Cellulite - Causes & Cures

Why women have cellulite ?

More than 80% women know the meaning of cellulite. Moreover, even half of them think that cellulite destroys their ability to live a normal life. Let’s discuss what factors cause this hated defect.

Cellulite is a kind of fat tissue just below the surface of the skin. This layer of skin contains bands of connecting tissue that have many fat cells and is surrounded by a liquid that nourishes it and provides an effective waste system. The waste products should be removed, however, because when toxins are trapped in the skin, this connective tissue thickens and gives the dimpling effect of cellulite. This layer also thickens as we age, which can produce the rippling effect of cellulite too.

There is a difference between cellulite and fat, though, in that fat insulates the body and cushions the organs, nerves, and muscles. Cellulite, on the other hand, provides no padding and only occurs in certain areas on the body, such as the thighs, buttocks, abdomen, and breasts.

Cellulite is not necessarily a factor of bodyweight. You don't have to be overweight to have cellulite. Though diet and lifestyle affect cellulite formation, a large part of cellulite is comprised of toxins and fat that build up in the body and can affect women of any size, weight, and body structure.

Usually, cellulite can be attributed to a combination of factors and isn't usually caused by just one. Below are the most common :

Bad food quality : Firstly, if you want get rid of cellulite - forget about fast food forever. Also, many women, who prefer to eat food full of trans fat acid (milk products and fat meat), suffer from cellulite more often then other ones. More to say, there was made a research and its results showed that in France and Japan, where people usually prefer to eat fish dishes and use much oil, there are less amount of women having the "orange peel" on the thighs. Bear in mind, that the fish oil improves peripheral blood circulation, so it is recommended to eat salmon, tuna, herring or scomber 2-3 times per week.

Diets : If a woman is on a diet for a long time, she will lose weight mostly from the upper part of body, but when she comes back to normal eating, she will usually gain weight on the buttock and thighs. Why is it so? There is a proportion of specific receptors in female’s body, which are responsible for fat storage and destruction: in the upper part of a body there are receptors that destruct fat and in the lower part that store fat. It means, that fast weight loss is not only unhealthy, but it also won’t help to get rid of cellulite, because woman will lose not only fat, but muscles too. Therefore, woman should better choose healthy eating and fitness instead of diets – it will help to restore skin’s elasticity, so cellulite will become not so visible.

Female hormones : Researchers had proved that cellulite belongs to the hormones’ balance in female organism, because they have an influence on the blood vessels. That is why cellulite usually appears during the adolescence, pregnancy, climacteric period and even when woman takes birth control pill. It means, that cellulite may appear even when you are only 14 years old.

Genetics : Does your mother or grandmother suffer from this condition ?

Lack of exercise : by following a strength training and cardiovascular program, you'll be able to lower your body fat as well as increase muscle tone, both of which can reduce the appearance of cellulite.

Insufficient water intake : water helps flush excess toxins from the body. Aim for at least 12 cups of water per day.

Smoking : you don't need me to tell you the evils of smoking, but perhaps you didn't know it can also contribute to cellulite formation. Smoking can weaken the skin due to the constriction of capillaries and damage the connective tissue that causes the dimpling effect of cellulite.

Stress : stress can cause muscles to seize up with tension while also causing the connective tissue that covers that muscle to seize up. Tension also blocks the tissue, preventing proper waste elimination and purification.

Now you know how it's caused and what it is... But can you get rid of it ?

The only surefire way of reducing the appearance of cellulite is through consistent exercise, a healthy diet, and plenty of water to flush out the toxins.

Don't just rely on long, "slow-and-go" types of cardiovascular exercise alone to get rid of the cellulite. You'll have to incorporate some strength training into your workouts too to increase the muscle tone and also decrease body fat. Many women want to reduce body fat but also firm up their problem areas—becoming leaner and firmer—weight-training will defiantly help to re-shape your body by adding nice, lean, toned muscle tissue to the places you want to firm up.

A program that targets the lower body may be ideal for you. For instance, you could do lower body strength training twice per week but incorporate different exercises on both days.

Great exercises for glutes and thighs include :

• Hamstring curls (on a machine or with a Swiss Ball)
• Step-ups onto a flat exercise bench
• Lunges—you can do a variety of lunges, such as walking lunges, stationary lunges, and split squats
• Squats (barbell or on a Smith Machine)
• Stiff-legged deadlifts (with dumbbells)
• Hyperextensions

Aim for 15 to 20 reps on each exercise, and do three different exercises on each of your lower body days.

With regards to diet, losing weight won't eliminate all cellulite, so don't try to crash diet. This will cause your body to hold onto the fat and may even worsen the appearance of the cellulite. Aim for a healthy, low-fat lifestyle that incorporates plenty of protein, complex carbohydrates, and some essential fats. And be sure to limit "saturated" fats.

Do the creams, potions and treatments work for reducing cellulite ?

