cuts of meat and also nuts, beans and legumes.

Nails also need zinc. If you have zinc deficiency, it can show up in your nails as white spots. Increasing your zinc intake will help to fight the white spots and also help new nail cells to grow. Zinc can come from shellfish. Eat more shrimp if you want an easy way to combat the problem.

Zinc is also found in nuts. As a snack, try eating some almonds or unsalted peanuts. To make it even easier, try a bit of flaxseed or bran in your yogurt or on your salad for an extra crunch of goodness. (Before you add any supplements to your diet – or make any significant changes to your diet, talk to your doctor. )

Iron is another mineral that your body really needs. Many women are iron deficient, especially if they are in their menstruating years. Increase that intake by eating lean red meat at least twice a week. Dark leafy vegetables also contain iron. Steam them or eat them washed and raw to get the most nutritional value. Iron can keep your nails straight and thick.

Moisturize your nails. Vitamin E oil rubbed into the nail, cuticles and the surrounding skin can keep them looking well nourished on the outside. Cracks and splits are less common in nails that are not dry all the time.

An overall well-rounded diet will keep the nails growing strong and prevent problems with them. Eat five fruits and vegetables a day. Include superfoods that contain many of the nutrients that a healthy body needs: broccoli, yogurt, salmon, spinach, pumpkin, blueberries and oats - to name a few. Combine as many of these foods as you can into each meal.

How do your nails look? If they are yellowing, brittle, split or contain white spots, take a look in your pantry. What you are eating could be having an effect on what you see at the ends of your fingers.

Want Whiter Teeth? The Good, Bad, and the Ugly on Teeth Whitening Solutions

If you’ve always wanted a dazzling smile, but your teeth are less than pearly white, there is something you can do about it. There are a variety of teeth whitening solutions available to you today, each with its own risks and benefits. It’s up to you do figure out whether one of them is right for you.

Here’s the lowdown on teeth whitening:

Teeth are white but not usually as white as they could be. One reason could be the dentin, or middle layer of the tooth. It is normally yellow in color. This can show through the enamel, especially when it is thin.

Antibiotics and even dental implants can change the color of your teeth. Fillings can leech into the tooth and darken it.

Most often, the culprit of darker teeth is the foods we eat and the beverages that we drink. Over time, they can stain the outer enamel of the tooth. No, you won’t have a red mouth after a lifetime of drinking red wine, but your teeth won’t light up the sky either.

Here are some options for whitening your teeth. You can do it yourself with an over-the-counter kit or opt for the dental approach.

Over-the-Counter Methods

* Teeth whitening trays - These trays contain gel that can be worn overnight or for a few hours a day. It takes about a week to see results, depending on the amount of peroxide in the gel.

* Teeth whitening strips – Strips are sold by several different companies. They can be placed on the teeth and worn throughout the day or at night just like the trays. They have greater contact with the teeth. Results vary.

* Whitening toothpastes - All of these toothpastes claim to whiten teeth and they all have peroxide in them. They whiten by removing the stains on the teeth. But, if you have thin enamel, you may not get the results that you want. Even if the stains are removed, the dentin will still show through. Also, some contain abrasive substances that can damage the enamel, creating sensitivities in your teeth.

Dental Approach

* In-office bleaching – This is an option for those who want more instant results. It is not going to be cheap but there are advantages. A dentist knows how to approach your teeth best based on your oral health. The procedure may take about an hour and can last for months.

Facts to Consider

Before you decide on teeth whitening there are a few facts to consider. These products do not work on anything but the natural tooth. They are not guaranteed to do anything on veneers or restorations