Hyperpigmentation and Hypopigmentation
Pigmentation is the coloring of a person's skin. When a person is healthy, his or her skin will appear normal in color. In the case of illness or injury, the person's skin may change color, becoming darker (hyperpigmentation) or lighter (hypopigmentation).
Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation is caused by an increase in melanin, the substance in the body that is responsible for color (pigment). Certain conditions, such as pregnancy or Addison's disease (decreased function of the adrenal gland), may cause a greater production of melanin and hyperpigmentation.
Exposure to sunlight is a major cause of hyperpigmentaion, and will darken already hyperpigmented areas.
Hyperpigmentation can also be caused by various drugs, including some antibiotics, antiarrhythmics, and antimalarial medication.
Melasma
An example of hyperpigmentation is melasma (also known as chloasma). This condition is characterized by tan or brown patches, most commonly on the face. Melasma can occur in pregnant women and is often called the "mask of pregnancy;" however, men can also develop this condition. Melasma frequently goes away after pregnancy. It can also be treated with certain prescription creams (such as hydroquinone).
If you have melasma, try to limit your exposure to sunlight. Use a strong sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher) at all times, because sunlight will worsen your condition. Sunblocks containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are best; although, sunscreens with Parsol 1789 (avobenzone) will also provide good protection.
Consult with your doctor before treating the condition yourself.
Hypopigmentation
Hypopigmentation is the result of a reduction in melanin production. Examples of hypopigmentation include:
Vitiligo
Vitiligo causes smooth, white patches on the skin. In some people, these patches can appear all over the body. It is an autoimmune disorder in which the pigment-producing cells are damaged. There is no cure for vitiligo, but there are several treatments, including cosmetic cover-ups, corticosteroid creams, or light treatments.
Albinism
Albinism is an inherited disorder caused by the absence of an enzyme that produces melanin. This results in a complete lack of pigmentation in skin, hair, or eyes. Albinos have an abnormal gene that restricts the body from producing melanin. There is no cure for albinism. People with albinism should use a sunscreen at all times because they are much more likely to get sun damage and skin cancer. This disorder can occur in any race, but is most common among whites.
Pigmentation loss as a result of skin damage: If you've had a skin infection, blisters, burns or other trauma to your skin, you may have a loss of pigmentation in the affected area. The good news with this type of pigment loss is that it's frequently not permanent, but it may take a long time to repigment. Cosmetics can be used to cover the area, while the body regenerates the pigment.
Reviewed by doctors at The Cleveland Clinic Department of Dermatology.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Allergic Reactions to Beauty Products
Most people can safely use most beauty products,but that does not mean most beauty products are problem-free.
Skin reactions and other allergic problems associated with beauty products occur fairly frequently.In fact, almost all cosmetics can cause a reaction in some people.
Problems can range from simple skin irritations or rashes to full-blown allergic reactions.
Symptoms can arise after several uses or sometimes occur spontaneously after years of use with no problems.
Skin reactions to beauty products are divided into the following two categories:
1. Irritant Contact Dermatitis - is the most common skin reaction to a beauty product.
It can result in burning, stinging, itching, and redness in the area where the product is applied.If skin is dry or injured, it loses some of the natural barrier protection against irritants. This means reactions can be harsher or occur more easily.
2. Allergic Contact Dermatitis - In this case, a sensitivity or a true allergy to a specific ingredient in the product causes redness, swelling, itching, or blisters on the skin. The most frequent causes include fragrances and preservatives.
In terms of fragrances, it's important to note that even products that say they are "unscented" could contain a masking agent -- essentially, fragrance used to cover up chemical scents. While you may not smell it, it's there, and could cause an allergic reaction.
To ensure no perfume is included, look for products marked fragrance-free or without perfume.Virtually any product that contains water must contain some preservatives.
The most common are parabens, imidazolidinyl urea, Quaternium-15, DMDM hydantoin, phenoxyethanol, methylchloroisothiazolinone, and formaldehyde.
All have been linked to skin allergies.
Beauty Products Most Likely to Cause a Skin Reaction
The beauty products most likely to cause skin reactions include bath soaps, detergents, antiperspirants, eye makeup, moisturizers, permanent wave lotion (particularly those containing glyceryl monothioglycolat), shampoos, long-wearing lip stains, nail polish (particularly those containing formaldehyde), and fingernail glue containing methcrylate.
Hair dyes can also be the source of skin reactions, particularly those containing p-phenylenediamine as well as ammonium persulfate used to lighten hair.
In addition, beauty products containing alpha-hydroxy acids appear to be problematic for some people.
The FDA has received reports on redness, swelling, blisters, burning, bleeding, rash, and itching after use of products containing AHAs, particularly those with a concentration over 10%, or with a pH (acid level) of 3.5 or under.
In some people, Retin-A wrinkle creams and serums can also cause irritant contact dermatitis.
Further, many people have what is called "sunscreen sensitivity."
In these people, almost all sun-protection products can cause a dermatitis-type reaction. If this is the case for you, talk to a dermatologist about how to best protect your skin from the sun.
Treatments for Skin Reactions
The most important step to take when you have a skin reaction to a beauty product is to stop using it immediately. Often, this is enough to resolve the problem. Over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream can also help reduce inflammation.
In most instances, you will need prescription-strength creams.
How to Avoid Skin Reactions to Beauty Products
Look for products containing the fewest ingredients. This will reduce the likelihood of a reaction. It will also reduce the chance for cross-reactions due to multiple exposures.Do a patch test before using any product. Place a small amount on the inside of your elbow and wait 48-72 hours. If redness, swelling, itching, or burning occurs, don't use that product.
Always apply fragrance to clothing, not skin. This can help reduce the risk of reaction to the fragrance. It can also reduce the risk of the fragrance interacting with ingredients in other products and causing a skin reaction.
Note that labels bearing the words "hypoallergenic," "dermatologist tested," "sensitivity tested," or "non-irritating" are no guarantee that the products will be any kinder to your skin. Though some companies do the testing, others don't, and there are no rules to enforce how these terms can be used on a product label.
Skin reactions and other allergic problems associated with beauty products occur fairly frequently.In fact, almost all cosmetics can cause a reaction in some people.
Problems can range from simple skin irritations or rashes to full-blown allergic reactions.
Symptoms can arise after several uses or sometimes occur spontaneously after years of use with no problems.
Skin reactions to beauty products are divided into the following two categories:
1. Irritant Contact Dermatitis - is the most common skin reaction to a beauty product.
It can result in burning, stinging, itching, and redness in the area where the product is applied.If skin is dry or injured, it loses some of the natural barrier protection against irritants. This means reactions can be harsher or occur more easily.
2. Allergic Contact Dermatitis - In this case, a sensitivity or a true allergy to a specific ingredient in the product causes redness, swelling, itching, or blisters on the skin. The most frequent causes include fragrances and preservatives.
In terms of fragrances, it's important to note that even products that say they are "unscented" could contain a masking agent -- essentially, fragrance used to cover up chemical scents. While you may not smell it, it's there, and could cause an allergic reaction.
To ensure no perfume is included, look for products marked fragrance-free or without perfume.Virtually any product that contains water must contain some preservatives.
The most common are parabens, imidazolidinyl urea, Quaternium-15, DMDM hydantoin, phenoxyethanol, methylchloroisothiazolinone, and formaldehyde.
All have been linked to skin allergies.
Beauty Products Most Likely to Cause a Skin Reaction
The beauty products most likely to cause skin reactions include bath soaps, detergents, antiperspirants, eye makeup, moisturizers, permanent wave lotion (particularly those containing glyceryl monothioglycolat), shampoos, long-wearing lip stains, nail polish (particularly those containing formaldehyde), and fingernail glue containing methcrylate.
Hair dyes can also be the source of skin reactions, particularly those containing p-phenylenediamine as well as ammonium persulfate used to lighten hair.
In addition, beauty products containing alpha-hydroxy acids appear to be problematic for some people.
The FDA has received reports on redness, swelling, blisters, burning, bleeding, rash, and itching after use of products containing AHAs, particularly those with a concentration over 10%, or with a pH (acid level) of 3.5 or under.
In some people, Retin-A wrinkle creams and serums can also cause irritant contact dermatitis.
Further, many people have what is called "sunscreen sensitivity."
In these people, almost all sun-protection products can cause a dermatitis-type reaction. If this is the case for you, talk to a dermatologist about how to best protect your skin from the sun.
Treatments for Skin Reactions
The most important step to take when you have a skin reaction to a beauty product is to stop using it immediately. Often, this is enough to resolve the problem. Over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream can also help reduce inflammation.
In most instances, you will need prescription-strength creams.
How to Avoid Skin Reactions to Beauty Products
Look for products containing the fewest ingredients. This will reduce the likelihood of a reaction. It will also reduce the chance for cross-reactions due to multiple exposures.Do a patch test before using any product. Place a small amount on the inside of your elbow and wait 48-72 hours. If redness, swelling, itching, or burning occurs, don't use that product.
Always apply fragrance to clothing, not skin. This can help reduce the risk of reaction to the fragrance. It can also reduce the risk of the fragrance interacting with ingredients in other products and causing a skin reaction.
Note that labels bearing the words "hypoallergenic," "dermatologist tested," "sensitivity tested," or "non-irritating" are no guarantee that the products will be any kinder to your skin. Though some companies do the testing, others don't, and there are no rules to enforce how these terms can be used on a product label.
Allergic Reactions to Insect Stings
Bee, wasp, yellow jacket, hornet or fire ant stings most often trigger allergic reactions. However, most people are not allergic to insect stings and may mistake a normal sting reaction for an allergic reaction. By knowing the difference, you can prevent unnecessary worry and visits to the doctor.
The severity of an insect sting reaction varies from person to person. There are three types of reactions -- normal, localized and allergic:
1. A normal reaction will result in pain, swelling and redness around the sting site.
2. A large local reaction will result in swelling that extends beyond the sting site. For example, a person stung on the ankle may have swelling of the entire leg. While it often looks alarming, it is generally no more serious than a normal reaction.
3. The most serious reaction to an insect sting is an allergic one (described below). This condition requires immediate medical attention.
What Are the Symptoms?
Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction (called an anaphylactic reaction) may include one or more of the following:
1. Difficulty breathing
2. Hives that appear as a red, itchy rash and spread to areas beyond the sting
3. Swelling of the face, throat or mouth tissue
4. Wheezing or difficulty swallowing
5. Restlessness and anxiety
6. Rapid pulse
7. Dizziness or a sharp drop in blood pressure
Although severe allergic reactions are not that common, they can lead to shock, cardiac arrest, and unconsciousness in 10 minutes or less. This type of reaction can occur within minutes after a sting and can be fatal. Get emergency treatment as soon as possible.
A mild allergic reaction to an insect sting may cause one or more of the following symptoms at the site of the sting:
1. Pain
2. Redness
3. Mild to moderate swelling
4. Warmth at the sting site
5. Itching
People who have experienced an allergic reaction to an insect sting have a 60% chance of a similar or worse reaction if they are stung again
How Common Are Sting Allergies?
About 2 million Americans are allergic to the venom of stinging insects. Many of these individuals are at risk for life-threatening allergic reactions. Approximately 50 deaths each year in the U.S. are attributed to allergic reactions to insect stings.
How Are Normal or Localized Reactions Treated?
First, if stung on the hand, remove any rings from your fingers immediately.
If stung by a bee, the bee usually leaves a sac of venom and a stinger in your skin. Remove the stinger within 30 seconds to avoid receiving more venom. Gently scrape the sac and stinger out with a fingernail or a stiff-edged object like a credit card. Do not squeeze the sac or pull on the stinger -- this will cause the release of more venom into the skin.
Wash the stung area with soap and water and then apply an antiseptic.
The severity of an insect sting reaction varies from person to person. There are three types of reactions -- normal, localized and allergic:
1. A normal reaction will result in pain, swelling and redness around the sting site.
2. A large local reaction will result in swelling that extends beyond the sting site. For example, a person stung on the ankle may have swelling of the entire leg. While it often looks alarming, it is generally no more serious than a normal reaction.
3. The most serious reaction to an insect sting is an allergic one (described below). This condition requires immediate medical attention.
What Are the Symptoms?
Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction (called an anaphylactic reaction) may include one or more of the following:
1. Difficulty breathing
2. Hives that appear as a red, itchy rash and spread to areas beyond the sting
3. Swelling of the face, throat or mouth tissue
4. Wheezing or difficulty swallowing
5. Restlessness and anxiety
6. Rapid pulse
7. Dizziness or a sharp drop in blood pressure
Although severe allergic reactions are not that common, they can lead to shock, cardiac arrest, and unconsciousness in 10 minutes or less. This type of reaction can occur within minutes after a sting and can be fatal. Get emergency treatment as soon as possible.
A mild allergic reaction to an insect sting may cause one or more of the following symptoms at the site of the sting:
1. Pain
2. Redness
3. Mild to moderate swelling
4. Warmth at the sting site
5. Itching
People who have experienced an allergic reaction to an insect sting have a 60% chance of a similar or worse reaction if they are stung again
How Common Are Sting Allergies?
About 2 million Americans are allergic to the venom of stinging insects. Many of these individuals are at risk for life-threatening allergic reactions. Approximately 50 deaths each year in the U.S. are attributed to allergic reactions to insect stings.
How Are Normal or Localized Reactions Treated?
First, if stung on the hand, remove any rings from your fingers immediately.
If stung by a bee, the bee usually leaves a sac of venom and a stinger in your skin. Remove the stinger within 30 seconds to avoid receiving more venom. Gently scrape the sac and stinger out with a fingernail or a stiff-edged object like a credit card. Do not squeeze the sac or pull on the stinger -- this will cause the release of more venom into the skin.
Wash the stung area with soap and water and then apply an antiseptic.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Allergic Skin
Allergic contact dermatitis is caused by your body's reaction to something that directly contacts the skin. Many different substances can cause allergic contact dermatitis, which are called 'allergens'. Usually these substances cause no trouble for most people, and may not even be noticed the first time the person is exposed. But once the skin becomes sensitive or allergic to the substance, any exposure will produce a rash. The rash usually doesn't start until a day or two later, but can start a soon as hours or as late as a week.
Allergic contact dermatitis is not usually caused by things like acid, alkali, solvent, strong soap or detergent. These harsh compounds, which can produce a reaction on anyone's skin, are known as 'irritants'. Although some chemicals are both irritants and allergens, allergic contact dermatitis results from brief contact with substances that don't usually provoke a reaction in most people.
The dermatitis usually shows redness, swelling and water blisters, from tiny to large. The blisters may break, forming crusts and scales. Untreated, the skin may darken and become leathery and cracked. Allergic contact dermatitis can be difficult to distinguish from other rashes, especially after it been present for a while.
The dermatologist and patient will discuss the materials that touch the person's skin at work and home, and try to identify the allergen. The dermatologist may also perform patch tests. Patch testing is a safe and quick way to diagnose contact allergies. A small amount of the suspected allergen is applied to the skin for a fixed time, usually two days. Some things like nickel, rubber, dyes, and poison ivy, poison oak and related plants are fairly common allergens.
Nickel,
part of certain metals, is found in many products. Many chrome-plated objects contain enough nickel to produce a reaction in sensitive people. Stainless steel also contains nickel, but it is bound in such a way that makes stainless steel safe for most nickel-sensitive individuals.
Earrings containing nickel can cause earlobe dermatitis, a very common problem in people allergic to nickel. Needles used to pierce ears, and earrings may trigger this. Only sterile stainless needles should be used for piercing. After piercing wear only nickel-free earrings for at least the first three weeks.
Clothing accessories made of nickel buckles, zippers, buttons and metal clips can cause dermatitis. Nickel-sensitive people can substitute nylon accessories.
Sweating increases dermatitis in nickel-sensitive people. In the summer, items containing nickel can cause an itchy, prickly sensation within 15 to 20 minutes of touching perspiring skin. A rash may appear within a day or two. These same items can be worn for several hours without any symptoms, if perspiration is not present.
Rubber products (latex),
often cause allergic contact dermatitis. Rubber can also cause immediate allergic reactions, including itching or burning and hives (welts) under the rubber object. Some people experience itching and tearing eyes and, occasionally, shortness of breath. This is more common in people who wear tight fitting rubber gloves, such as medical workers. Rubber gloves may also cause dermatitis on the skin of the hands under the glove. Vinyl or other synthetic gloves may be substituted.
Many women with rubber allergy can wear foundation garments of non-sensitizing spandex if they do not have rubber-backed fasteners or edges. Some manufacturers market girdles and bras containing no rubber.
Ingredients in the rubber used in the shoe's construction cause most cases of allergic contact dermatitis from footwear. Adhesives, both rubber and non-rubber, can also cause problems. Even leather shoes may contain these. Shoes without rubber should be substituted.
Paraphenylenedeamine (PPDA),
is an ingredient found in permanent hair dyes. This ingredient is mixed with an oxidizing agent, such as peroxide, before application. People allergic to PPDA should not use any permanent hair dyes. About one fourth of the people allergic to PPDA are also allergic to ingredients in semi-permanent dyes. Follow the package instructions for a patch test before using any hair dye. Most PPDA allergic people can use temporary dyes or rinses, to blend in gray and brighten hair. A few people, however, will react to these dyes also.
A final option to color hair is henna (vegetable dyes). However, henna doesn't work on all hair. Metallic or Progressive dyes are also called hair-color restorers are safe to use if the scalp is not irritated.
While PPDA dyes are rarely used in clothing, other dyes that may cross-react with PPDA are in clothing. As a result, some PPDA-sensitive patients cannot wear dark clothing, but can wear fabrics dyed in lighter shades. About 25% of PPDA sensitivity people are allergic to certain widely used local anesthetics that are chemical relatives of PPDA. Substitutes may be used.
Chromates,
compounds containing chromium, are commonly responsible for allergic contact dermatitis from contact with cement, leather, some matches, paints and anti-rust compounds. Occupational exposure to chromium is common in jobs in the automobile, welding, foundry, cement, railroad and building repair industries.
Chromates are used to tan leather for shoes and clothing. 'Shoe dermatitis' may result from leather containing chromates. Vegetable-tanned footwear can be substituted.
Some matches contain chromates. Touching unlit matches can contaminate fingers. Fumes from a lit match and the charred match head also contain traces of chromates. Placing used matches in a pocket will contaminate the pocket lining, as will book matches.
Poison ivy and its relatives include poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac.
In the U.S. these plants produce many cases of allergic contact dermatitis. The reaction looks the same whether caused by poison ivy, oak or sumac. Often patients develop lines of small blisters on the skin where the plant brushed against them.
People sensitive to poison ivy, oak and sumac are often allergic to oils from plants from other countries. A furniture lacquer obtained from the Japanese lacquer tree contains such oil, as do mango rinds and cashew shells.
People with allergic contact dermatitis should:
1. Avoid the allergen that causes the reaction, and materials that cross-react with it. Your dermatologist can help you identify items to avoid.
2. Substitute products made of materials that do not cause reactions.
Patch testing by a dermatologist can alert patients to which substances to avoid.
Allergic contact dermatitis is not usually caused by things like acid, alkali, solvent, strong soap or detergent. These harsh compounds, which can produce a reaction on anyone's skin, are known as 'irritants'. Although some chemicals are both irritants and allergens, allergic contact dermatitis results from brief contact with substances that don't usually provoke a reaction in most people.
The dermatitis usually shows redness, swelling and water blisters, from tiny to large. The blisters may break, forming crusts and scales. Untreated, the skin may darken and become leathery and cracked. Allergic contact dermatitis can be difficult to distinguish from other rashes, especially after it been present for a while.
The dermatologist and patient will discuss the materials that touch the person's skin at work and home, and try to identify the allergen. The dermatologist may also perform patch tests. Patch testing is a safe and quick way to diagnose contact allergies. A small amount of the suspected allergen is applied to the skin for a fixed time, usually two days. Some things like nickel, rubber, dyes, and poison ivy, poison oak and related plants are fairly common allergens.
Nickel,
part of certain metals, is found in many products. Many chrome-plated objects contain enough nickel to produce a reaction in sensitive people. Stainless steel also contains nickel, but it is bound in such a way that makes stainless steel safe for most nickel-sensitive individuals.
Earrings containing nickel can cause earlobe dermatitis, a very common problem in people allergic to nickel. Needles used to pierce ears, and earrings may trigger this. Only sterile stainless needles should be used for piercing. After piercing wear only nickel-free earrings for at least the first three weeks.
Clothing accessories made of nickel buckles, zippers, buttons and metal clips can cause dermatitis. Nickel-sensitive people can substitute nylon accessories.
Sweating increases dermatitis in nickel-sensitive people. In the summer, items containing nickel can cause an itchy, prickly sensation within 15 to 20 minutes of touching perspiring skin. A rash may appear within a day or two. These same items can be worn for several hours without any symptoms, if perspiration is not present.
Rubber products (latex),
often cause allergic contact dermatitis. Rubber can also cause immediate allergic reactions, including itching or burning and hives (welts) under the rubber object. Some people experience itching and tearing eyes and, occasionally, shortness of breath. This is more common in people who wear tight fitting rubber gloves, such as medical workers. Rubber gloves may also cause dermatitis on the skin of the hands under the glove. Vinyl or other synthetic gloves may be substituted.
Many women with rubber allergy can wear foundation garments of non-sensitizing spandex if they do not have rubber-backed fasteners or edges. Some manufacturers market girdles and bras containing no rubber.
Ingredients in the rubber used in the shoe's construction cause most cases of allergic contact dermatitis from footwear. Adhesives, both rubber and non-rubber, can also cause problems. Even leather shoes may contain these. Shoes without rubber should be substituted.
Paraphenylenedeamine (PPDA),
is an ingredient found in permanent hair dyes. This ingredient is mixed with an oxidizing agent, such as peroxide, before application. People allergic to PPDA should not use any permanent hair dyes. About one fourth of the people allergic to PPDA are also allergic to ingredients in semi-permanent dyes. Follow the package instructions for a patch test before using any hair dye. Most PPDA allergic people can use temporary dyes or rinses, to blend in gray and brighten hair. A few people, however, will react to these dyes also.
A final option to color hair is henna (vegetable dyes). However, henna doesn't work on all hair. Metallic or Progressive dyes are also called hair-color restorers are safe to use if the scalp is not irritated.
While PPDA dyes are rarely used in clothing, other dyes that may cross-react with PPDA are in clothing. As a result, some PPDA-sensitive patients cannot wear dark clothing, but can wear fabrics dyed in lighter shades. About 25% of PPDA sensitivity people are allergic to certain widely used local anesthetics that are chemical relatives of PPDA. Substitutes may be used.
Chromates,
compounds containing chromium, are commonly responsible for allergic contact dermatitis from contact with cement, leather, some matches, paints and anti-rust compounds. Occupational exposure to chromium is common in jobs in the automobile, welding, foundry, cement, railroad and building repair industries.
Chromates are used to tan leather for shoes and clothing. 'Shoe dermatitis' may result from leather containing chromates. Vegetable-tanned footwear can be substituted.
Some matches contain chromates. Touching unlit matches can contaminate fingers. Fumes from a lit match and the charred match head also contain traces of chromates. Placing used matches in a pocket will contaminate the pocket lining, as will book matches.
Poison ivy and its relatives include poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac.
In the U.S. these plants produce many cases of allergic contact dermatitis. The reaction looks the same whether caused by poison ivy, oak or sumac. Often patients develop lines of small blisters on the skin where the plant brushed against them.
People sensitive to poison ivy, oak and sumac are often allergic to oils from plants from other countries. A furniture lacquer obtained from the Japanese lacquer tree contains such oil, as do mango rinds and cashew shells.
People with allergic contact dermatitis should:
1. Avoid the allergen that causes the reaction, and materials that cross-react with it. Your dermatologist can help you identify items to avoid.
2. Substitute products made of materials that do not cause reactions.
Patch testing by a dermatologist can alert patients to which substances to avoid.
Oily Skin
Although most folks associate oily skin with the teen years, age is only part of the story.
Indeed, while problems don't usually begin until around puberty, for many people, oily skin persists long after the senior prom has faded into memory.
For some, oily skin can last a lifetime. While heredity can play a role – if your mother or father had oily skin you might as well – so do hormones.
""Oil production is stimulated by hormone production - so anything that causes hormones to fluctuate can cause skin to become more oily," says dermatologist Doris J. Day, MD, associate professor, NYU School of Medicine in New York City.
For women, hormone changes occur not only during puberty, but at the start of each menstrual cycle, and during pregnancy and perimenopause. For both women and men, oily skin can be stimulated by any physical or emotional situation that puts hormones in a tailspin.
Regardless of cause(s) of your oily skin, there are steps you can take to control it,
from proper cleansing techniques and oil-targeted skin care, to treatments aimed at reducing oil production, you can replace that oily shine with a healthy glow -- in less time than you think.
Taking Care of Oily Skin: Where To Start
Regardless of your age, oil - also known as sebum – is always produced by the sebaceous glands.
Located deep within the second layer or "dermis" of the skin, these glands are most plentiful in the face, neck, chest, head and back – one reason that these areas appear to be affected by oil production the most.
To get from the glands to your skin, the oils flow into nearby follicular pores, and eventually works its way to the surface. Here it plays a vital role in the health of both skin and hair.