Alleged "anti-cellulite" products include loofah sponges; cactus fibers; special washcloths; horsehair mitts; creams and gels to "dissolve" cellulite; supplements containing vitamins, minerals, and/or herbs; bath liquids, massagers, rubberized pants; exercise books; brushes; rollers; body wraps; and toning lotions. Many salons offer treatment with electrical muscle stimulation, vibrating machines, inflatable hip-high pressurized boots, "hormone" or "enzyme" injections, heating pads, and massage. I won't go through all these (especially the rubberized pants!), but let's touch on some of the more popular "solutions."

Cellulite creams and gels form the bulk of all cellulite treatments offered.

Some of the newer "body lift" creams such as Christian Dior's Svelte Perfect and Nivea's Body Skin Firming Lotion are all over the women's magazines. In fact, though, these are merely temporary solutions at best that work by plumping up the skin, giving it a sleeker appearance.

Endermologie treatments can be carried out at most day spas.

This is the first FDA-approved non-surgical cellulite treatment. This French machine kneads and massages the skin to release cellulite-forming toxins and increase circulation. Sessions run about $100 each, and it usually takes 10 to 15 sessions to see results. After that, it's recommended you have monthly maintenance sessions. Again, it's a temporary effect that you'd have to carry on with to continue to see results.

Body wraps are another popular treatment in day spas.

These treatments claim to be able to reduce inches off the waist, hips, thighs, and other areas of the body. Generally these facilities apply a special cream or lotion and then tightly wrap your body—often you're subjected to a heated sauna in your "mummified" state! Wraps do work to reduce some inches off the body; however, it's just temporary water weight, which is fine for a special event or night out, but it definitely doesn't reduce bodyfat levels. Losing the fat can only be done through a combination of diet and exercise.

Herbal supplements available in health-food stores.

Supplements such as borage oil, grapeseed extract, and Ginkgo biloba are believed to improve circulation, stimulate fat metabolism, and reduce localized fat storage. These haven't been clinically proven to work on cellulite, though, and a clinical study carried out in November 1999 on a popular herbal cellulite remedy showed no effect on cellulite or body fat levels. (Lis Balchin, M., "Parallel Placebo Controlled Clinical Study of a Mixture of Herbs Sold as a Remedy for Cellulite," Phtyother Res 13.7 (1999 Nov) : 627-9.)

Some of the above treatments may help smooth your skin and temporarily reduce the appearance of cellulite, but you'll get much better results by doing some of the strength training aimed at your particular trouble spots and taking another look at your nutrition to see if there's anything that can be eliminated, such as caffeine.

The habits that make prematurely-aging skin

Many of the external causes of aging skin are determined by the health and lifestyle decisions you make every day. Making unhealthy choices can cause prematurely aging skin, and this makes you look older, faster.

An important part of any anti-aging skin care program is to know what you may be doing that is harming your skin and speeding up your skin's aging process.

1. Cigarette smoke: Whether you smoke, or you spend time with a smoker, cigarette smoke is damaging -- and aging -- to your skin. Research has shown that exposure to cigarette smoke significantly increases skin wrinkles and dryness. This is partly due to the behavior of smoking, and also because cigarette smoke depletes your body of vitamin C, which is a key ingredient for keeping skin plump and moist.

   Some researchers believe that exposure to cigarette smoke (whether you smoke or not) is as damaging to aging skin as exposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays.

2. Sun exposure: Sun exposure is very aging to skin. Unprotected skin that is exposed to the sun becomes more mottled in appearance. Freckles can turn into brown sun spots, the skin takes on a dry, leathery appearance, and wrinkles and sagging increase. The risk of skin cancer is significantly increased by sun exposure.

   The good news is that sun damage is avoidable, and if you start now, you can improve the condition of sun damaged skin.

   • See your health care provider to assess the amount of sun damage you may have, and to rule out possible skin cancers. He or she may be able to prescribe medication that can help to reduce existing sun damage.
   • If you want to avoid aging skin but don’t want to avoid the sun, make sure you use sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Choose sunscreen with SPF of 15 or higher, and use it all year-round, even on cloudy days. Clouds do not protect you from ultraviolet ray exposure.

3. Lack of exercise: Living a sedentary life contributes to aging skin, because exercise helps to tone your muscles and get your blood flowing. Exercise should be an important part of every anti-aging skin care program. Researchers have also discovered that sedentary older adults are at higher risk for dementia.

   In addition to the physical benefits of exercise, the benefits of a regular exercise program will show on your face. Having a bright smile and lots of energy will help you look and feel younger, at any age.

4. Exposure to cold weather: Cold winds and low temperatures contribute to aging skin by making skin dry, so if you venture out in the cold be sure to use a good moisturizer.

   It’s important to use moisturizer indoors too, as heated rooms can be very drying to skin. Consider using a humidifier to help keep your skin more comfortable and reduce the aging skin effects of heated rooms.

5. Alcohol use: Alcohol contributes to aging skin by dilating small blood vessels in the skin and increasing blood flow near the skin's surface. Over time, these blood vessels can become permanently damaged, creating a flushed appearance and broken vessels on the skin’s surface.
6. Stress: Maybe you’ve heard this expression: “Don’t frown, your face could stay that way.” Stress and worry cause frowning, and over time the muscles in the face actually conform to that movement.

