Archive for the ‘Skin Care’ Category

Personal Wellness

Sunday, December 21st, 2008

After returning from a great weekend at a spa resort, relaxation and wellness  are definitely on the top of my mind.  I am an admitted spa-junkie.  I love the calm, quiet atmosphere and the luxurious feeling of being pampered.  I love to take care of my skin and my body, with facials, body treatments and massage. It is what relaxes and centers me the most. I believe that everyone has a different definition of  wellness, and this is how I define wellness for myself..

Wellness can be defined in many ways. Some see it as physical well being, or medical health others think of mental well being and state of mind.  Tranquility, peace of mind and an overall healthy feeling are what make up wellness to me. At the spa I can indulge in some pampering, get some much needed R&R and eat delicious well prepared healthy food.

A weekend without stress is just what I need to make me feel balanced again. Especially now, during this busy holiday season, with shopping and parties and work and kids; a little “detox” time is perfect to promote a peaceful state of mind and mental wellness for me.  A trip to the spa, or any resort, all alone may be just the thing you need if you’re feeling totally overwhelmed and like you are spinning out of control.

If massage and spa treatments don’t do it for you, maybe a weekend in the country is a better idea.  Consider a log cabin in the mountains, or possibly a relaxing weekend on the beach. Even a big highrise hotel can be a place where you find your center again.  Lock yourself away from the world, stare out the window for hours, take naps, enjoy a good book or a few movies. Any of these activities, or lack thereof,  are a great way to unwind and get yourself  back on track again. Taking time for yourself can help promote wellness within anyone.

Find what interests you and makes you your most comfortable you, and take some personal time to create your own wellness, however you might define it.

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Posted in Mental Health, Skin Care, Stress Management, wellness | No Comments »

Skin Care at Any Age

Wednesday, December 10th, 2008

Our skin performs and appears differently at every age.  Below are descriptions of what natural changes to expect at ages 20 through 70+ and how to care for your skin as it changes.

In your twenties, you should focus on protection and prevention. The damage done during the younger years, baking in the sun begins to show its signs now.  You may notice the effects of oral contraceptives at this time too.  Darkening of the skin can be caused by these medications or as a result of sun damage.  A mild cleanser and a light moisturizer/eye cream containing sunscreen are recommended at this age.  A visit to a Dermatologist is also recommended to begin treating any concerns.

In your thirties, you can expect to see the beginning of those pesky little lines. They creep up around your eyes and mouth. Over the counter products containing Alpha Hydroxy acids and vitamin A are recommended to exfoliate and smooth these lines and wrinkles. Antioxidant moisturizers, containing ingredients such as green tea and vitamin C are recommended to protect the skin, and always include sun protection.

In your forties the sun and environmental damage is more apparent. Fine lines are becoming more prominent and the skin will start to lose elasticity. Keep up the exfoliating and look for creams with lycopene, green tea, and peptides. These ingredients have been shown to increase collagen production.  Botox and line fillers may also be a consideration at this age, but usually not before.

In your fifties and sixties, oil glands don’t produce as much and skin becomes drier. Lines are becoming deeper, and the collagen and elastin fibers become weaker.  Chemical peels laser resurfacing and microdermabrasion can help turn back the clock. Continue with the sun protection and the vitamin rich creams and moisturizers, and if all else fails, this may be the time to resort to surgical procedures.

In your seventies and beyond all the treatments and recommendations are still useful but the skin wrinkling and sagging can be too severe. Aggressive skin procedures may be required, such as laser resurfacing and facelifts.

Caring for your skin at any age can prove positive results and should not be taken lightly.  A healthy skincare regime is important at any age.

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Posted in Cleaning, Skin Care | No Comments »

Skin Cancer Protection

Wednesday, October 22nd, 2008

Sunscreen is something that is often overlooked.  Most people will use it if they are at the beach, but not much else.  Sun damage is the leading cause for wrinkled,freckled, prematurely aging skin and , more seriously, skin cancer.  90% of skin cancer is directly caused by sun exposure. It is important to always be protected from sun exposure while outdoors, in tanning beds, even driving in your car. The use of a daily sunscreen is highly recommended for adults and children as well.

Skin cancer accounts for more than 50% of all cancers combined. More than a million cases will be diagnosed this year, with over 8,000 deaths resulting in both men and women.  Sunscreen could possibly have saved 90%of those patients if used regularly in early years of life. It is believed that sun damage caused early in life is the leading cause for skin cancer in adults. A child who gets a bad sunburn has 50% increased likelihood of being diagnosed with skin cancer later in life.  It is vitally important to protect our children daily with sunscreen.

Caucasians are much more likely to be diagnosed with skin cancer. The 1 in 3 statistics are staggering for caucasians.  However skin cancer is more deadly in African Americans, Asians and Latinos. These groups only make up for about 1/5 of the diagnosed cases annually, but the death rate is much higher.

Men are more at risk then women for developing skin cancer. Men are actually twice as likely to be diagnosed.  Skin cancer diagnosis is more prevalent in men over 50 years of age. Skin cancer diagnosis is also more common than lung cancer, colon cancer, or prostate cancer in men over 50.

A broad spectrum sunscreen which protects against both UVA and UVB rays is recommended and at least a protection factor of 15 for daily use (preferably 30) Many daily body lotions contain SPF as well as Most women’s foundations.  There are oil free sprays for men with thinning or balding hair as well.  The scalp is often a place that is overlooked.  This is one step in your daily regime that should not be overlooked.

Protecting yourself and your precious children is a 5 minute step that could possibly save your lives later.

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Posted in Cancer, Skin Care | No Comments »