Teens Using Less Sunscreen As They Get Older, Researchers Find

Posted on February 27, 2012 by Copywriter

Researchers found that only a quarter of 14-year-olds were using sun protection regularly.

The 3-year study, published in the journal Pediatrics, documented sunscreen use of 360 American kids, along with their tanning behaviors. The participants were first surveyed in 2004 as fifth graders, and they were surveyed again in 2007 as eighth graders.

Researchers found that:

  • More than half (53 percent) had suffered at least one sunburn by the age of 11.
  • Half used sunscreen at the beginning of the study, but only 25 percent still did three years later.
  • The proportion of kids who admitted to “liking a tan and spending time outside to get a tan significantly increased” as they got older.
  • 2 of 10 went outside just to tan when they were in fifth grade; 4 out of 10 did by eighth grade.

According to the authors, the years of “periadolescence” (ages 11 to 14) seem to be “a crucial period” when kids and teens “increase or decrease their use of sun protection, obtain sunburns, or change their tan-promoting attitudes.”

“I think especially at this age, and in general, there are a lot of forces that promote tanning,” said lead researcher Dr. Stephen Dusza, of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City.

Dr. Sophie Balk, a pediatrician, remarked that the study sheds light on the fact that many kids aren’t protecting their skin.

“The problem is if you sunburn in childhood,” Dr. Balk says “you raise your risk of developing skin cancer later on.”

The next step, according to Dr. Dusza, is figuring out how to effectively promote sun protection in pediatric offices and community settings, like beaches and sporting events.

In addition to wearing sunscreen, Balk recommends protecting your skin with sun-protective clothing, hats and sunglasses.

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Acne Rosacea

Posted on February 20, 2012 by Copywriter

Rosacea is a very common acne-like benign skin condition characterized by red or pink patches, visible tiny broken blood vessels, and small red bumps or cysts.

Often mistaken for acne, rosacea is considered a chronic, treatable but not curable, skin condition with periodic ups and downs. Rosacea appears mainly on the forehead, chin and lower half of the nose; and is most common in individuals with a lighter skin.

When rosacea first develops, it may appear, then disappear, and then reappear. Rosacea is not considered contagious or infectious but does require treatment to minimize symptoms. Untreated rosacea can cause a condition called rhinophyma that results in an enlarged, round, red nose and puffy cheeks. Rhinophyma occurs primarily in men.

Another complication of advanced rosacea is an irritation of the eyes. Symptoms include burning or a feeling of grittiness in the eyes. If untreated, the complications of what is called rosacea keratitis may impair vision.

Rosacea cannot be treated like acne. Over-the-counter medications for acne may irritate the skin and aggravate rosacea symptoms. A health care provider can prescribe topical or oral antibiotics as well as a short-term topical cortisone steroid to reduce local inflammation.

To lessen the appearance of rosacea symptoms, limit exposure to sunlight and to extreme hot and cold temperatures. Use only alcohol free and fragrance free facial products. Gently apply products to the skin, avoiding excessive rubbing. When going outdoors, sunscreens with an SPF of 15 or higher are needed.

Rosacea is treatable. Ask your health care provider about options to help with rosacea.

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Acne Drying Lotion

Posted on February 20, 2012 by Copywriter

Acne drying lotion is an effective product to reduce the size and severity of acne blemishes. Smoothed gently over the skin, acne drying lotion works to prevent erupted pimples from getting larger and control a break out from spreading.

The effective drying agent in acne drying lotion is sulfur. Additional ingredients found in most acne drying lotions include salicylic acid, which gently exfoliates the skin; and zinc oxide and camphor, which fight acne bacteria.

Applying acne drying lotion is really easy. Just gently dab the cream on the breakout and blend it into the skin.

Remember that less is more; apply acne drying lotion sparingly so as not to irritate the skin further by over drying.

Acne Treatment Before & After Photos

acne drying lotionView more skin care photos

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What are Hexapeptides?

Posted on December 1, 2011 by Copywriter

We’ve all looked at skin care ingredients and wondered, “What is this?” And more importantly: “Is it good for my skin?”