   To help reduce aging skin due to stress, be aware of your stress level and try to vary your facial expressions during the day. A good anti-aging skin care program should include meditation, yoga, gentle exercise or other relaxation techniques. Keeping stress in check -- and frown lines and aging skin wrinkles to a minimum -- will help you look and feel younger.

7. Lack of sleep: Too little sleep makes you look and feel tired. One of the first places lack up sleep shows up is on the face, with dark circles and bags under the eyes, and sagging skin. Lack of sleep is also a major factor in memory loss and symptoms of depression that include low interest in daily activities and negative thinking.

   Research has shown that most adults function best with 8-9 hours of sleep each night. Reduce caffeine during the day (with none in the evening), avoid eating at least 2 hours before bedtime, and maintain a sleep routine that includes going to bed at the same time each night.

How to make natural facial masks

Here is several natural aids have been found useful in promoting healthy and beautiful skin.

Lime Juice

Lime juice is an important natural aid for healthy skin.

1. To cure pimples

Squeeze lime into a bowl. Add a glass of boiled whole milk and a teaspoon of glycerin to it. Stir well and let it stay for half an hour. Apply this mixture on the face, hands and feet before going to bed at night. This treatment every night will help you to look young and beautiful. It will also help cure pimples.

2. For very oily skin

Squeeze lemon juice in a bowl of iced water. Splash this over the face, massage for five minutes and then wash off with water.

3. To improve a dull and greasy complexion

Mix half teaspoon of lime juice with one teaspoon of cucumber juice and a few drops of rose water. Apply on the face and neck and leave on for 15 minutes. Remove with water.

4. To improve a dry and rough skin

Take an egg yolk and mix in a few drops of lime and olive oil. Spread on the face and leave it till the skin feels dry. Wash off with ordinary water and splash on cold water.

5. To relieve tired eyes

Take four tablespoons each of lime juice and iced water. Saturate cotton pads in this water and place over your closed eyelids for 10 minutes.

6. To remove freckles

Blanch and grind two almonds. Mix it with white of an egg to which half teaspoon of lime juice has been added. Spread on the face and leave it on till the skin feels dry. Then, wash off first with warm water and then with cold water.

Peach Treatment

The skin of the peach is useful in improving the complexion.

Gently massage the inside of peach peelings on the face every night for a few minutes. Don't rub off the moisture afterwards. This will cleanse the skin thoroughly and free the pores. It also has an astringent action and tightens the muscle of the face slightly, thus preventing sagging tissues.

Honey

Combine 1 egg yolk, 1 teaspoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of honey. Smooth over your face and rinse after 15 minutes. Honey is popular in facial treatments for dry skin.

Strawberry

Mix 1 cup of over-ripe strawberries and 1/4 cup of cornstarch to make a drawing facial mask for deep-cleaning the skin. Leave on for 30 minutes and rinse thoroughly.

Orange Tonic

Blanch and grind a couple of almonds to a paste and mix in two tablespoons of milk and one tablespoon each of carrot and orange juice. Apply thickly on face and neck and leave on for half an hour. Removes scars and blemishes from the face and makes it soft and smooth.

Watermelon Juice

The juice of water-melon is useful in the removal of blemishes on the skin.

Prepare a lotion by grating and squeezing the juice of a small slice of water-melon. Apply this lotion over the face and neck for fifteen minutes. Wash with hot water. Follow this by a splash of cold water.

Tomato

Tomato, used externally, is good for getting a good complexion.

Apply the pulp of a tomato liberally on the face. Leave this for an hour. Then wash off with warm water. Repeat this daily. You will have a good complexion. It will also remove ugly-looking pimples in a short time.

Cucumber

Grate or blend a cucumber. Apply this over the face, eyes and neck for 15 to 20 minutes. It is a great tonic for the facial skin. Regular use of cucumber prevents pimples, blackheads, wrinkles, and dryness of the face.

Almonds

Make a paste of almonds with mild cream and fresh rosebud paste. Apply it daily over the face. This softens and bleaches the skin and nourishes it with the choicest skin-food. Regular application of this mixture prevents the early appearance of wrinkles, blackheads, dryness of the skin, pimples. It also keeps the face refreshed.

To improve rough and dry complexion:
Take a teaspoon of almond oil and mix it with half a teaspoon each of milk cream and lime juice. Apply every night before going to bed both on the face and on the neck.

Yogurt

Yogurt is a very important natural beauty aid.

Apply yogurt on the face every morning. Wash it off after a few minutes with cold water. This will keep the complexion smooth, healthy and fresh. A mixture of yogurt and lemon juice is ideal for softening hands.

A paste of lentil and yogurt, applied as a mask, cleanses the skin and gives it a glow. Let it dry. When dried, remove it with fingertips and wash off with water.
Honey, olive oil and a mixture of turmeric and sandalwood paste are all very effective in rejuvenating dry , parched skin.

