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What You Need To Know About Stretch Marks

Usually if you have gained or lost weight, or have been pregnant in the past, you will notice some linear depressed marks on your tummy, thighs, arms, or other areas of your body. They may be slightly noticeable, but sometimes they are visible and dark. These are striae, commonly called stretch marks.

What causes stretch marks?

Stretch marks occur because skin has a certain limit in its elasticity and does not bounce back if it has been stretched beyond its end point. Stretch marks often start off as reddish or purplish in color and then become glossy skin that appears streaked in silver or white.

Stretch marks occur in the dermis, the middle layer of skin containing collagen and elastin, the fibers that allow it to retain its shape. However, when constantly stretched, the collagen and elastin fibers of the dermis break, leaving behind stretch marks.

Who can get stretch marks?

Both men and women can get stretch marks on several areas of their bodies, including the abdominal area, thighs, hips, breasts, upper arms or lower back.

People that are most susceptible to stretch marks are pregnant women, weight lifters, and adolescents. Pregnant women get stretch marks most often during the late stages of their pregnancy when the baby is growing quickly. Weightlifters, especially men, are prone to stretch marks appearing on their upper arms and shoulder areas when large amount of muscle are built up quickly. Adolescents sometimes see the formation of stretch marks because of the tremendous amount of growth they experience during that period of time in their life. Most often, the stretch marks that appear during the adolescent years fade over time and either disappear completely or are much less noticeable than stretch marks formed later in life.

What can I do about my stretch marks?

There are several treatment options for stretch marks. The degree of success with any treatment will be affected by your age, your skin tone and even your diet. Treatment options include:

• Surgical methods. Dermabrasion, chemical peels or laser surgery can be used to address unwanted stretch marks.
• Lotions and creams. Over-the-counter stretch mark treatments are available but has not been proven to be particularly effective.

It's best to be in the care of a surgeon or dermatologist. He or she can determine which treatment approach is best for you.

Vitamins for a Healthy Skin

We all want to have healthy skin, and we may ask, what else can we do aside from washing and keeping our face clean to take care of our skin? Health experts say that vitamins and minerals in all forms play an integral role in a healthy skin, whether the source is food, supplements, or even a jar of cream.

"Your skin is the fingerprint of what is going on inside your body, and all skin conditions, from psoriasis to acne to aging, are the manifestations of your body's internal needs, including its nutritional needs," says Georgiana Donadio, PhD, DC, MSc, founder and director of the National Institute of Whole Health in Boston.

"There is a lot of important new research showing tremendous power of antioxidants in general, and in some specific nutrients in particular that can make an important difference in the way your skin looks and feels -- and even in how well it ages," says nutritional supplement expert Mary Sullivan, RN, co-founder of Olympian Labs. "When combined with a good diet, the right dietary supplements can help keep your skin looking not only healthy, but also years younger."

So which vitamins do you need to keep your skin healthy and looking its best? According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), the following vitamins nourish your skin, whether you take them in supplement form, apply them directly to you skin, or make sure you get enough from the foods you eat.

The following are the vitamins that can keep you skin healthy.

1. Vitamins C and E

Vitamins C and E are powerful antioxidants that fight the adverse effects of sun exposure.

In research presented at the 2002 Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology, Duke University researcher Sheldon Pinnell and colleagues demonstrated that "appreciable photoprotection can be obtained from topical vitamins C and E."
"Topical Vitamin C can prevent the consequences of prolonged sun exposure which can lead to skin cancer," says Karen E. Burke, MD, in a news release. "Supplementation with natural Vitamin E in 400 mg per day has been noted to reduce photodamage, wrinkles and improve skin texture."

This research has been verified by a study reported in The Journal of Investigative Dermatology in February 2005 that people who take vitamins C and E in the long term reduced their sunburns from exposure to UVB radiation. Moreover, researchers saw a reduction of factors linked to DNA damage within skin cells, leading them to conclude that antioxidant vitamins help protect against DNA damage.

Vitamin C and E help by reducing the damage caused by free radicals, a harmful byproduct of sunlight, smoke, and pollution. Free radicals damage collagen and elastin, the fibers that support skin structure, causing wrinkles and other signs of aging. When these two vitamins are combined in a lotion, they can be highly protective against sun damage.