Well if you’ve seen the ingredient, Hexapeptide, be reassured that this is an excellent ingredient for your skin, in the right quantity.

“A chain of six amino
acids that stimulate cell
activity.”

A Hexapeptide is a chain of six amino acids that stimulates cell activity by interacting with targeted molecules, which helps to rebuild collagen tissue, a critical building block for healthy skin.

Hexapeptide is present in many wrinkle creams because it helps minimize fine lines and wrinkles by helping to stimulate collagen production.

Finding a good cream that offers Hexapeptide technology, such as Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, offers a non-intrusive alternative to skin injection treatments such as Botox—and at a much affordable cost.

Better Than Wrinkle Injections?

A skin care regimen that includes Hexapeptides is doing the same thing for your skin as a more intrusive injection. The catch: You will probably see results at a much slower rate.

So if you’re looking for immediate gratification, an injection may be right for you. BUT even if you choose the injection route, a dedicated beauty routine with a product with natural ingredients that compliment your skin will keep your appearance younger much longer.

It’s All About Proper Maintenance

As Dolly Parton once said, “It takes effort to look like this!” Well with the right product knowledge and beauty regimen, your effort will keep your skin looking refreshed and glowing.

And since Hexapeptide is an optimal combination of peptides that increase collagen activation, it’s likely worth the effort to find it and add it to your skin care regimen.

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Sun Damage and Skin Discoloration

Posted on November 28, 2011 by Copywriter

Sun damage causes unsightly problems on the skin. People with a history of sun exposure often exhibit brown spots, yellow spots, bruising, fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin texture from damaged elastic tissue below the skin surface. There’s also thinning of the skin, pre-cancers and skin cancers that occur.

Can Sun Damage Be Treated?

Many treatments and products can help you regain a clear complexion after sun damage.

Some prescription creams can reduce the discoloration caused by sun damage. For other effects, your doctor may recommend skin renewal treatments like chemical peels, laser treatments, light-based therapies, and dermabrasion.

Lasers in particular, are able to target and treat the specific signs of sun damage. They can treat individual brown spots on the skin caused by sun exposure.

With your skin type and lifestyle in mind, your doctor can choose the best peel or laser for your needs. Combined with a good skin care regimen before and after treatment, you can also achieve long-lasting results.

Remember, while you’re investigating treatment options for sun damage, be sure to undergo a thorough check for skin cancer.

Dermesse Products for Sun Damaged Skin

Do your best to prevent sun damage with a UVA/UVB SPF 30 sunscreen every single day.

During the summer months, it’s a good idea to wear sun protection with a higher SPF number, such as the Dermesse SPF 55 sunscreen.

The Dermesse Skin Care System is designed to treat many of the most common signs of sun damage on the skin.

Prescription strength hydroquinone is included in the Dermesse skin care system, along with prescription strength tretinoin that is available with your doctor’s prescription. These ingredients provide significant benefits, as documented in numerous investigative and clinical publications.

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Treatments and Products for Sensitive Skin

Posted on November 28, 2011 by Copywriter

If you have sensitive skin, you probably know about the breakouts and flare ups that occur, causing discomfort or problems like rosacea, acne, or scars. Take extra care when choosing the best skin care regimen or professional treatment.

Ask your dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon about treatments for sensitive skin. Some treatments are perfectly safe, while others may cause an increase in skin sensitivity, and should be avoided.

Treatments That Are Suitable for Sensitive Skin

Lighter chemical peels are often suitable for those with sensitive skin. These treatments work to decrease freckling or hyperpigmentation, while also improving skin texture to a minor degree. Deeper chemical peels may not be tolerated as well. After treatment, redness can persist for a prolonged period of time.

Another light treatment is microdermabrasion, a technique for improving skin surface texture and tone. However, very sensitive skin is not recommended for those with very sensitive skin – especially those with rosacea or severe acne. Your physician should be able to determine if microdermabrasion can be tolerated, based on an evaluation of your skin type and skin problems. Many patients are better served with a light chemical peel.

After Skin Treatments

After a chemical peel, microdermabrasion, or laser treatment, you may notice that your skin is more sensitive to cleaning, drying, sun exposure, application of products, and dramatic temperature changes. Fortunately, this usually improves in a short time.

Acne flare-ups can also develop in the healing phase, although it is usually much less with light chemical peels and the latest laser technologies.

Dermesse Products for Sensitive Skin

The Dermesse Mild Skin Care Regimen provides a slow and comfortable approach to improved skin health.

The reaction is minimized resulting in reduced skin stimulation.  Although a longer time frame is required, this regimen is effective for patients with thin or sensitive skin because it allows the patient to build tolerance to the program and thereby eventually progress to a more intense regimen for added improvement.

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What is Hyperpigmentation?

Posted on October 31, 2011 by Copywriter

If you have patches of dark skin, you may be experiencing hyperpigmentation. This condition of darkened skin is caused by excess melanin production, and it can appear on a person’s face, arms, hands and elsewhere.

People often refer to hyperpigmentation as:

  • Age spots
  • Liver spots
  • Freckles
  • Melasma
  • Chloasma
  • Sun Spots

What is melanin?

Melanin plays the primary role in determining your skin color. But it’s also contained in other colored areas of your body, including your hair. The increase of melanin in your body (a process called melanogenesis) is a natural reaction to sun exposure. Melanin absorbs harmful UVB rays, and your skin gets a sun tan.

However, the body can produce too much melanin, and the result is hyperpigmentation.

Causes of hyperpigmentation

The causes of hyperpigmentation include UV exposure, hormonal changes, and heredity. Pregnancy is known to cause an increase in melanin production for some women. Some prescriptions drugs and clinical skin treatments (treatments which intentionally damage the skin) may also lead to hyperpigmentation as a side effect.

In addition to prescription skin care products with hydroquinone, there are a variety of peels, laser treatments and light treatments that may be recommended for treating hyperpigmentation. Ask your physician for more information about hyperpigmentation treatments.

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How to Solve Your Dry Skin Problem

Posted on October 7, 2011 by Copywriter

With the cold season approaching, more people will be affected by dry skin. More than just an inconvenience, dry skin causes discomfort, irritation and a dull complexion. If you’re one of these people, you should see a doctor to resolve the problem.

Your condition could be associated with psoriasis or some other underlying skin disorder. Read on to learn more and find solutions for skin dryness.

Why Is My Skin Dry?

Lack of skin moisture can be caused by various environmental factors: hot water, chlorine, soap, excessive bathing, low humidity, air conditioning, heat, pollution, chemicals, and even clothing can play a role. Also, as your skin ages, dryness can become more of a problem.

What Can Be Done?

Change your skin cleansing routine. For facial skin, a doctor may recommend that you switch to cleansers that are soap-free. Toners may need to be limited or stopped entirely.

To repair dry skin, use moisturizing cream instead of lotion. Creams are better for hydrating and repairing the skin barrier.

Take 3 or 4 minute showers using lukewarm water.

Use moisturizing body wash, which leaves a layer of moisture on the skin.

Apply body moisturizer twice daily, not just after bathing.

Exfoliate regularly. A gentle scrub or peel to remove dead skin cells allows your skin to absorb moisturizer better.

Drink plenty of fluids and wear sunscreen

    Dermesse Products for Dry Skin

    Dermesse oil free moisturizer and moisturizing lotion can help you solve your dry skin problems. The best moisturizers contain occlusive, humectant, and emollient ingredients. They don’t make the skin retain water.

    • Occlusive ingredients work by sitting on the surface of the skin, which slows down evaporation and moisture loss.
    • Humectant ingredients attract water from the dermis.
    • Emollient ingredients fill in the crevices.

    These are important ingredients to look for when choosing a moisturizer.

    Should I Use Lotion or Cream for Dry Skin?

    Lotions are thinner and lighter. They’re generally more appropriate for daytime use. They contain ingredients like mineral oil, propylene glycol and water.

    Night creams are made with heavier lipids such as petrolatum, lanolin derivatives, mineral oil, and water.

    All moisturizer formulations are a combination of oil and water. When you adjust the ratio of oil to water, you can make the moisturizer compatible with normal, oily or dry skin. See a doctor if you need help choosing the best moisturizer.

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    What is Vitiligo?

    Posted on September 26, 2011 by Copywriter

    Vitiligo affects approximately 0.5 percent of the global population, making it the most common disorder that results in pigmentation loss, also known as hypopigmentation.

    Vitiligo damages melanin-producing cells, which causes smooth, light-colored patches of skin to appear on the affected person’s skin surface. This auto-immune disorder appears equally among all racial groups and sexes.

    Doctors often distinguish two different forms of vitiligo: nonsegmental and segmental types of vitiligo. Nonsegmental vitiligo, the most common form, is identified by white patches that are often symmetrical, and can increase in size. Segmental vitiligo is identified by a single light-colored patch appearing on one side of the person’s body.

    Causes of Vitiligo

    The exact cause of vitiligo is not clear. Physicians say that genetics and sun exposure may play a role. A relatively large (approx. 30%) of people with vitiligo have the disorder in their family. The physical cause of its symptoms is the loss of melanocytes, the cells that produce pigment.

    Treating or Managing Vitiligo

    There’s no cure available, but dermatologists offer different topical and oral medications (topical corticosterioids and calcineurin inhibitors), as well as laser treatments and products for people with vitiligo. The standard therapy has been narrow band ultra violet light treatment, which can help achieve repigmentation, but dermatologists may also recommend several different targeted light therapies and laser treatments.

    When the above methods do not respond, there are surgical options such as skin grafting or transplantation of melanocytes.

    Dermesse Products for Managing Vitiligo

    For many people, the best way to handle vitiligo is with simple but effective skin care products. Camouflage makeup is useful for covering depigmented area. Daily application of an SPF 30 or higher broad spectrum sunscreen may also be recommended for people with hypopigmentation.
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    Eye Bags: Causes and Treatments

    Posted on September 26, 2011 by Copywriter

    Bags under the eyes can make you appear tired, stressed out or just unhappy. As you age, the skin around your eyelids can lose elasticity. This can lead to several undesirable conditions including loose skin that collects in bags. In some cases, this problem may become severe enough to interfere with vision.

    There are two basic forms of eye bags:

    1. Under eye bags that hangs below the eyes
    2. Loose skin and tissue around upper eyelids

    These problems can be short term or they can be permanent if left untreated.The cause of baggy eyes could be a hereditary condition. They may be caused by fat accumulation or fluid retention in the eyelids. These issues can be triggered by hormonal shifts, some medications or an allergy.The simplest causes include lack of sleep, stress, and the aging process.

    Prevent Eye Bags

    If you’re concerned about the formation of eye bags, here are some easy ways to prevent and reduce them:

    • Get plenty of sleep. Most people need at least 6-8 hours.
    • Elevate your head slightly during sleep, to prevent fluid accumulation around the eyes.
    • When standing or sitting, apply a chilled cucumber slice to the area under-eye area.
    • Reduce your risk of allergy symptoms. Avoid known allergens and use prescription allergy medications if needed.

    Dermesse Products to Treat Eye Bags

    Physicians who prescribe Dermesse products can help you reduce eye bags. They may recommend easy steps like changing your sleeping position, or they may recommend an evaluation of your current medications and allergies. In some cases, especially when aging is the cause, your doctor will recommend a product that can enhance skin elasticity near the sensitive skin around your eyes.

    Optimize Eye Cream

    Dermesse Optimize Eye Cream treats the cause of eye bags with effective ingredients like Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5, which prevents eye-puffiness formation by inactivating Superoxide Dismutase, and inhibiting vascular permeability.

    		 Dermesse Eye Cream

    Dermesse Eye Cream can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around your eyes with moisturizing ingredients and antioxidants that rejuvenate the dry, wrinkled skin around the eyes.
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