"It helps seal moisture in, which gives hair that healthy sheen and helps keep skin plump and hydrated," says Charles E. Crutchfield III, M.D., Clinical Associate Professor of Dermatology, University of Minnesota Medical School Medical and Director, Crutchfield Dermatology.
But in some folks too much oil is produced. Skin and hair no longer look healthy, but instead, greasy, slick and even dirty.
One way to control that is with proper cleansing. But if you think you need harsh products to scrub away the extra oil, think again. Experts say that's a big – and all too common – mistake.
Taking Care of Oily Skin: Where To Start continued...
"Oil production is nature's response to irritation – so the harsher the cleansing, the more likely the body is to respond by producing more oil, " says Schlessinger.
Instead, treat oily skin with thorough but gentle cleaning.
"A good cleanser is one designed to remove excess oil while leaving intact the barrier of fatty acids to help maintain function and protect our skin," says Barry Resnik, MD, dermatologist at Memorial Regional Hospital and Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital in Hollywood, Florida.
And don't be surprised if you find yourself needing two different cleansers depending on the time of the year.
In fall and winter when skin is naturally drier, you'll benefit most from a super gentle cleanser. In warmer months, when perspiration can combine with sweat to make skin harder to clean, you may need a more thorough, deep cleaning product.
But what about cleansers specifically made for oily skin? According to Schlessinger, they're okay, as long as they don't cause any irritation.
"It's best to use the gentlest product you can find I actually put together a formula that uses a very low pH, which is effective at removing oil, and an amino fruit acid, which causes very little irritation," he says.
The one thing you want to avoid is soap, since most types strip the skin of all natural oils.
"That squeaky clean feeling people get from using soaps is derived from stripping the fatty oils from your skin and is more harmful than good," Resnik cautions.
In addition, both experts say you should never over-wash oily skin, even if your cleanser is gentle. Indeed, unless you've been mining coal or digging in the dirt, twice a day is usually enough.
Clay or mud masques can also help. Although there are no medical studies to prove that they work, many beauty experts say that these treatments can temporarily pull oil from the pores and soak it up, leaving oily skin looking fresher for several hours afterwards.
Taking Care of Oily Skin: What Works
Because an oily complexion often feels moist to the touch, many people avoid using moisturizers, because they think they will only make matters worse.
Experts said that oil and moisture are not the same things, and the older you are, the more you need to use a moisturizer even when skin is oily.
"The oiliness of your skin will seal in the moisture you have - but won't replace the moisture that you lose, particularly as you age, " says Crutchfield.
For even better results, try incorporating alpha hydroxy acid (AHAs) creams into your daily skin care regimen.
"There is some evidence that AHA creams increase production of collagen and hyaluronic acid which in turn helps in relation to moisture – plus they treat superficial lines and wrinkles so you also get a rejuvenating effect,"
Resnik recommends using a glycolic acid or salicylic acid product coupled with a light oil-free moisturizer containing a sunscreen for best results.
"This will do a good job of gently exfoliating your skin, reducing sebum buildup and giving you a more youthful appearance," he says.
Taking Care of Oily Skin: When Nothing Else Works
If, despite your best efforts to control oil production, your skin is still gushing 24/7, there are specific treatments that can help.
Schlessinger says that astringents and toners can also help – although the results are temporary, so application may have to be repeated more than once a day.
Resnik suggests using oil-inhibiting products. "I recommend OC 8, which uses an absorbent technology to reduce shine and it's very effective for all skin types," he says.
Cosmetic products known as "anti shine" primers can also help by forming a layer between skin and make-up that works to absorb excess oil as it's being secreted.
If temporary measures like these don't work to control your oily skin, there are also several professional treatments that can help. These include prescription topical and oral drugs like Retin A, Differin, Tazorac or Accutane.
"Accutane works the longest and has both immediate and long-term results – the others can temporarily improve the situation, but aren't long-term solutions, " says Schlessinger. While some doctors use this medication to treat oily skin, its use for this purpose is off-label and not generally recommended.
Resnik prefers using ultra low doses of isotretinion."Although it's off-label, it's extremely effective at reducing or eliminating excess oil," he says. The dosage is limited to about 10 mg once or twice a week.
Taking Care of Oily Skin: When Nothing Else Works continued...
One very new remedy for oily skin uses topical preparations containing the B vitamin niacinamide. Early studies have found that these preparations reduce oil production, but the results have been modest to date.
In still another study, a group of Japanese researchers found that topically applied spironolactone (the oral version is available in this country and is used to treat high blood pressure) was also found to reduce the rate of oil production in young women. This product is not available in the United States, however.
If you still feel you need more help, Crutchfield says laser treatments may be what the doctor orders.
Although oily skin will remain oily throughout your life, as you age, production does decrease. So, the older you are, the fewer treatments of any kind you will need.
Indeed, while problems don't usually begin until around puberty, for many people, oily skin persists long after the senior prom has faded into memory.
For some, oily skin can last a lifetime. While heredity can play a role – if your mother or father had oily skin you might as well – so do hormones.
""Oil production is stimulated by hormone production - so anything that causes hormones to fluctuate can cause skin to become more oily," says dermatologist Doris J. Day, MD, associate professor, NYU School of Medicine in New York City.
For women, hormone changes occur not only during puberty, but at the start of each menstrual cycle, and during pregnancy and perimenopause. For both women and men, oily skin can be stimulated by any physical or emotional situation that puts hormones in a tailspin.
Regardless of cause(s) of your oily skin, there are steps you can take to control it,
from proper cleansing techniques and oil-targeted skin care, to treatments aimed at reducing oil production, you can replace that oily shine with a healthy glow -- in less time than you think.
Taking Care of Oily Skin: Where To Start
Regardless of your age, oil - also known as sebum – is always produced by the sebaceous glands.
Located deep within the second layer or "dermis" of the skin, these glands are most plentiful in the face, neck, chest, head and back – one reason that these areas appear to be affected by oil production the most.
To get from the glands to your skin, the oils flow into nearby follicular pores, and eventually works its way to the surface. Here it plays a vital role in the health of both skin and hair.
"It helps seal moisture in, which gives hair that healthy sheen and helps keep skin plump and hydrated," says Charles E. Crutchfield III, M.D., Clinical Associate Professor of Dermatology, University of Minnesota Medical School Medical and Director, Crutchfield Dermatology.
But in some folks too much oil is produced. Skin and hair no longer look healthy, but instead, greasy, slick and even dirty.
One way to control that is with proper cleansing. But if you think you need harsh products to scrub away the extra oil, think again. Experts say that's a big – and all too common – mistake.
Taking Care of Oily Skin: Where To Start continued...
"Oil production is nature's response to irritation – so the harsher the cleansing, the more likely the body is to respond by producing more oil, " says Schlessinger.
Instead, treat oily skin with thorough but gentle cleaning.
"A good cleanser is one designed to remove excess oil while leaving intact the barrier of fatty acids to help maintain function and protect our skin," says Barry Resnik, MD, dermatologist at Memorial Regional Hospital and Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital in Hollywood, Florida.
And don't be surprised if you find yourself needing two different cleansers depending on the time of the year.
In fall and winter when skin is naturally drier, you'll benefit most from a super gentle cleanser. In warmer months, when perspiration can combine with sweat to make skin harder to clean, you may need a more thorough, deep cleaning product.
But what about cleansers specifically made for oily skin? According to Schlessinger, they're okay, as long as they don't cause any irritation.
"It's best to use the gentlest product you can find I actually put together a formula that uses a very low pH, which is effective at removing oil, and an amino fruit acid, which causes very little irritation," he says.
The one thing you want to avoid is soap, since most types strip the skin of all natural oils.
"That squeaky clean feeling people get from using soaps is derived from stripping the fatty oils from your skin and is more harmful than good," Resnik cautions.
In addition, both experts say you should never over-wash oily skin, even if your cleanser is gentle. Indeed, unless you've been mining coal or digging in the dirt, twice a day is usually enough.
Clay or mud masques can also help. Although there are no medical studies to prove that they work, many beauty experts say that these treatments can temporarily pull oil from the pores and soak it up, leaving oily skin looking fresher for several hours afterwards.
Taking Care of Oily Skin: What Works
Because an oily complexion often feels moist to the touch, many people avoid using moisturizers, because they think they will only make matters worse.
Experts said that oil and moisture are not the same things, and the older you are, the more you need to use a moisturizer even when skin is oily.
"The oiliness of your skin will seal in the moisture you have - but won't replace the moisture that you lose, particularly as you age, " says Crutchfield.
For even better results, try incorporating alpha hydroxy acid (AHAs) creams into your daily skin care regimen.
"There is some evidence that AHA creams increase production of collagen and hyaluronic acid which in turn helps in relation to moisture – plus they treat superficial lines and wrinkles so you also get a rejuvenating effect,"
Resnik recommends using a glycolic acid or salicylic acid product coupled with a light oil-free moisturizer containing a sunscreen for best results.
"This will do a good job of gently exfoliating your skin, reducing sebum buildup and giving you a more youthful appearance," he says.
Taking Care of Oily Skin: When Nothing Else Works
If, despite your best efforts to control oil production, your skin is still gushing 24/7, there are specific treatments that can help.
Schlessinger says that astringents and toners can also help – although the results are temporary, so application may have to be repeated more than once a day.
Resnik suggests using oil-inhibiting products. "I recommend OC 8, which uses an absorbent technology to reduce shine and it's very effective for all skin types," he says.
Cosmetic products known as "anti shine" primers can also help by forming a layer between skin and make-up that works to absorb excess oil as it's being secreted.
If temporary measures like these don't work to control your oily skin, there are also several professional treatments that can help. These include prescription topical and oral drugs like Retin A, Differin, Tazorac or Accutane.
"Accutane works the longest and has both immediate and long-term results – the others can temporarily improve the situation, but aren't long-term solutions, " says Schlessinger. While some doctors use this medication to treat oily skin, its use for this purpose is off-label and not generally recommended.
Resnik prefers using ultra low doses of isotretinion."Although it's off-label, it's extremely effective at reducing or eliminating excess oil," he says. The dosage is limited to about 10 mg once or twice a week.
Taking Care of Oily Skin: When Nothing Else Works continued...
One very new remedy for oily skin uses topical preparations containing the B vitamin niacinamide. Early studies have found that these preparations reduce oil production, but the results have been modest to date.
In still another study, a group of Japanese researchers found that topically applied spironolactone (the oral version is available in this country and is used to treat high blood pressure) was also found to reduce the rate of oil production in young women. This product is not available in the United States, however.
If you still feel you need more help, Crutchfield says laser treatments may be what the doctor orders.
Although oily skin will remain oily throughout your life, as you age, production does decrease. So, the older you are, the fewer treatments of any kind you will need.
Dry Skin (xerosis)
Dry skin, also called xerosis, is a common problem. But could be uncomfortable and even maddening. Your skin might feel tight and painful; it might look dull or red or flaky. Worst of all is the itchiness -- the sort of overwhelming itchiness that makes you feel like you're infested with fleas, that keeps you awake at night, miserably raking your skin with a back scratcher.
There are lots of good reasons to do something about your dry, itchy skin -- your looks, your health, and your sanity. So it's time to put down the back scratcher and really figure out what's really causing your dry skin problem.
Simple causes include harsh soap, itchy clothing, misusing moisturizer, and long, hot showers. But the medications you take -- and even medical conditions such as diabetes, psoriasis, hypothyroidism, and malnutrition -- can also cause severe dry skin. Read on to understand how and why these problems dry out your skin.
Understanding Dry Skin
Let's start with some skin basics. Normal, healthy skin is coated in a thin layer of natural lipids, or fatty substances. They keep in moisture, leaving the skin soft and supple.
What causes dry skin -- or xerosis, as it's known medically?
Usually, something in the environment -- or something you're doing to your skin -- is stripping away these fatty oils, leaving your skin unprotected. Less often, the cause is internal; a health condition or genetic predisposition is making your skin dry out.
While patches of dry, itchy skin can appear anywhere, it's most common on the arms, hands, lower legs, and abdomen. Dry skin is often felt more than it's seen, but on some people it can be noticeable and embarrassing.
For many African-Americans, dry skin is a special concern, since the flakes of skin can look gray, or "ashy," says Vesna Petronic-Rosic, MD, assistant professor of medicine and director of the Dermatology Outpatient Clinic at the University of Chicago Medical School.
If untreated, dry skin can sometimes lead to dermatitis -- inflammation of the skin -- swelling, and infection. The good news is that just as most causes of dry skin are external, most cures for dry skin are external. With careful dry skin care, you can usually solve the problem.
Dry Skin Problem: Misusing Moisturizer
If you've been contending with dry skin, you've probably already tried a moisturizer -- if not dozens. But while moisturizers are a crucial part of dry skin care, experts say that we don't always use them very well.
The biggest mistake we make is applying moisturizer on dry skin, when it's least likely to help.
"You have to put on moisturizer when your skin is still damp," says Kenet, author of How to Wash Your Face.
"That way, the moisturizer is trapping the moisture still on your skin. Your skin shouldn't be sopping wet -- just pat yourself dry with a towel and put it on. Let it soak in for a few minutes, and then towel off the excess", Kenet says.
You've also got to get the right type of moisturizer. Experts recommend that people with dry skin get mild moisturizers that have no perfumes. Often, the cheaper stuff you can get at the drugstore is better than the high-end products, Kenet says. The moisturizer must also be thick and greasy for good dry skin care.
Petronic-Rosic has a simple moisturizer test. "Put some of your lotion in the palm of your hand and flip your hand over," she tells WebMD. "If it runs or drips, it's not thick enough for dry skin. Your skin needs moisture to stay smooth and supple, and retaining moisture becomes difficult as we age."
Dry Skin Problem: Dry Air
"Dry air is probably the most common cause of dry skin, especially during the winter,it looses moisture more readily," says Kenet, "It draws the moisture right out of the skin." Dry skin during winter even gets its own name: winter itch.
While cold, harsh weather does dry your skin, the biggest problem in the winter lies indoors -- the dry heat churned out by your furnace. (During the summer, air conditioning can have a similar effect.) To counteract the dry heat, start with a moisturizer. Turning down the thermostat a bit in the winter can also help, Kenet says.
Other dry skin care tips include using a humidifier in your bedroom, and bundling up -- with hats, scarves and gloves, when you're outside. Petronic-Rosic recommends that people wear socks that go high up their shins during the winter. "Cold air can actually get under the pant leg and dry out the skin on the legs," she tells WebMD. "I see it all the time, but it's the sort of thing people don't think about."
Dry Skin Problem: Long, Hot Showers & Baths
Prolonged exposure to water -- especially hot water -- can wash away the natural oils that protect your skin. If you get out of the bath or shower and your skin feels tight, it's dried out.
So what should you do? First, choose showers over baths. But that's not all. If you're accustomed to waking up in the morning with a long, languid shower, dermatologists have some brutal advice: limit showers to a few minutes and skip the hot water.
"The water doesn't have to be cold," says Kenet. "But it should be lukewarm rather than hot." Kenet also recommends angling the shower head away from you while you shave or soap up. It's another way of reducing the time your skin is being pounded by the water.
Afterward, pat your body dry with a towel -- rather than vigorously rubbing it -- and put on a moisturizer right away.
Generally, water-based lotions (Lubriderm, Keri lotion, others) are best cosmetically but oil-based creams are more effective in trapping moisture.
Dry Skin Problem: Soap
"One of the biggest problems people have with dry skin stems from their soap," says Burton.
Soap can quickly strip away your skin's protective oils, and we tend to use way too much of it.
"The average person who goes to school or work just doesn't get very dirty during the day," says Petronic-Rosic. "But [in the shower] many people scrub at their skin like it's the bottom of their shoes." Unless you're a child or a ditch digger, the only parts of the body that need any soap or cleanser at all are the face, hands, feet, groin and underarms. The rest of the body can usually just be rinsed off with water.
While our doctors -- and our mothers -- always told us to wash our hands frequently, that can also lead to trouble.
Ironically, while done in the quest to rid ourselves of germs, excessive hand washing can dry out the skin and cause it to crack and bleed, making infection much more likely.
Many of us choose unwisely when we're in the soap aisle of the supermarket. We go for harsh soaps that generate lots of lather and leave us feeling squeaky clean. "The bubbling and lathering from soap removes the oils from the surface of the skin and dries it out," says Petronic-Rosic.
For dry skin care, look for milder, "fragrance-free" soaps. That's not the same as "unscented," which may still have perfumes, Kenet says. Also avoid antibacterial soaps, which are harsh and have no proven medical value. For many people with dry skin, the best choice is a mild, non-soap skin cleanser, experts say.
Whatever you do, don't use any harsh implements to wash yourself. "People will get these incredibly abrasive sponges and brushes," says Burton. "Sanding your skin is not a good idea."
Dry Skin Problem: Itchy Clothing
Kenet says that many people obstinately wear clothing that they find itchy. But no matter how much you might love the look of a sweater, it's not worth it if it's uncomfortable. "If a sweater is itchy when you try it on, it's never going to get any less itchy," Kenet says.
In fact, it might get more itchy. Dry skin is especially sensitive to contact irritants, so continually exposing your skin to uncomfortable clothing could make your skin drier and itchier, Petronic-Rosic says.
Go with clothes that feel comfortable the first time you put them on. "Instead of wool, choose cashmere if you can afford it," says Kenet. "But cotton is just fine." Make sure your clothing isn't too tight either, since chafing can also cause and irritate dry skin.
Dry Skin Problem: Medications and Drugs
A number of medicines have the side effect of drying out the skin. They include drugs for
- High blood pressure, like diuretics
- Allergies, like antihistamines
- Acne and other skin conditions, like retinoids
If you notice the onset of a dry skin problem after starting a medication, talk to your doctor. He or she may be able to help by changing the dose or switching the medication.
Dry Skin Problem: Medical Conditions
Usually, dry skin is caused by external factors. But sometimes, it can be a sign of a something going on internally, whether it's a natural physiologic change or an illness.
For instance, dry skin often develops when people get older, especially in women. "Changes in hormone levels can cause dry skin as we age," says Petronic-Rosic. As many as 75% of people over 64 have dry skin. Other people, regardless of age, are simply genetically prone to dry skin.
A number of medical conditions can result in dry skin. Some of the more common of these medical causes are:
1. Skin conditions, like eczema and psoriasis. While they usually need direct treatment, careful use of moisturizers often helps.
2. Diabetes. Fluctuations in glucose levels can lead to dehydration, and that dries the skin out. Given that diabetes can also slow healing and increase the risk of infections, it's especially important for people with this condition to keep their skin healthy.
3. Hypothyroidism. Low levels of thyroid hormone can reduce the amount of oil produced by your skin. As a result, skin becomes dry and rough and moisturizer is unlikely to help. Hypothyroidism is usually accompanied by other symptoms, like fatigue and weight gain, Kenet says.
4. Malnutrition. Not getting the nutrients you need can leave your skin dried out. One possible cause is an eating disorder.
Other diseases, both minor and serious, can also cause dry skin problems. The best way to treat these cases of dry skin depends on the illness. Sometimes, getting medication for the underlying condition directly will resolve the dry skin. But in other cases, you might still need to follow some of the basic dry skin care tips outlined above. Ask your doctor for advice.
Getting Help for Dry, Itchy Skin
While dry skin can be a sign of these more serious health conditions, it's usually nothing more than run-of-the-mill dry skin -- regardless of how horrible it feels.
"I see a lot of people who are in so much discomfort from their dry skin that they think that they must be really sick," says Kenet. "But they're not, and it's actually so easy to help them."
So if your dry skin problem is making miserable, it's time to talk to a doctor. He or she can help you identify the causes and get you the treatment you need. Doctors can recommend medicine if you need it, which could include antihistamines for itchiness or prescription creams, including steroids.
"If you've been struggling with dry skin, and you've tried various things and none of them work, don't hesitate to see a doctor," says Petronic-Rosic. "There's just no reason to suffer when we can help in so many ways."
Simple Instructions To Do At Home to prevent Dry Skin:
1. Each day when you take your bath or shower, try to use lukewarm water. Hot water dries out the skin. Try to limit your time to fifteen minutes or less in the bath or shower. Bathing should be done no more than once a day. If you bathe too frequently you will remove the natural oils from the skin causing dryness.
2. Avoid using harsh soaps that dry the skin. Recommended soaps are Dove, Olay and Basis. Even better than soap are skin cleansers such as Cetaphil Lotion, Oilatum-AD and Aquanil.
3. Deodorant soaps are often very harsh and drying. If you need them, limit their use to areas that develop an odor such as the armpits, genital area, and feet.
4. Avoid vigorous use of a washcloth in cleansing. When toweling dry, do not rub the skin. Blot or pat dry so there is still some moisture left on the skin.
5. Next apply a moisturizer to the skin. The best time to do this is immediately after a bath or shower so that the moisturizer holds in the moisture from the shower. Choose either Cetaphil Cream, Moisturel Cream, or Eucerin Cream. If you have severely dry skin, apply an oil to the still moist skin such as Neutrogena Light Sesame Oil, Hermal Body Oil, Alpha-Keri Oil or Robathol, then apply a moisturizing cream and also apply the moisturizer at bedtime.
6. All areas that are exposed to the sun, such as the face, ears, hands, and back of the neck should have a moisturizer containing sun block or a sunscreen of SPF 15 or greater applied daily.
7. For laundry, use "All-free", "Tide-free" or "Cheer-free" detergents. Avoid using fabric softeners, especially in the dryer. Keep irritating fabrics away from your skin. Don't wear clothing made of wool or other "scratchy" fabrics. Use cotton percale sheets on your bed.
8. Use a humidifier in your home during the central heating season. If sweating causes itching, modify your activity and surroundings to minimize sweating. Work and sleep in a fairly constant temperature (68-75o F) and humidity (45-55%). Remember to keep drinking plenty of water and other liquids to keep your skin moist from the inside, too.
There are lots of good reasons to do something about your dry, itchy skin -- your looks, your health, and your sanity. So it's time to put down the back scratcher and really figure out what's really causing your dry skin problem.
Simple causes include harsh soap, itchy clothing, misusing moisturizer, and long, hot showers. But the medications you take -- and even medical conditions such as diabetes, psoriasis, hypothyroidism, and malnutrition -- can also cause severe dry skin. Read on to understand how and why these problems dry out your skin.
Understanding Dry Skin
Let's start with some skin basics. Normal, healthy skin is coated in a thin layer of natural lipids, or fatty substances. They keep in moisture, leaving the skin soft and supple.
What causes dry skin -- or xerosis, as it's known medically?
Usually, something in the environment -- or something you're doing to your skin -- is stripping away these fatty oils, leaving your skin unprotected. Less often, the cause is internal; a health condition or genetic predisposition is making your skin dry out.
While patches of dry, itchy skin can appear anywhere, it's most common on the arms, hands, lower legs, and abdomen. Dry skin is often felt more than it's seen, but on some people it can be noticeable and embarrassing.
For many African-Americans, dry skin is a special concern, since the flakes of skin can look gray, or "ashy," says Vesna Petronic-Rosic, MD, assistant professor of medicine and director of the Dermatology Outpatient Clinic at the University of Chicago Medical School.
If untreated, dry skin can sometimes lead to dermatitis -- inflammation of the skin -- swelling, and infection. The good news is that just as most causes of dry skin are external, most cures for dry skin are external. With careful dry skin care, you can usually solve the problem.
Dry Skin Problem: Misusing Moisturizer
If you've been contending with dry skin, you've probably already tried a moisturizer -- if not dozens. But while moisturizers are a crucial part of dry skin care, experts say that we don't always use them very well.
The biggest mistake we make is applying moisturizer on dry skin, when it's least likely to help.
"You have to put on moisturizer when your skin is still damp," says Kenet, author of How to Wash Your Face.
"That way, the moisturizer is trapping the moisture still on your skin. Your skin shouldn't be sopping wet -- just pat yourself dry with a towel and put it on. Let it soak in for a few minutes, and then towel off the excess", Kenet says.
You've also got to get the right type of moisturizer. Experts recommend that people with dry skin get mild moisturizers that have no perfumes. Often, the cheaper stuff you can get at the drugstore is better than the high-end products, Kenet says. The moisturizer must also be thick and greasy for good dry skin care.
Petronic-Rosic has a simple moisturizer test. "Put some of your lotion in the palm of your hand and flip your hand over," she tells WebMD. "If it runs or drips, it's not thick enough for dry skin. Your skin needs moisture to stay smooth and supple, and retaining moisture becomes difficult as we age."
Dry Skin Problem: Dry Air
"Dry air is probably the most common cause of dry skin, especially during the winter,it looses moisture more readily," says Kenet, "It draws the moisture right out of the skin." Dry skin during winter even gets its own name: winter itch.
While cold, harsh weather does dry your skin, the biggest problem in the winter lies indoors -- the dry heat churned out by your furnace. (During the summer, air conditioning can have a similar effect.) To counteract the dry heat, start with a moisturizer. Turning down the thermostat a bit in the winter can also help, Kenet says.
Other dry skin care tips include using a humidifier in your bedroom, and bundling up -- with hats, scarves and gloves, when you're outside. Petronic-Rosic recommends that people wear socks that go high up their shins during the winter. "Cold air can actually get under the pant leg and dry out the skin on the legs," she tells WebMD. "I see it all the time, but it's the sort of thing people don't think about."
Dry Skin Problem: Long, Hot Showers & Baths
Prolonged exposure to water -- especially hot water -- can wash away the natural oils that protect your skin. If you get out of the bath or shower and your skin feels tight, it's dried out.
So what should you do? First, choose showers over baths. But that's not all. If you're accustomed to waking up in the morning with a long, languid shower, dermatologists have some brutal advice: limit showers to a few minutes and skip the hot water.
"The water doesn't have to be cold," says Kenet. "But it should be lukewarm rather than hot." Kenet also recommends angling the shower head away from you while you shave or soap up. It's another way of reducing the time your skin is being pounded by the water.
Afterward, pat your body dry with a towel -- rather than vigorously rubbing it -- and put on a moisturizer right away.
Generally, water-based lotions (Lubriderm, Keri lotion, others) are best cosmetically but oil-based creams are more effective in trapping moisture.
Dry Skin Problem: Soap
"One of the biggest problems people have with dry skin stems from their soap," says Burton.
Soap can quickly strip away your skin's protective oils, and we tend to use way too much of it.
"The average person who goes to school or work just doesn't get very dirty during the day," says Petronic-Rosic. "But [in the shower] many people scrub at their skin like it's the bottom of their shoes." Unless you're a child or a ditch digger, the only parts of the body that need any soap or cleanser at all are the face, hands, feet, groin and underarms. The rest of the body can usually just be rinsed off with water.
While our doctors -- and our mothers -- always told us to wash our hands frequently, that can also lead to trouble.
Ironically, while done in the quest to rid ourselves of germs, excessive hand washing can dry out the skin and cause it to crack and bleed, making infection much more likely.
Many of us choose unwisely when we're in the soap aisle of the supermarket. We go for harsh soaps that generate lots of lather and leave us feeling squeaky clean. "The bubbling and lathering from soap removes the oils from the surface of the skin and dries it out," says Petronic-Rosic.
For dry skin care, look for milder, "fragrance-free" soaps. That's not the same as "unscented," which may still have perfumes, Kenet says. Also avoid antibacterial soaps, which are harsh and have no proven medical value. For many people with dry skin, the best choice is a mild, non-soap skin cleanser, experts say.
Whatever you do, don't use any harsh implements to wash yourself. "People will get these incredibly abrasive sponges and brushes," says Burton. "Sanding your skin is not a good idea."
Dry Skin Problem: Itchy Clothing
Kenet says that many people obstinately wear clothing that they find itchy. But no matter how much you might love the look of a sweater, it's not worth it if it's uncomfortable. "If a sweater is itchy when you try it on, it's never going to get any less itchy," Kenet says.
In fact, it might get more itchy. Dry skin is especially sensitive to contact irritants, so continually exposing your skin to uncomfortable clothing could make your skin drier and itchier, Petronic-Rosic says.
Go with clothes that feel comfortable the first time you put them on. "Instead of wool, choose cashmere if you can afford it," says Kenet. "But cotton is just fine." Make sure your clothing isn't too tight either, since chafing can also cause and irritate dry skin.
Dry Skin Problem: Medications and Drugs
A number of medicines have the side effect of drying out the skin. They include drugs for
- High blood pressure, like diuretics
- Allergies, like antihistamines
- Acne and other skin conditions, like retinoids
If you notice the onset of a dry skin problem after starting a medication, talk to your doctor. He or she may be able to help by changing the dose or switching the medication.
Dry Skin Problem: Medical Conditions
Usually, dry skin is caused by external factors. But sometimes, it can be a sign of a something going on internally, whether it's a natural physiologic change or an illness.
For instance, dry skin often develops when people get older, especially in women. "Changes in hormone levels can cause dry skin as we age," says Petronic-Rosic. As many as 75% of people over 64 have dry skin. Other people, regardless of age, are simply genetically prone to dry skin.
A number of medical conditions can result in dry skin. Some of the more common of these medical causes are:
1. Skin conditions, like eczema and psoriasis. While they usually need direct treatment, careful use of moisturizers often helps.
2. Diabetes. Fluctuations in glucose levels can lead to dehydration, and that dries the skin out. Given that diabetes can also slow healing and increase the risk of infections, it's especially important for people with this condition to keep their skin healthy.
3. Hypothyroidism. Low levels of thyroid hormone can reduce the amount of oil produced by your skin. As a result, skin becomes dry and rough and moisturizer is unlikely to help. Hypothyroidism is usually accompanied by other symptoms, like fatigue and weight gain, Kenet says.
4. Malnutrition. Not getting the nutrients you need can leave your skin dried out. One possible cause is an eating disorder.
Other diseases, both minor and serious, can also cause dry skin problems. The best way to treat these cases of dry skin depends on the illness. Sometimes, getting medication for the underlying condition directly will resolve the dry skin. But in other cases, you might still need to follow some of the basic dry skin care tips outlined above. Ask your doctor for advice.
Getting Help for Dry, Itchy Skin
While dry skin can be a sign of these more serious health conditions, it's usually nothing more than run-of-the-mill dry skin -- regardless of how horrible it feels.
"I see a lot of people who are in so much discomfort from their dry skin that they think that they must be really sick," says Kenet. "But they're not, and it's actually so easy to help them."
So if your dry skin problem is making miserable, it's time to talk to a doctor. He or she can help you identify the causes and get you the treatment you need. Doctors can recommend medicine if you need it, which could include antihistamines for itchiness or prescription creams, including steroids.
"If you've been struggling with dry skin, and you've tried various things and none of them work, don't hesitate to see a doctor," says Petronic-Rosic. "There's just no reason to suffer when we can help in so many ways."
Simple Instructions To Do At Home to prevent Dry Skin:
1. Each day when you take your bath or shower, try to use lukewarm water. Hot water dries out the skin. Try to limit your time to fifteen minutes or less in the bath or shower. Bathing should be done no more than once a day. If you bathe too frequently you will remove the natural oils from the skin causing dryness.
2. Avoid using harsh soaps that dry the skin. Recommended soaps are Dove, Olay and Basis. Even better than soap are skin cleansers such as Cetaphil Lotion, Oilatum-AD and Aquanil.
3. Deodorant soaps are often very harsh and drying. If you need them, limit their use to areas that develop an odor such as the armpits, genital area, and feet.
4. Avoid vigorous use of a washcloth in cleansing. When toweling dry, do not rub the skin. Blot or pat dry so there is still some moisture left on the skin.
5. Next apply a moisturizer to the skin. The best time to do this is immediately after a bath or shower so that the moisturizer holds in the moisture from the shower. Choose either Cetaphil Cream, Moisturel Cream, or Eucerin Cream. If you have severely dry skin, apply an oil to the still moist skin such as Neutrogena Light Sesame Oil, Hermal Body Oil, Alpha-Keri Oil or Robathol, then apply a moisturizing cream and also apply the moisturizer at bedtime.
6. All areas that are exposed to the sun, such as the face, ears, hands, and back of the neck should have a moisturizer containing sun block or a sunscreen of SPF 15 or greater applied daily.
7. For laundry, use "All-free", "Tide-free" or "Cheer-free" detergents. Avoid using fabric softeners, especially in the dryer. Keep irritating fabrics away from your skin. Don't wear clothing made of wool or other "scratchy" fabrics. Use cotton percale sheets on your bed.
8. Use a humidifier in your home during the central heating season. If sweating causes itching, modify your activity and surroundings to minimize sweating. Work and sleep in a fairly constant temperature (68-75o F) and humidity (45-55%). Remember to keep drinking plenty of water and other liquids to keep your skin moist from the inside, too.
Acne
Acne is a common skin condition that afflicts most people, to a varying degree, during the teen years. However, the disease is by no means restricted to this age group; adults in their 20's or 30's may have acne. Don't think that because acne is common, treatment is unnecessary. Waiting to "outgrow" acne can be a serious mistake. Some people with severe acne are not bothered by it. Others are embarrassed or upset even though they have only few pimples. The good news is that there are many good treatments that can help you get acne under control. Medical treatment can improve your appearance and self esteem, and prevent the development of lifelong scars.Acne starts when oil and dead skin cells clog up your pores. Some people call it blackheads, blemishes, whiteheads, pimples, or zits. When you have just a few red spots, or pimples, you have a mild form of acne. Severe acne can mean hundreds of pimples that can cover the face, neck, chest, and back. Or, it can be bigger, solid, red lumps that are painful (cysts).
Most young people get at least mild acne. It usually gets better after the teen years. But many adult women do have acne in the days before their menstrual periods.
How you feel about your acne may not be related to how bad it is?
Acne starts when oil and dead skin cells clog the skin's pores. If germs get into the pores, the result can be swelling, redness, and pus. See a picture of how pimples formed.
The Cause of Acne
1. Rising hormone levels during adolescence cause enlargement and over activity of the oil glands in the skin.
The canals that bring this oil to the surface become blocked with keratin (a protein that is part of the skin).
When these oil glands are overactive and the canals are blocked, the bacteria that normally live on the skin and in the oil become trapped. They subsequently multiply, and cause inflammation and irritation.
For most people, acne starts during the teen years. This is because hormone changes make the skin more oily after puberty starts. You do not get acne from eating chocolate or greasy foods. But you can make it worse by using oily skin products that clog your pores. Acne can run in families too. If one of your parents had severe acne, you are more likely to have it.
2. Cleansing and Cosmetics, Even though you may be told to wash frequently, acne is not a disease caused by dirt. For example, the blackness of a blackhead is not dirt, but is due to the accumulation of the normal skin pigment in the oil gland ducts.Wash your face with a mild antibacterial soap recommended by your dermatologist twice a day.If one's skin is very oily, it may be washed more often. Over washing or scrubbing tends to irritate the skin and will make acne worse. Therefore, do not use any abrasive cleaners or cleansing pads.Shampooing is also important in acne therapy. The oilier your hair is, the more often you should shampoo it. Also, it is best to keep hair off the face as much as possible to avoid hair oils.
For covering blemishes, many preparations have been formulated to match skin color. These cosmetics should be water based (i.e. the first ingredient on the label should be water).
Most cosmetics and skin products that are safe to use on acne-prone skin will say “non-comedogenic”, “oil free” or “won’t clog pores.” Look for these labels on your facial products.
Greasy applications such as Vaseline, cocoa butter, cold cream, and vitamin E oil should be avoided. If the face is dry, your dermatologist can recommend a moisturizer for your type skin.
3. Diet , The idea that acne can be brought on by an unhealthy diet has been debatedfor years.For the last 30 years the conventional wisdom has been that dietplays no role in most cases of acne. While many Dermatologists still believe this to be true, another view is emerging.
Doctors were surprised to learn that acne is virtually unknown in some remote jungle tribes.These people live off the land without the modern staples of beef, dairy,wheat and sugar.
On the other hand, the age when acne first emerges is getting younger for teens in the USA along with the age of puberty.Could something in the modern diet be the culprit? Some say yes, because eating the wrong things can let loose the wrong kind of hormones.
These hormones activate the oil glands in your face. High levels of hormones are present in cows milk, since most dairy cattle are pregnant. The idea that milk is an essential part of everyone's diet is probably wrong. You can easily get your calcium, vitamin D and protein from other foods, or from supplements. It may take 6 months off all dairy products before any improvement can be seen, but about 1 in 3 say this helps their acne quite a bit.
Another theory blames sugar and excess carbohydrates. These push your body to pump out insulin, which can throw off other hormones as a result. Some overweight women with acne have hormone imbalances and excess insulin. In these women bringing the insulin level down corrects the hormone levels and acne. While there is no proof sugar and carbohydrates are important in most cases of acne, there is also no doubt sugar and excessive carbohydrates are not good for you.
Eating healthy foods is a good idea for acne sufferers.There are still others who blame particular foods for their acne.Chocolate and nuts are commonly mentioned, but these don't seem to play a role in most people's acne. The importance of diet may vary between individuals, but the idea that diet plays no role in acne is probably onthe way out.
To help control acne:
1. Keep your skin clean.
2. Avoid skin products that clog your pores. Look for products that say "noncomedogenic" on the label.
3. Wash your skin once or twice a day with a gentle soap or acne wash.
4. Try not to scrub or pick at your pimples. This can make them worse and can cause scars.
If you have just a few pimples to treat, you can get an acne cream without a prescription. Look for one that has benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. These work best when used just the way the label says.
It can take time to get acne under control. Keep using the same treatment for 6 to 8 weeks. You may even notice that it gets worse before it gets better. If your skin is not better after 8 weeks, try another product.
If your pimples are really bothering you or are scarring your skin, see your doctor. A prescription gel or cream for your skin may be all you need. Your doctor may also order antibiotic pills. A mix of treatments may work best. If you are female, taking certain birth control pills may help.
Treatment of Acne
Acne need not be feared as something untreatable. In recent years many effective forms of therapy have been developed. Dermatologists want to prevent scars that acne can leave. Years of untreated acne can leave a lifelong imprint on a person's face and can have an effect on his or her self-image. While acne may not be curable, it is usually controllable.Since acne has many forms, your dermatologist designs an individual approach to care for successful control. Thus, the course of therapy will vary according to such factors as type of acne, it's severity and extent, and the patient's day-to-day activities. Mild acne is treated with one or a combination of topical medications. The purpose of these is not only to treat existing acne lesions, but to prevent new blemishes from forming. Therefore, these are applied over most of your face, not just directly on the present pimples.
In addition, in some people these creams may cause the face to become a little dry, pink or feel taught. This is normal. If your face becomes too irritated or 'raw' feeling, don't stop the creams, just decrease the frequency of application (i.e. apply every second or third day).Moderate and severe acne is usually treated by topical medicines with the addition of oral antibiotics. Since different combinations work better for some patients than others, you are usually evaluated every four to six weeks until the acne is well controlled.
In addition to this conventional therapy, your dermatologist may recommend one or more of these treatments to speed healing and clearing of your acne.
Acne Surgery: This procedure greatly speeds acne clearing and appearance by manually removing blackheads and whiteheads. A round loop extractor is used to apply uniform smooth pressure to dislodge the material. Inserting a pointed instrument to carefully expose the contents loosens lesions that offer resistance. This may be combined with microdermabrasion, which helps to remove dead skin on the face and open up smaller blocked pores.
Intralesional Corticosteroid Therapy: If one or several painful acne cysts develop, fast relief is available with this relatively painless procedure. Each cyst is given a single injection of a dilute cortisone solution, using a very tiny needle.
Accutane Therapy: In 1982 a new oral medication, isotretinoin (Accutane), became available for the treatment of patients with severe acne not responsive to conventional treatments. The duration of treatment is usually five to six months, and one such course is often curative of severe acne forever. Use of this medication does require a thorough understanding of its side effects and precautions (e.g. the prevention of pregnancy).
Treatment of Acne Scarring
Prior to correcting acne scarring, it is generally advisable to wait until acne activity has been low or absent for several months. Scars improve with time as the body softens their appearance. The color contrast is often the most troublesome aspect of resolving large acne blemishes.
These lesions may leave a flat or depressed red scar that is so obvious, patients mistake the mark for an active lesion. The color will fade and approach skin tones in 4 to 12 months. Many patients are self-conscious about the pitted and crater like scars that do not fade. These remain as a permanent record of previous severe acne.
Your dermatologist may a variety of procedures to you to remove or revise these marks:
1. Chemical Peel: Superficial acne scarring, and irregular pigmentation of the skin are easily treated with this technique. Chemical agents are applied to the skin, which cause the outer layer to be removed. Different chemicals and concentrations are used, depending on ones skin type and degree of scarring.
2. Laser Resurfacing: More prominent scarring from acne is best treated by this technique. The top several layers of skin are removed with this high energy light. This action evens out the skin to give it a smoother, more pleasing contour.
3. Punch Excision and/or Grafting: Some narrow pitted scars are too deep to be removed by dermabrasion. These can be removed with a surgical instrument called a punch. The resulting defect is closed, either primarily or with a tiny skin graft, with gratifying results. Sometimes this procedure is followed by chemical peel or laser resurfacing for patients with a mixed type of scarring.
4. Collagen Implantation: Patients with a few soft depressed scars with smooth edges respond well to collagen. This natural protein is injected under the lesion to elevate it to the level of the skin.
A Final Word
Treatment of acne is a continuing process if the disorder is to be controlled successfully. You must follow your dermatologist's instructions, since you are the only one who can accomplish the necessary daily care. If you are willing to spend the time and extend the effort, you can expect a pleasing result.
Home Treatment
Treatment at home can help reduce acne flare-ups.
1. Wash your face (or other affected skin) gently one or two times a day.
2. Do not squeeze pimples, because that often leads to infections, worse acne, and scars.
3. Use water-based skin care products that gently clean your skin. Avoid products such as milky cleansers, cold creams, lipsticks, and lip glosses that contain oils.
4. Use over-the-counter medicated creams, soaps, lotions, and gels to treat your acne. Always read the label carefully to make sure you are using the product correctly.
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