But don’t think that you can just lather on lotions with these vitamins and expose yourself to the sun for hours. The link between tanning and skin cancer is clear, documented and dangerous. When you need to be under the sun, always wear a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 25 and limit your sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. But you may be able to help your skin stay healthier and supple by making sure you get enough of these antioxidant vitamins.

To make sure your diet includes plenty of vitamin C, eat citrus fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C such as brussel sprouts, bell peppers, broccoli, and leafy greens. These foods can replace the loss of the vitamin through the skin. As a dietary supplement, you can also take vitamin C tablets, up to 500 to 1,000 milligrams of per day, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.

You can also use a topical vitamin C cream to encourage collagen production, just as your body does naturally when you are young. One thing to remember about using topical vitamin C is to use a formulation containing the L-ascorbic acid, the only one that can penetrate skin layers so you can reap its benefits.

Vitamin E is found in vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, spinach, olives and asparagus. But it's difficult to get a lot from food, so many people take a supplement. (Some recent research warns that large doses of vitamin E can be harmful. Limit your intake with 400 i.u. per day or less to be on the safe side.) Used in a cream, lotion, or serum form, vitamin E can soothe dry, rough skin, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.

2. Vitamin A

Vitamin A is necessary for the maintenance and repair of skin tissue. If your vitamin A levels drop even a little below normal, you're likely to see some skin-related symptoms, including a dry, flaky complexion. Fruits and vegetables are loaded with vitamin A.

Topical vitamin A (Retinol, Tretinoin, Retinoic acid) is very beneficial for your skin. Scientific studies show a significant reduction in lines and wrinkles, good acne control, and a decrease in psoriasis lesions, from using creams containing vitamin A. A research presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology in 2003, researchers from France showed that topically applied retinol plus vitamin C demonstrated a "reversal of skin alterations induced by chronologic aging and photoaging."

In another study published in the British Journal of Dermatology, doctors found that foods high in beta-cartotene -- a form of vitamin A -- appeared to reduce the risk of psoriasis.

The prescription treatment for acne called Retin-A is derived from vitamin A. The less potent, over-the-counter formulations are sold as retinols and used as anti-aging treatments.

3. Vitamin B Complex

When it comes to skin, the single most important B vitamin is biotin, a nutrient that forms the basis of skin, nail, and hair cells. Without adequate amounts, you may end up with dermatitis (an itchy, scaly skin reaction) or sometimes even hair loss. Even a mild deficiency causes symptoms. Biotin is found in many foods including bananas, eggs, oatmeal, and rice, plus your body also makes some biotin on its own.

Vitamin B creams are shown to help give skin an almost instant healthy glow while hydrating cells and increasing overall tone. Niacin, a specific B vitamin, helps skin retain moisture, so creams containing this nutrient can help your complexion look younger in as little as six days. Niacin also has anti-inflammatory properties to soothe dry, irritated skin. In higher concentrations it can also work as a lightening agent to even out blotchy skin tone.

4. Vitamin K

Vitamin K, the nutrient responsible for helping blood clot, won't do much for your skin if taken internally. But there are researches that show that topical vitamin K works well to lighten the dark circles under the eyes as well as hasten the healing of bruises. In a research published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology in 2002, doctors from the University of Miami School of Medicine found that application of vitamin K cream after laser surgery significantly reduced bruising. When combined with vitamin A in a cream, vitamin K can be even more effective for those dark under eye circles. In a study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, doctors from the Nippon Medical School in Tokyo found that the topical application of a gel containing a derivative of vitamin K, as well as vitamins A, C, and E, was effective in reducing dark under eye circles and wrinkles.

Skin Care For Psoriasis

Key points
• If you have psoriasis, your skin is very sensitive. To protect your skin, avoid:
> Skin care products that irritate your skin.
> Scratching and picking your skin, and skin injuries such as cuts or scrapes.
> Cold, dry climates. Cold weather causes symptoms to become worse.
• The most important thing you can do is to keep your skin moist and lubricated. Use moisturizing creams, ointments, and lotions.

What does skin care for psoriasis involve?
• Protect your skin by avoiding harsh skin products, skin injury, and cold climates.
• Keep your skin moist and lubricated by using moisturizing creams, ointments, and lotions; taking baths or soaks once a day; or using a technique of applying creams or lotions and then wrapping the area.
• Use prescribed medications by following the instructions for skin products and medications prescribed for you and preparing your skin for topical medications.

