Fact or Fiction?

Does chocolate cause acne outbreaks?
It’s a myth, say experts at the Dove Natural Beauty Foundation. Unless you are allergic to chocolate ingredi­ents, you shouldn’t suffer from an acne outbreak, assuming your consumption is just an occasional treat.

Chlorine and your skin

It’s summertime, and most of us are taking advantage of the local public swimming pool, in addition to the pools and hot tubs in our own backyard. For everyone’s health and safety, sanitation procedures for these pools use chlorine to keep the water safe. In fact, chlorine is used more than any other chemical to disinfect drinking water in the United States. It works by reacting with organic substances, making them harmless. Used properly, chlo­rine will react with and kill most bacteria and some fungi, yeast, viruses, protozoa and algae. It is popular because it is safe for human consumption at the amounts necessary to keep water sanitary, is relatively cheap and is easy to measure in water. In addition, after initial disinfections it remains in the water at a level that prevents future contamination, which might occur when water travels from the treatment plant to the community. Additional doses of chlorine are used to disinfect pools and hot tubs, and can affect the skin. It’s a simple process. When a person enters a pool, the skin begins to absorb the water containing chlorine. At the same time, the protective effect of sweat gland secretions are diminished since they are diluted and washed away. Chlorine reacts with the proteins in the skin, causing cells not to adhere as well to each other. As a result, the skin becomes a less effective barrier, and dead cells visibly flake off, resulting in what is known as “dry skin.” How can you protect your skin from the effects of chlorine? Avoid frequent bathing with hot water, and don’t use harsh soap products that can strip the skin of protective oils. Also, avoid extreme temperatures, frequent exposure to hot water, wind and the sun. Ask your esthetician for other recommendations on minimizing the effect chlorinated pool water has on the skin.

 

What is Rosacea?

Rosacea is an acne-like disorder that effects an estimated 13 million Americans. In contrast to acne, which nor­mally appears during the pre-teen and teenage years, rosacea usually first appears in the 30s—40s as a red­ness on the cheeks, nose, chin or fore­head. Like acne, it too may come and go. As the condition progresses, the redness becomes more persistent and severe, and tiny blood vessels may become visible on the surface of the skin. Bumps and pimples may develop, and in advanced cases, the nose may swell due to excess tissue.
Because rosacea is a different condition than acne, acne therapy actually can make the condition worse. How­ever, rosacea can be treated, and this often begins with oral and topical anti­biotics, followed by long-term use of the topical antibiotic alone to prevent recur­rence of symptoms. Patients are advised to avoid any lifestyle factors that may trigger flare-ups, such as sun, stress, hot or cold weather, wind, alcohol, hot beverages and spicy food.
If you suspect that you or someone that you know has rosacea, see a dermatologist for diagnosis and appropriate therapy.

 

Calling all Moms

Many expectant mothers share the same questions and concerns regarding changes their bodies experi­ence during pregnancy. Our estheticians are available to help address your concerns and meet your needs. Ask them about any of the following:
·    Do you have dark circles under your eyes? A common cause could be fatigue. Treat­ments are available to revive the skin, stimulate circulation and camouflage circles. In addition, products, such as eye cream and cream Concealer, are available.
because rosacea is a different condition than acne, acne therapy actually can make the condition worse. How­ever, rosacea can be treated, and this often begins with oral and topical anti­biotics, followed by long-term use of the topical antibiotic alone to prevent recurrence of symptoms. Patients are advised to avoid any lifestyle factors that may trigger flare-ups, such as sun, stress, hot or cold weather, wind, alcohol, hot beverages and spicy food.
If you suspect that you or someone that you know has rosacea, see a derma­tologist for diagnosis and appropriate therapy.
·    Are you noticing stretch marks on your bust, abdo­men, thighs and/or buttocks? It probably is caused by skin tissue expansion and pressure due to weight gain. A treatment could be designed for you that incorporates massage and body wraps on areas including your legs, feet, head, breasts, abdomen, hands, arms and eye area. Products, including a hydrating gel and resin or paraffin, are available.
·    Are you experiencing swelling during the seventh and the ninth months? The body naturally holds water during pregnancy, and the uterus puts pressure on blood vessels which retains fluid in the legs. Try drinking a lot of water, and eat a diet low in salt, sugar and yeast. Cooling products, including peppermint and clove, are available to help relieve the symptoms.