Apple Tonic

Mix one tablespoon of apple juice with one-fourth teaspoon of lime juice. Leave on for 20 minutes. Makes excellent tonic for combating oily skin.

Amaranth Juice Treatment

The juice of amaranth, applied over the face with a pinch of turmeric powder, bleaches the skin, prevents it from drying and wrinkling, cures pimples and makes one look fresh.

Add to this mixture milk and lime juice. Massage the mixture delicately over the face and neck for half an hour. Wash it off with lukewarm water. Do this every night before going to bed. This is an effective skin tonic that increases and retains its beauty.

Mint Juice

Application of fresh mint juice over the face every night, cures pimples and prevents dryness of the skin. The juice can also be applied over eczema and contact dermatitis with beneficial results.

Cabbage Mask

Grind a couple of cabbage leaves and extract juice. Dissolve one-fourth teaspoon of yeast in it and stir in one teaspoon of honey. Mix well and apply thickly over face and neck. Keep it for 15 minutes. Remove with cotton-wool soaked in water. This mask will counteract any tendency towards wrinkles and dryness and give your skin a flower-like bloom.

Tangerine Juice Treatment

The use of orange or tangerine juice has also been found valuable for a glowing complexion.

Dip your fingers in fresh tangerine or orange juice. Apply it liberally over your face, chin, neck, and forehead. Make a paste from the powdered sun dried pips of unripe oranges. Use this paste on the pimples and acne at bed time.

Cleansing Lotion

To one-fourth teaspoon of lime juice stir in one teaspoon each of milk and cucumber juice. Apply on the face and neck and wash off after 14 minutes. This lotion cleanses and purifies the pores of the skin.

Anti-wrinkle cream

Mix a teaspoon of olive oil with an egg. Smoothen the face and neck with it. Let it remain till the skin gets dry.

To Remove The Cream:
Add a teaspoon of soda bicarbonate to hot water. Stir. Dip a piece of cotton-wool to this mixture and use it to remove the cream.

Natural Beauty Mask

Ingredients
1 tablespoon of gram flour
1/4 teaspoon orange peel powder
1 tablespoon beaten yogurt
1 teaspoon olive oil

Mix the ingredients well and apply the paste to your face and neck. Let it remain till the skin starts feeling a little dry and then rub your face with your hands till it glows.

Wash your face first with warm water and then with cold water. This will remove all the embarrassing blemishes from the skin and make the skin soft and smooth.

To improve a dark and dull complexion

Ingredients
1 teaspoon of gram flour
pinch of turmeric powder
few drops of lime juice
1/2 teaspoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon milk

Mix the ingredients together. Apply the mixture to your skin. Leave it on for half an hour. Wash off with water.

Tips for your healthy skin

SLEEPING BEAUTY

I don’t care what else you do to your skin, if you are sleep deprived your skin will look sallow, dull, tired, and saggy; with your puffy eyes, you will resemble a frog prince or princess. And of course, your energy level will be less than desirable

Your skin, which is prone to damage during the day, is repaired as you sleep.

Some people require as much as eight to nine hours of sleep every night; others can make do with just five.

Remember, there is so substitute for sleep if you want great skin.

Sleep is the best-kept skin care secret

YOU MUST DRINK A LOT OF WATER

What goes in must go out, and water helps move everything along. Impurities not disposed of in a timely manner via the internal organs of elimination (such as the kidneys, liver, lungs, and large intestine) will find an alternate exit, namely your skin, sometimes referred to as the “third kidney.” Pimples and rashes may develop as your body tries to unload its wastes through your skin. Consciously make an effort to have at least eight to 12 glasses daily will help cleanse your body of toxins and keep your colon functioning as it should. Water also keeps your skin hydrated and moisturized, so drink up!

DO SOME EXERCISE

Try to exercise outside, to help oxygenate your cells with fresh air and facilitate waste removal through your skin. Exercises such as walking, biking, in-line skating, and weight lifting improve cardiovascular fitness and muscular endurance, which translates into increased energy and a rosy complexion. If you live in a city, try to find a green space—a park or a greenway—in which to exercise. If city streets, with their attendant pollution, are your only outdoor option, exercising in a gym may be a better alternative.

FOODS FOR YOUR HEALTHY SKIN

Most people do not consciously realize that what they eat affects the health of their skin and eat the wrong things which cause all these problems. They get skin care products that never work because the root problem is still present. Diet is probably one of the more common causes of skin problems, so eat well and you may even be able to dump your skin-care products in the bin forever.

Eating foods rich in anti-oxidants is one of the keys in having great skin. This slows down cell-damage and as you may have already heard a million times, fights free radicals. Berries such as cranberries and blueberries are one of the richest sources of bio flavonoids, antioxidants that destroy free radicals which destroy tissue and reinforce the cells that make up blood vessel walls, increasing blood circulation and giving you those beautiful rosy cheeks. Bright colors on vegetables and fruits signify richness in antioxidants, so eat more of these as well. They include plums, apricots, strawberries, spinach, broccoli and other leafy vegetables.

Chicken, fish and other seafood are also great foods that will benefit the skin. These are good sources of high-quality, low fat protein which helps make your skin more elastic and toned. An additional advantage of eating these is stronger, shinier hair. Also, try to avoid red meats as these will cause less desirable effects on the skin. You have to eat about 60 grams of these a day for a difference in your skin.

Foods with Omega-3 fatty acids are also great for the skin. You can get these as daily supplements, or you could find them in fatty fish like Salmon, Cod and other foods including ground flaxseeds, walnuts, cauliflower, brussel sprouts and cabbage.

Vitamin E rich foods will help to prevent dry skin and also helps in the repair and reduction of scars and stretch marks. These foods include hazelnuts, almonds, broccoli, spinach, mango, kiwi, peanuts and sunflower seeds.

Poultry, red meat, fish, bananas, peanut butter and eggs are a rich source of Vitamin B. Eat foods with a low glycaemic Index as they are absorbed very slowly by the body and not cause a sudden rush in blood sugar level. When the blood sugar level increases too rapidly, the pancreas will produce excess insulin that will cause cell-damaging chemicals which cause inflammation. This causes premature aging, among other illnesses such as cancer.

THE THINGS YOU MUST AVOID

Avoid your sugar

This may hurt, but try to avoid sugar as much as possible. Sugar has been known to weaken the collagen fibres of the skin and also cause them to lose their elasticity. Brown discolouration marks and age spots are caused by this, and no wonder even the middle-aged people nowadays have skin that look decades older. Sugar is hard to avoid, especially now where it is used in many of our processed foods that we don’t even realise contain this sweet substance. Soft drinks and alcohol are one of the most notorious for having plenty of sugar and should be avoided as much as possible.

Control your carbohydrate intake. Eating too much of carbohydrates will cause a hike in your blood-sugar level. Bread, corn, white rice, peas, pasta, potatoes and all refined pastries are high GI carbohydrate foods which you should avoid.

Cut back on caffeine

Caffeine makes it very unlikely that the skin cells will ever pick up enough water, even if you drink a gallon of water a day.

Avoid cigarette smoke

Cigarette smoke exposes you to damaging free radicals that will accelerate the aging process by damaging the microcapillaries in the skin.

Say good-bye to stress

Stress and tension accelerate the formation of lines around your eyes and can even produce abnormal skin conditions like eczema (where the skin gets dry and itchy; it can even result in broken skin and bleeding).

The way to have a healthy and beautiful skin

Your skin portrays your health and holds the key to your overall beauty

Your skin, especially the skin on your face, is probably one of the last things you want looking terrible with pimple scars, acne and an oily appearance.

The skin is the organ that determines most of our appearance and how good we look, so taking care of it to make sure it is always at its most pristine state is vital for a great image. No one likes acne-infested faces or skin with age spots. They simply look unpleasant and sometimes leave the impression of contagiousness, which leaves people afraid of even going near you.

It's never too late to start caring for your skin; of course the earlier you start the better. 'Prevention is better than cure'. A good cleansing routine is important for looking after the skin externally, but a balanced nutritious diet, plenty of water and another factors is a combined effort to have a beautiful skin

Caring for your skin

The skin naturally produces sebum (oil), sweat and grease naturally build up on the skin and can block pores and follicles and lead to infection. But that's not all, on top of that we love to layer on the make-up, 'cosmetics here we come', which can also cause congestion and irritation, especially if not removed properly. Not to mention all the pollutants in the air, especially if you work in a city. Dust and dirt in the air land on your skin and build up a healthy layer throughout the day and rubbing or touching our faces with grubby mitts just adds to all the congestion. As you can imagine by the end of the day there is quite a collection of yuk built up on our skin and consequently blackheads and spots can fester…

Cleanse your skin twice daily using a mild, natural, inexpensive cleanser designed for your skin type. Add a couple of drops essential oil of rose, spearmint, or orange to your cleanser to boost its cleaning effect and aromatic quality. Cleansing your skin is especially important before going to bed, because your body excretes toxins through your skin as you sleep. If facial pores are clogged with makeup and dirt, breakouts can occur. If you perspire a lot in your line of work or exercise heavily, then rinse off and massage your body with a coarse cloth or loofah before retiring to remove salt and dead-skin buildup. Your skin needs to breathe while you sleep !

This is 4 steps to keep your skin look young and healthy :

CLEANSING
There are lots of different products on the market for cleansing the skin. I would generally recommend a cleaning milk, lotion or cream. They should state on the packaging which skin type they are most suitable for, but generally, if it says it's a lotion, its for combination or greasy skin; if it says its a cream, its for dry or mature skin; and milk tends to be for dry skin prone to sensitivity or sensitive skin.

TONING

Toners not only balance the skins natural pH, they are recommended to remove all traces of cleanser and grease. They cool the skin, creating a tightening effect and closing the pores, so reducing the flow of sebum and sweat onto the skins surface (so great for oily skins).