Why is skin care important?
Skin care is important because it can prevent or reduce the symptoms of psoriasis. It can also help prevent infections and injuries to your skin, which can result in flare-ups of symptoms.
Taking care of your skin involves protecting your skin, keeping it moist and lubricated, and using prescribed medications. These steps will improve the condition of your skin.

How do I take care of my skin?
Protect your skin by:
• Avoiding harsh skin products. For example, use a mild soap (such as Dove, Basis, or Neutrogena) instead of deodorant soaps or other harsh soaps (such as Camay, Lava, or Zest). Avoid lotions that contain alcohol, which can dry the skin and make psoriasis worse.
• Preventing skin injury. Don't scratch and pick your skin or cuts and scrapes. An injury to the skin can cause psoriasis patches to form anywhere on the body, including the site of the injury. This includes injuries to your nails or nearby skin while trimming your nails. Tight shoes, clothing, watchbands, and hats can also irritate the skin.
• Avoiding cold climates. Cold, dry weather worsens symptoms.

Keep your skin moist and lubricated by:
• Using moisturizing creams and lotions.
• Taking baths or soaks once a day to replace skin moisture that may be lost due to cold, dry climates or to drying medications. You will benefit most by applying an ointment, cream, or lotion within 3 minutes after your bath to seal in moisture; otherwise, when the water evaporates, it will make your skin even drier. Adding bath oils to your bath water can also help, but this can make the tub slippery. If you add oils to your bath water, be very careful.
• Using a home humidifier to increase moisture in the air.
• Applying creams or lotions, then wrapping the area with tape, material, or plastic to keep the skin moist (called occlusion).

Use prescribed medications by:
• Following the instructions for skin products and medications prescribed for you.
• Preparing your skin for topical medications. Gentle softening and removal of psoriasis crusts and scale can help your skin absorb creams and other skin products. Psoriasis crusts can be removed by gently rubbing cream into the crusts to soften them and then carefully peeling them off.

How to Take Care of Your Acne-Prone Skin

Acne is a skin condition that usually affects teenagers, but older people can likewise be afflicted with it. Acne is caused by many factors, including bacterial infection (P. acnes), genetic, increase sebum/oil production, dirt/grime, hormones, stress, diet and other lifestyle factors.

Good daily skin care is so important for acne-prone skin. A good acne skin care regimen helps remove excess oil, keeps pores clear, and hastens the healing of future breakouts. Fortunately, your daily acne skin care routine doesn’t have to take a lot of time. The following regimen can help your acne-prone skin.

Cleanse twice daily with a mild cleanser. Using only your fingertips (no washcloths or scrubbing pads, please) thoroughly cleanse the face, including your jaw line, neck, and in front of and behind the ears. Use a gentle foaming cleanser, such as Dove or Neutrogena or, if you have inflamed breakouts, choose a cleanser with benzoyl peroxide. Wash twice at every cleansing: Cleanse, rinse well, and repeat.

Use a toner or astringent. Apply toner using a cotton ball or pad and gently smooth over the face and neck to remove any leftover makeup or cleanser residue, and excess oil. Choose an alcohol-free toner if your skin gets overly dry. Alcohol can be drying and irritating for some people, especially to skin that is already irritated by breakout activity.

Apply any acne medications or creams, if needed. After your toner has dried completely, smooth on your treatment creams as directed. This could be a medication prescribed by your doctor, or an over-the-counter acne gel or cream. Common acne medications are topical benzoyl peroxide (e.g. Pro-activ), tretinoin (e.g. Retin-A) and salicylic acid (e.g. Glytone). Allow the medication to dry completely before proceeding to the next step.

Apply an oil-free moisturizer. This is optional. Observe your skin if it’s too dry or peeling, then you may need a moisturizer. But choose an oil-free and non-comedogenic moisturizer such as Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisturizer, since ordinary ones may increase the oiliness of your skin, which may further exacerbate your acne.

Tips:
1. If toners or astringents seem to over-dry your skin, don’t use them. You aren't going to harm your skin by not using a toner.
2. Always let the skin dry thoroughly before moving on to the next step.

What You Need:
• A gentle cleanser
• Toner or astringent
• Cotton balls or cotton pads
• Topical acne medications
• Oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturizer