10 Acne Treatment Mistakes You Should Stop Doing

How many times have you fought the urge or the temptation of popping that annoying pimple? Its appearance is like a swollen red bully that is taunting you to squash him. As much as acne can be such a nuisance, it should be treated carefully. This might sound as hard as embracing an enemy, but it will actually do you more good.

However, not all acne treatment measures are effective, neither are they right. Let us go through ten of the common mistakes we make in getting rid of the zit.

Skipping your moisturizer

It is a common misconception that moisturizers will only worsen the oiliness in the area where acne is located. This is why most people don't apply them. But actually, this just makes your skin more prone to damage. Even those areas that have acne also needs to be hydrated properly, especially when using acne medications, since these products affect the skin's moisture levels.

To avoid exposing the area to more oil, use water-based products instead. Hydrating gels are also a good option because they simply make the skin light and non-greasy. A moisturizer that also doubles as sunscreen is also advised so that you protect the vulnerable treated area from further damage.

Scrubbing

You might argue that scrubbing removes the oil and dirt effectively because of its exfoliating action. But this isn't always case, especially if a certain area has acne. The grains in the exfoliating product will have the tendency to pop the pimples open and cause the bacteria to spread on the surface. Not only will is possibly cause more acne to form, but it also exposes the existing one to infection.

Going overboard with the scrubbing is also not advisable especially to those who have oily skin. This will only stimulate the oil glands to produce more oil, which you should actually be controlling.

Over-washing

Washing is essential in skin care, and it also contributes to skin healing. But, overdoing this will only override its benefits since it eventually leads to skin dryness. As a protective response of the body, it churns out more oil, which only makes acne worse. Simply keep the washing in moderation. In fact, one to two times a day is enough to cleanse the skin but not too much to strip its moisture.

Using too many products simultaneously

Sometimes our anxiety and frustration over a breakout can lead us to use as many products available to possibly annihilate the silent enemy. Using so many products at the same time, not only hampers their own effects, but it can end up irritating your skin or worse, create more breakouts.

Not giving your acne product enough time to take effect

Forgetting the sunscreen

Sunscreen may be the last thing on your mind in treating acne But, it is actually one of the most important. Using acne treatments can make your skin more sensitive due to the harsh chemical components in the product. Exposing it to the sun without protection will irritate or burn the skin resulting to skin discoloration. The exposed acne will leave acne spots, a harsh reminder that your battle was only half won. Therefore, put importance in a broad spectrum sunscreen.

Using hot water in cleansing

Boiling water may kill bacteria, but it doesn't mean that hot water does the same thing when washing your face. Aside from the fact that you'll basically scald your face, this will leave the skin dry stimulating your oil glands to produce more oil. Use lukewarm water instead for rinsing.

Popping or pricking acne

The presence of acne is like bubble wrap to most people – they just want to squeeze it until it pops. I am guilty of this too, thinking that removing what's inside will hasten the healing process. That one zit may look annoyingly mountainous, but squeezing it can leave a crater in its place. Leave it alone to susbside on its own, and restrain yourself from even touching it.


Failure to act right away

It's funny how many despise acne, but fail to act while it's still a burgeoning presence. Doctors urge parents and teens to treat their acne right away before it worsens. According to Dr. Richard Thomas, a dermatologist in British Columbia, Canada, even if there are a number of treatments for acne scarring, it is still best to treat acne early on. Not only will you treat the physical aspect but you also avoid the psychological and social impact it creates, especially among teenagers. If you are not quite sure about what to do and anxious for a safe solution, it is best that you seek professional consultation.

Tanning

Whether you are baking under the sun or go for the comfort of tanning beds, you expose your skin to pigmentation problems later on. UV radiation can result to acne scars and studies also show that tanning can encourage the formation of more pimples. If you have to get that golden glow, opt for tanning sprays instead.

Are you guilty of making these mistakes? Call us today to learn about correct and effective acne and acne scar treatments.

7 Side Effects of Laser Skin Resurfacing Every Patient Should Know

Don't Get Laser Skin Resurfacing Until You Have Read this Post!

It is inherent in humans to look for a simple solution that will just give you the answer without any hassles. This is the reason why the battle for skin aging is being done without scalpels and sutures. Today, experts have introduced us to non-invasive treatments to turn back the clock on your skin. Enter laser skin resurfacing into the picture, and you get a more convenient way to fight aging skin. Who wouldn't want such a treatment when efficiency, healing time, and results are already yours without breaking an inch of your skin? However, we don't live in a perfect world, because this doesn't come without side effects.

Here are 7 side effects that you can expect from laser skin resurfacing, and how you can deal with them properly.

1. Redness

Redness in medical terms is called erythema, and this is an occurrence that is debated by cosmetic experts as to whether it is a normal aspect of healing or a complication. They say that there is a certain time after the laser treatment where some redness would already be considered a complication. But, this would depend on the type of laser used for the treatment.

Usually, the redness will last about 6-12 weeks, while it can reach up to 6 months in others. In rare cases, some may even notice their skin to flush easily when doing certain activities and this could last for a year.

The depth of penetration that a particular laser creates will also determine the amount of redness created. The lesser the depth, the lighter the redness created. This eventually introduced the “no pain, no gain” theory.

Hydroquinones may be applied after laser treatment to improve its effect, but based on reports, this lengthens the erythematous phase. Doctors say that one way to reduce the amount of redness is to lower the depth of interaction of the laser. If redness has gone more than the time they are expected to appear, you should immediately report this to your doctor to avoid complications. Usually, they would apply topical steroid creams. But, this should still be monitored closely because even these treatments could result to complications like acne, skin atrophy and scarring.

2. Swelling and Tenderness

The inflammatory response of the body is actually a defense mechanism to protect it from what is recognized as a threat. The action of the laser treatment can be one, and it signals a series of reactions in which swelling and tenderness result. Swelling is due to water that goes into the treated area that is recognized as a site of injury. This fluid contains certain components that will help in the healing process. We may not realize the benefits now, in fact, the result will be uncomfortable at first because as the area becomes tender and sensitive to touch.

You should ask your doctor what treatment they would advise for this since they would often have their treatment of choice. Some just opt to leave it be until it subsides since swelling and tenderness are temporary effects of laser skin resurfacing.

3. Itching

This is one of the common complications patients have with laser skin resurfacing treatment, and it can be attributed to dry skin. Itching may seem to be minor but it has to be controlled and monitored thoroughly. Scratching it would only cause excoriations or scratches, which can only lead to crusting and more serious problems.

A preventive measure would be to apply a moisturizer to prevent skin dryness. An antihistamine called Benadryl may also be used to prevent scratching. Doctors can also prescribe certain medications for those who are obsessive about scratching healing wounds.

4. Change in skin color

Laser skin resurfacing can also result to some changes in skin pigmentation depending also on the laser used. Hyperpigmentation or skin darkening is more common than hypopigmentation or skin lightening. The former usually becomes evident after a month and it could last around 3 months. As for the loss of color in the treated area, it often becomes evident 6-12 months after the procedure.

Skin darkening can be treated and it is usually done with chemical peels and bleaching creams. These post laser treatments are usually continued for 4-6 weeks. Hypopigmentation, on the other hand, is irreversible and creates a permanent effect. This is more common in dark-skinned individuals, and it should be something every patient should be aware about.

5. Skin Irritation

Skin irritation include incidences like acne flare ups and contact dermatitis. Acne is usually caused by the use of petroleum-based wound dressings and is common in individuals who are prone to it. It usually presents itself a few weeks after treatment. To prevent any formation, prompt wound dressing changes is important. Topical glycolic acid and oral tetracylcine are also other preventive measures.

Contact dermatitis, on the other hand, can result in increased skin sensitivity which can be caused by antibiotic treatments that are also used in the treatment. Doctors advise that ointments ought to be changed every 4-5 days, and preferably it should be bland (no fragrance) so that the treated area won't get sensitized and also result to reactions.

6. Scarring

Scarring may be something that you would not expect from a laser skin resurfacing treatment, but it can also happen. Thankfully, it is only rare and it can be treated with medications. This can result when erythema and swelling is not treated well, or when treatment has gone overboard that it creates an untoward reaction with the skin. This is where a good doctor is important because someone with experience will know how to approach the problem with the right management.

7. Infection

Laser resurfacing treatment can also expose the patient to bacterial, viral and fungal infections. Viral infections have a higher incidence among the three. Prophylactic treatment or preventive treatment for this particular treatment, however, is not approved by the FDA. That is why such infections can only be treated once it is already established. You can ask your surgeon about this in detail.

Bacterial infection is less common but it can also be prevented through prophylaxis treatment before the procedure. Fungal infections have the lowest incidence with less than one percent. It can be prevented through proper wound care using antifungal medications, either topical or oral.

Choosing the Right Pedicure to Suit Your Footsies

A well-kept hair can define a person’s neatness, but there is something that can really be said for someone who keeps their nails clean. And when it comes to nail care, most people are not really particular on getting a good pedicure. But if you are on the lookout for a good feet pampering, here are some pedicure ideas that might suit you well.

Hot water Pedi

Treating your feet to hot water that is also at a temperature that is tolerable can be very relaxing. It makes the nail and skin surface much softer making cleansing easier to do. You can add liquid soap to create some bubbles which improves the dirt removal that much easier.

Fish Pedicure

From a simple pedicure routine that you can do right at the comforts of home, let’s jump to something more interesting such as a fish pedicure. Although it may be an unconventional method but this has actually proven to be very effective and certainly a must try! You just dip your feet inside a pool of tiny fish that nibbles on the dead skin surface. This method is not only fun but it is also hitting two birds with one stone. Aside from being able to rejuvenate your footsies, you also end up feeding the fish!

Aromatherapy Pedicure

If you want a more sensual treat for the feet, you might want to try aromatherapy pedicure. This would entail the use of aromatic oils mixed with bath salts to cleanse and soothe the feet. In addition to that, it also keeps it hydrated. If you want to enhance the ambiance, you can light up some candles to help you relax.

Wine Pedicure

Did you know that aside from being a good pair to a meal, wine also works well with pedicure. The reason behind it is its antioxidant properties and anti-aging benefits to the skin. This is even why it is also being used for facials. So the next time you want to unwind with a glass of wine, give your feet some of it too! This can help in keeping the skin taut and it also minimizes age spots.

Floral Pedicure

As the name says, this pedicure makes use of flower petals. You may have seen this done in your favorite salon, and this is not only for decorative or creative purposes because it actually has certain benefits. Certain essences from the flower petals can actually help in pampering and nourishing the feet thus making them soft. This adds more zing to your pedicure as it energizes worn out feet and also relaxing them at the same time.

French Pedicure

If you want to give your nails some posh treatment, you can give it a French pedicure which works the same way as the manicure version. Your toes will be trimmed and filed and outlined with a white nail polish.

Hot Stone Pedicure

Are you dealing with cramp feet as a result of them being overworked? A hot stone pedicure is a good way to relax and soothe those feet muscles. The hot stones are prepared just at the right temperature that provides stimulation to the nerve endings.

Reminder

An important thing that you should always remember when getting a pedicure especially in salons, is to trust only the ones that provide you the best safety. This may seem like a small service, but it is certainly one that you would want under the best hands because if it can go wrong, it can result to uncomfortable and even debilitating consequences.

What Goes Behind Sunless Tanning?

Salons today already offer a wide variety of services aside from the usual haircut, mani and pedi. One of the services that are popular among many patrons is spray tanning. It eliminates the need to spend long hours under the sun to get that perfect and even tan. Spray tanning can cover every groove and curve of your body.

But what really goes behind this treatment?
What chemicals are used?
Is it really safe?
How is it better than other tanning measures?

So what really goes behind the procedure?

It is really simple because after the right shade is chosen, the salon assistant will prepare it for you and all you have to do is to undress and stand inside the tanning booth. A machine or an assistant will apply this all over your body. This will just take a couple of minutes, and you are good to go. You just have to let the color set for a couple of hours before getting a shower.

The solution used in spray tanning is includes those that are DHA-based, Tyrosine-based, and temporary bronzers.

DHA-based spray tans are the most commonly used in salons today and this is because the most effective tanning products contain dihydroxyacteone (DHA) as its active ingredient.  DHA is a colorless chemical that actually reacts to the dead skin cells on the surface layer resulting to a brown color. Since our skin normally shed every day, the tan can last about five to seven days.

There are also tyrosine-based spray tans which are more known to be tanning accelerators. Tyrosine is an amino acid that is said to stimulate and increase the formation of melanin on the skin. This results to a darker skin tone.

Temporary bronzers on the other hand come in either gel, spray, powders, mousse, lotions or creams. These can actually create a perfect tanning solution but, just like putting on foundation or make-up, these can simply be removed with soap and water. These are only perfect for tans that you want to keep for a couple of hours. The products today are already formulated to withstand sweat and some water resistance.

A lot of clients are also wary about the safety of the solution. DHA in particular poses no particular threat especially since it approved by the FDA approval.  But it is strongly specified that DHA is only for external use. And according to the Code of Federal Regulations, it means that it should only be used on external parts of the body and not on those that are covered with mucous membranes, and this includes the lips.

So when spray tanning is going on, you can ensure that you avoid this chemical from getting into your body by tightly closing your eyes, mouth and covering your ears.

Spray tans are considered by many to be better than other tanning procedures because it does not involve the exposure of UV rays. Tanning beds and afternoons on the beach not only give your skin that summer glow, but it also exposes it to premature aging. Although it only lasts a few days, the results are certainly worth it because it creates a thorough and even outcome.

Square Jaw Reduction: A Non-Invasive Way to Contour the Face

Square jaw reduction is becoming increasingly popular because it eliminates the need for highly invasive techniques. It creates a significant change on the face without having to go through broken bones and a long recovery period. Asian women in particular are the ones who are flocking to this procedure because this group are more prone to have enlarged jawlines.

If you are not happy with how your jawline defines your face, there are surgical means of altering or improving this. It involves restructuring of the mandible which takes a complicated surgical process that requires a long recovery period. Plus there is also a tendency that it might not look natural.
However, in this newer and less invasive square jaw reduction technique, one can achieve a more feminine look only with the use of injections. Botox is the substance injected to create a better profile on the lower portion of the face.

You might have heard of Botox many times before as an effective anti-aging treatment but this natural protein can also shrink the size of the jaw muscles by weakening or paralyzing it. The results may not be immediately noticeable, but it will be more evident after a few months.

During the procedure the physician or aesthetician will instruct you to clench your teeth so that your jaw muscle will be more apparent. Once this sticks out, Botox is then injected, mainly focusing on the lower part of the face. This has to be done carefully otherwise it could hit surrounding parts like the parotid glands, the organs responsible for producing saliva.

In most cases, the doctor will also inject the front and back of the jawline to create a more defined appearance by making the jaw less prominent.

Even though this procedure is relatively easy compared to the other option, the effect of muscle injections may not be dramatic enough for others. It can either be on both extremes from being undetectable to being undesirable.

This can happen in instances where the jaw muscle is not developed enough from the start, plus a prominent jawbone underneath. So Botox injections will only cause the jaw muscles to shrink making the bone much clearer.

It is important that you have the procedure done by a doctor who is trained and licensed to perform this work. You should not let someone who is not well-versed about the anatomy of the face and risk permanently damaging the structures in the area as well as their respective functions.

As mentioned earlier, the result may not be immediate and it won't last long either since the effects of Botox will only last for four to six months. Then you would need another set of injections to maintain the results.

However, the cosmetic outcome of non-invasive square jaw reduction is definitely impressive, most especially when done properly. Yes, it might not be permanent, but it will surely be a good temporary option that you can do repeatedly. A more dramatic outcome can even be achieved after a year of continuous treatment.

The Dangers of Sunburn and How Best to Avoid Them

The dangers of sunburn have long been known by many for many years. But in order to be more cautious about it, it is important to know the dangers if sunburn and the ABCs of skin protection.

When we talk about sunburn, it is necessary to know about the light rays that are involved. When you go sunbathing or simply walking around daytime without any protection, you just expose your skin to the ultraviolet rays (UV) emitted by the sun.

The UV spectrum is divided into three categories, UVA, UVB, and UVC. The one that should create the biggest health concern are UVA rays. These types of rays are able to penetrate the skin and damage the cells. It even has the potential to cause cell mutation.

That is why if you are fond of staying long hours under the sun, you should know that by 28 years of age the dermal layer (second layer) of the skin slows down its repair and renewal process. Prolonged exposure to these rays will also cause the epidermis to droop and sag creating premature wrinkles. Any damage done will not be remedied easily causing a person to appear older than they really are.

Back in the day UVA was considered to be much safer than UVB, but new research has proven that this ray actually creates more damage to the body than UVB. The intensity of UVA rays are the same the whole year round and can pass through light clothing and windows. They have longer wavelengths which are responsible for 15% of all sunburns.

UVB rays on the other hand passes through the atmosphere and affect the epidermal layer of the skin resulting to sunburn. This is referred to as the tanning ray which is actually strongest in the northern hemisphere.  This is experienced during the summer months or when some areas of the earth tend to become closer to the sun.

The epidermal layers consist of keritoncytes, basal cells and melanocytes. The melanocyte is the one responsible for the production of melanin which results to a tan or in worse cases, a sunburn.

UVC is something that results the least concern because it is absorbed by the earth’s atmosphere, particularly the ozone layer.

All the information that was mentioned above is the reasons why it is important to wear a good sunscreen especially when you want to get a good tan. Sunburn is a temporary sensation and a temporary appearance of the skin, but the damage can last longer.

Severe skin problems that can result from overexposure to UV rays include melanomas (skin cancer) and actinic keratoses (sun induced non-cancerous growths on the forehead, face and hands). In addition to that being repeatedly exposed to sunburn can even result to cataracts and macular degeneration.

To avoid sunburn, it is best to avoid the sun from 10am to 4pm. UVB radiation is most intense during this time. In fact, even overcast days can still be risky for the skin.

Your sunscreen should have an SPF of at least 15. But more to that it is also important that a sunscreen provide substantively.  This will tell you how much protection you can get from the product when outdoors.  For instance when you are swimming or sweating, how much and how often should you reapply the product.  The subcategories that would indicate the substantively include “sweat resistant”, “water-resistant”, and “waterproof”.

For a safer option you can also opt for spray tans instead of spending hours under the sun and risking yourself to sunburn. You can even get the glow that you want all year round more evenly.

Tips on How to Groom the Brows

Owning a neatly shaped pair of brows can give you a more pleasing countenance. It can make you appear younger, happier and to some extent – thinner. Fortunately today there are a variety of ways for you to groom your arches.

Shaving

One of the simplest and easiest ways to groom your eyebrows is shaving.  All you need to do is to determine the right shape first before shaving it off.

If you don’t know how to get the right form, here is a simple tip to do the trick.

Using a chopstick you place this vertically along the line of the nose until it meets the eyebrow. Shave the hairs the hairs that falls beyond this line. To create the right arch, slant the chopstick upward all the way from the outer edge of the iris and mark the upper spot. Then to make the edge, slant the chopstick beyond the outer corner of your eye.

Once you have determined the shape and the outline, carefully shave the stray hairs that fall beyond this point.

Trimming

Eyebrow trimming is perfect for those individuals with bushy eyebrows. Using an eyebrow brush, you comb the brows in the direction that it grows. Using a tiny scissor, trim those that stick out and with the help of an eyebrow pencil sharpen the shape of your brows better. Viola! You can have beautiful brows in a jiffy!

Eyebrow Stencil

Those who have gone on the overdrive with plucking or shaving, these individuals end up with very thin eyebrows. To help you regain a fuller shape, an eyebrow stencil can help you do the trick, just make sure that you focus on the upper portion of the brows to give the natural lifting effect.

Put on the stencil and using an eyebrow pencil creates small upward strokes with you pressing lightly to avoid an overdrawn appearance. Even with pencil thin eyebrows, you may need to trim a few stray ends to create a defined shape.

Waxing

If you want to create a smooth appearance that will leave you with longer interval for regrowth, why not use eyebrow waxing. This may be a bit uncomfortable at first, but you will get the hang of it overtime. The main benefit is that it results to a cleaner and defined outcome. If you plan to do it on your own, make sure that you take careful shaping and removal techniques to avoid waxing off your brows entirely.

Plucking

The method for plucking is quite similar to shaving. Before removing the stray hairs you first have to determine and draw the perfect shape. Re-growth may also take longer because this removes the entire hair shaft deep down within the roots.

Eyebrow Threading

A fast and simple way to correct one brow, add more shape to the eyebrows or raise its arches is to use the threading method. Eyebrow Threading can be very uncomfortable at first but once you get the hang of it, the pain can be bearable. It takes an experienced person to create a perfectly shaped brow that will best define the eyes.