EXFOLIATING

Exfoliating encourages cell regeneration - so brilliant for mature skin - and with no dead skin cells and grease to block its absorption, means moisturisers can be soaked up more easily into the skin. As with all products, there are lots of different types of exfoliants; on the face make sure you use a facial exfoliator (they are more gentle)! The granules in them are either chemical or vegetable origin. I don't think that is terribly relevant, it's a matter of personal preference, which you go for. I'd recommend exfoliating once to twice a week, concentrating on areas like the nose and forehead where you get the most congestion.

MOISTURISING

It is important to moisturise even if you have an oily skin. When the skin is exposed to cold, less sebum is produced; this means the skin has reduced protection, allowing moisture to evaporate. The loss of moisture from your skin is affected by the water content in the air around you (humidity). In hot dry weather humidity is low - the amount of water in the air around you is low - so the air, as such, absorbs the water out of your skin. In mild conditions humidity is high - there's plenty of water in the air - so water loss from your skin will be low. With central heating we create a humidity similar to that in a desert environment - it is very drying on your skin. In very hot weather your skin sweats and you loose lots of moisture through this perspiration. Extremes of weather or alternating hot and cold, for example going into a heated building in the winter or going into an air conditioned office in a hot summer can lead to broken capillaries. All of these damaging effects caused by the climate can be reduced by using moisturisers and facial oils - these spread a protective layer of oil on the skin, pushing nourishment and moisture into the skin while reducing evaporation of water from the skin. In a building with central heating humidifiers can be used to moisten the air.
Moisturisers also plump out fine lines, and provide a protective barrier between your skin and cosmetics and pollutants. They often contain additional ingredients and nutrients, the most common being vitamin E. A lot of moisturisers these days also sensibly contain some UV filter to protect against the age-accelerating effects of sunlight. They protect, soften and nourish the skin and are, I would say, the most important part of your skin care routine. I often suggest my clients use a moisturiser and a facial oil, especially if they have a dehydrated skin or are concerned about aging.

Psoriasis Guide: Your Prescription for Psoriasis Treatment Information

Psoriasis is a condition that can cause discomfort, pain and emotional stress. We have put together this Guide to address this condition and answer some of the questions you may have about psoriasis, and how you can find relief. We have provided information on the basics of psoriasis, what should be avoided and help on general skin care, and diet information. You will also find research on some of the new and latest treatments, various therapies, and creams available for treating psoriasis.
Psoriasis treatment options range from topical and oral treatments, to light therapy. A person’s psoriasis can be mild and localized or be very extensive and have numerous symptoms. There are many types of psoriasis conditions including psoriatic arthritis, plaque psoriasis (psoriasis vulgaris), scalp psoriasis, guttate psoriasis, inverse psoriasis, pustular psoriasis, erythrodermic psoriasis, and nail psoriasis. This guide has information that addresses all of these conditions.

Treatment Of Scalp Psoriasis Topical Therapy : Topical therapy includes corticosteroids, calcipotriol/calcipotriene, tazarotene, tars, and anthralin. Tars and anthralin are discussed above. If the psoriasis is thick, measures must be taken to thin down the plaques. Since creams and ointments are hard to apply to the scalp and wash out of the hair, they are rarely used to treat scalp psoriasis. Lotions, solutions, and gels are generally used since they are easier to apply, and do not give a greasy appearance to the hair, and are easier to wash out.
Topical Corticosteroids : Topical corticosteroid gels, lotions, solutions, oils, and shampoos may be used to treat scalp psoriasis. They work quite quickly, often within 1-2 weeks however, with long-term use, steroids often lose their effectiveness.
The scalp solution may be easily applied to the scalp, the onset of action is usually slower (could take up to 2 months) than with topical steroids, but it is usually effective and safe for long term use. Since it may cause irritation, you should take care to limit application to your scalp and avoid use on your face.
Example of topical calcipotriol/calcipotriene scalp solution:
Calcipitriol scalp solution (Dovonex®) Topical Tazarotene : Tazarotene is a selective retinoid with properties that are similar to vitamin A. The gel formulation is generally applied once daily overnight to the scalp patches, it can be easily worked into your scalp. Scalp irritation may occur with this product, but less commonly than elsewhere. To minimize irritation, apply a thin layer of the medication only to the patches and avoid the uninvolved surrounding skin. You should not use this medication if you are pregnant.
Systemic Therapy : Most of the time, oral medications are not required for scalp psoraisis, but if you have a very resistant case or if your itch is uncontrollable, they may be used.
Methotrexate : Methotrexate is usually given once a week orally (pills) or occasionally by injection (with a needle). It helps control psoriasis affecting your skin, nails, and joints. Side effects include upset stomach, mouth ulcers, suppression of the bone marrow with low blood counts, and liver damage. Careful monitoring by your physician is essential on this medication. Liver biopsies may be required.
Acitretin : Acitretin is a retinoid with properties similar to vitamin A. For most patients, it does not appear to be as effective as methotrexate or cyclosporine in the treatment of plaque psoriasis. However, it works quite well for pustular psoriasis. Side effects include dryness of your skin, lips, eyes, and nose, elevation of your cholesterol and triglyceride levels, liver toxicity, and bone changes. Since it may cause birth defects, it is used mainly in men, and women who are post-menopausal or have had a hysterectomy. Monitoring by your doctor, and regular blood tests are required while taking this medication.
Cyclosporine : Cyclosporine is an immunosuppressant medication that is used in organ transplantation. It is very effective, but because of its cost and side effects (kidney toxicity, high blood pressure, numbness and tingling, hair growth, skin cancer, and lymphomas), it is usually reserved for people with severe, disabling, resistant disease. Careful monitoring by your doctor is required while taking this medication.
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Back to By Type of Psoriasis Index.

Herpes Guide: How do I know if I have herpes?

Welcome to Herpes Guide, a member of the SkinCareGuide network of websites, written by international dermatologists. Did you know that herpes virus infections are common in both men and women? We hope you find answers to your questions about herpes in this Guide, which explores the various types of herpes, including Herpes Simplex Virus and herpes in pregnancy.
We have developed this site to help you understand the basics of herpes, how it is diagnosed, the role of cold sores and which drugs are effective in treating herpes. Take the time now to browse through our links and learn more about herpes.
There are now several drugs available in Canada to treat herpes, such as acyclovir (Zovirax®), valacyclovir (Valtrex®), famciclovir (Famvir®), penciclovir (Denavir®), ganciclovir (Cytovene®, Vitrasert®), vidarabine (Vira-A®), cidofovir (Vistide®), and foscarnet (Foscavir®). These prescription drugs come in different formulations such as topical, oral and intravenous formulations. There is also a drug for cold sores that you can buy without a prescription called docanosol cream (Abreva®). Your physician will help in recommending an appropriate regimen for your specific circumstance.
Acyclovir Acyclovir and its related compounds, valacyclovir, famciclovir, and penciclovir, remain the first line drugs of choice for the treatment of herpes simplex infections. Acyclovir is available in an oral, an intravenous, and a topical formulation. Valacyclovir and famciclovir are only available in oral form and not approved in Canada for use in children. Unfortunately only 10-20% of acyclovir is absorbed when taken orally. In contrast, valacyclovir is 80% absorbed and then converted to acyclovir in the liver.
Acyclovir is a “nucleoside analogue” (it can insert itself into virus DNA during virus replication) and specifically targets virus infected cells. It prevents the production of new virus by stopping viral DNA from properly forming. Famciclovir and valacyclovir work in a similar manner to acyclovir. Because of the way they act, these 3 drugs require the virus to reactivate in order to be effective. Therefore, they are only effective against virus that has escaped from the nerve-cell and is replicating in other parts of the body. Thus, they do not cure a ‘dormant’ (latent) HSV infection, since the latent virus is not replicating. There is no antiviral treatment available that can eradicate latent HSV infection.
Read about advantages and disadvantages of Acyclovir treatment.
Vidarabine
Vidarabine, one of the first HSV antiviral drugs available, is less safe than acyclovir and is only used in a 3% ointment form in North America, as treatment against herpes infections of the eye.
Foscarnet Foscarnet, another of the early anti-herpes drugs, was only used in life threatening HSV infection due to toxicity. It is now used in serious HSV infection if acyclovir does not work.

Eczema Guide: Your Prescription for Eczema Treatment Information

Eczema is a chronic, recurring, intensely itchy, inflammation of the skin, which usually starts in early childhood. It is also known as atopic eczema or atopic dermatitis.
Taking a sensible approach to treating eczema is very important, so we have designed this site to help you understand your eczema more clearly. It discusses what eczema is, what causes eczema and what eczema treatment options are available. You will find out about cosmetic and skin care for your eczema, including how important moisturizing is. Different types of eczema are discussed including hand eczema, contact dermatitis, allergic dermatitis and others, and a selection of eczema pictures are available. There are also a number of topical and oral eczema treatments available that will help your eczema, including new classes of drugs and medical procedures like light therapy. If you have adult eczema, or your child has baby eczema or infant eczema, we encourage you to read this site and discuss your options with your physician.

Acne Guide: Your Source for Acne Care and Treatment

Acne, oftens thought to be only a teenager’s skin problem, is actually a condition that can affect adults both male or female, although it generally begins during puberty. Taking a proactive approach to treating acne is very important. Your daily skin care regime, along with the acne treatment or product you and your dermatologist select, are key steps in your fight to eliminate pimples and curing acne.
This site was designed to help you understand your skin condition more clearly, define the different types of acne, to provide information about preventing acne scarring and maintaining acne control, and to help cure it with acne medication. You will find out about the medical acne treatments that are available, as well as cosmetic and skin care for your acne prone skin. We also list various acne remedies and acne medicines that are available including over-the-counter acne products, prescription drugs including creams, oral treatments and hormone therapies.
If you have pimples, we encourage you to find a solution by seeking acne treatment early. You will be happier with your skin, and you may be able to prevent scars from developing in the future. If you already have acne scars, this site will also examine the treatment options currently available to reduce or remove scarring, such as microdermabrasion or laser skin resurfacing

Treatments for Unwanted Facial Hair

Unwanted facial hair (UFH) in women is a common problem, and is most often a result of ethnic background or heredity. In a small percentage of women, it may be caused by androgen overproduction, increased sensitivity to circulating androgens, or other metabolic and endocrine disorders. Approximately 22% of women are affected by the presence of UFH growth on the mustache and chin area, and this can be a source of distress, leading to anxiety, depression and a reduced quality of life.1
It is very important to determine the underlying causes. Most are ethnic or hereditary; however, one must rule out any signs of androgen excess, e.g., an increase in body hair, irregular menstrual cycles, acne, alopecia, and seborrhea.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is the most common cause of androgen excess, and 70%-80% of patients with androgen excess demonstrate hirsutism, though this sign may be less prevalent among women of Asian extraction. There is a strong familial predilection for hirsutism, primarily because the underlying endocrine disorders in this population and the factors regulating the development of hair growth have a strong genetic component.2
Patients should be adequately advised of the available treatment modalities for hair removal. No single method of hair removal is appropriate for all body locations or patients, and the one adopted will depend on the character, area and amount of hair growth, as well as on the patient's age and their personal preference.3
Treatment options for removing excess facial hair are limited and can vary in effectiveness, the degree of discomfort, and cost. Current methods for removing this unwanted hair include such over-the-counter methods as plucking, waxing (including the sugar forms), depilatories, shaving, and home electrolysis. Hair removal methods that could take place in a doctor's office include laser, and intense pulsed light (IPL). An additional modality is a topical cream that inhibits hair growth: eflornithine 13.9% cream (Vaniqa®, Barrier Therapeutics in Canada and Shire Pharmaceuticals elsewhere).1
These methods are temporary with the time of regrowth ranging from a few days to a few months. For hirsutism associated with PCOS, treatments include oral contraceptives and/or antiandrogens, such as spironolactone, cyproterone acetate, flutamide and finasteride.4
Eflornithine HCl 13.9% cream is an irreversible inhibitor of ornithine decarboxylase, an enzyme that has been associated with the prolongation of the anagen or growth phase of the hair.6 Consequently, it reduces the rate of hair growth for all hairs. It appears to be effective regardless of whether the unwanted facial hair is hereditary or is due to medical conditions such as an androgen excess disorder, e.g., PCOS. After 24 weeks of treatment in clinical trials, it was shown to be effective on the chin and upper lip.7
Eflornithine, also known as difluoromethylornithine or DFMO, was synthesized in the 1970s as a potential anticancer drug. In 1980, Bacchi, et al. reported that this drug was effective in the treatment of African trypanosomiasis in a mouse model,8 and this finding later led to clinical studies in humans. In 1990, the US FDA granted marketing approval and orphan drug status for eflornithine to treat this disease. Clinical observations identified hair loss as a side-effect of eflornithine therapy and led to the development of Vaniqa®, which gained US regulatory approval in July 2001, as the first and only prescription cream clinically proven to slow the growth of unwanted facial hair in women.9

New and Effective Treatments for Warts

Warts are caused by viral infections of the skin. These viruses are explained on www.skincareguide.ca/glossary/w/warts.html. In some cases warts are just a nuisance, but warts can be unsightly and can interfere with work when they affect the hands or feet. Certain occupations - notably butchers - tend to develop warts on the hands which are thought to be related to their work. Warts on the hands can be a problem for those who work closely with the public, for example servers, nurses, doctors and dentists. Warts on the feet can hobble letter carriers, and interfere with sports like golf and hockey.
Until recently, the only treatment for warts was to burn the warts off, either with caustic chemicals or with high frequency electric current. Neither treatment was very reliable, and both treatments were quite unpleasant.
Treatments by type of wart is explained on
www.skincareguide.ca/conditions/warts/wart_treatment_by_type.html.

Sometimes warts go away without any treatment. When this happens, it is thought to result from activation of the immune system, causing recognition and destruction of the warts. Over the past couple of years, researchers in the United States have shown that injections of Candida antigen (derived from a yeast) can often stimulate the immune system to recognize and attack warts which have been injected, and sometimes even other warts which were not injected. Because the injections are done using very fine needles, and there is no destruction of tissue, there is essentially no discomfort or cosmetic disability. In some cases, the warts need to be injected several times, two to four weeks apart. A cream called imiquimod (Aldara®) which is used mainly for genital warts, can occasionally be effective when applied to other kinds of warts. It works by boosting the skin's immune system which attacks the virus.
Within the past year, a highly effective vaccine against the wart virus which is associated with carcinoma of the cervix has been developed, and it is hoped that this will be commercially available soon. Perhaps some day we will have protective vaccines (and perhaps even therapeutic vaccines) against the viruses which cause warts on the hands and feet.