* 1. Your skin is made up of 3 main layers.
* 2. Your skin is considered the largest organ in the human body.
* 3. Your skin is made up of three major layers - epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis (also called the subcutaneous tissue).
* 4. Your skin protects your inside organs while keeping infections out and prevents you from getting sick.
* 5. Your skin loses about 30,000 to 40,000 dead skin cells from the surface almost every minute, even though you do not see it happening.
* 6. Your skin sheds a layer of these dead cells every 24 hours and renews itself about every 28 days.
* 7. Your skin swells when it absorbs water.
* 8. Your skin contains a protein called keratin which is also found in hair and nails
* 9. Your skin is the thinnest on the eyelid.
* 10. Goose bumps are actually little pimples that help retain a layer of warm air over our body.
Sunday, 30 January 2011
Tuesday, 11 January 2011
Looking after your skin in pregnancy
When you’re pregnant, your skin, hair and body all change. Your skin can also be more sensitive than normal and eczema can be triggered as your hormone levels increase, so this may mean a new skincare regime is often needed.
What are normal skin changes during pregnancy?
The most common skin changes in pregnancy are:
•melasma: brown, clearly defined patches on the face, typically on the cheekbones and forehead.
•darkening of the nipples and external genitals (pubic area).
•darkening of existing moles.
•linea nigra: a dark line that appears on the abdomen, running straight down from the umbilicus (belly button).
•striae gravidarum (stretch marks of pregnancy): red lines or bands that can appear on the abdomen during pregnancy, or the breasts after breastfeeding, which later become white, smooth, shiny and flattened.
•veins on the skin can become more obvious.
•varicose (swollen) veins can appear on the legs.
•an increase in the number of skin tags (small, harmless skin outgrowths that occur especially on the neck, but can be found on any part of body).
•acne can worsen
What is good for your skin?
•Like the transfer of food nutrients, chemicals and nutrients from skin care products are absorbed by the mum’s skin and then transferred on to the yet unborn baby in the womb. And 60% of what we apply to our skin can be absorbed into our blood stream. That is why experts advise mums to choose healthy skin care products during pregnancy.
•Don’t forget your belly! As your stomach grows with your baby, you may find the skin gets itchy so be sure to keep it well moisturised. This will also help with the stretch marks. The best ones contain ingredients such as cocoa butter and shea butter.
•Any cosmetic product which contains essential oils should usually be avoided and is often labelled with a warning for pregnant woman.
•Pimples in the first part of your pregnancy are very common so avoid heavy creams and lotions and keep the skin fresh and clean.
•Drinking plenty of water and eating a sensible diet is good but it is of equal importance to our skin. Water keeps our skin hydrated and flushes out all those nasty toxins.
•Foot care – keep your feet smooth and well moisturised as you grow bigger your feet really bear the bunt and start to crack and ache.
•Exercise regularly and moderately during pregnancy will keep your blood flowing and endorphins, you will not only feel better but you will look better. It will help with water retention, weight gain and keep skin clear.
•Wearing make-up can be a great way to help you look your best when pregnant. A little foundation can cover blemishes, mascara can lift tired eyes and a hint of colour on your lips can stop you looking washed out. Your skin can become sensitive so a mineral based make-up range may suit you better at this time.
•During pregnancy your body becomes more sensitive to UVA so it is recommended not to sun bath as you can burn much easier.
What are normal skin changes during pregnancy?
The most common skin changes in pregnancy are:
•melasma: brown, clearly defined patches on the face, typically on the cheekbones and forehead.
•darkening of the nipples and external genitals (pubic area).
•darkening of existing moles.
•linea nigra: a dark line that appears on the abdomen, running straight down from the umbilicus (belly button).
•striae gravidarum (stretch marks of pregnancy): red lines or bands that can appear on the abdomen during pregnancy, or the breasts after breastfeeding, which later become white, smooth, shiny and flattened.
•veins on the skin can become more obvious.
•varicose (swollen) veins can appear on the legs.
•an increase in the number of skin tags (small, harmless skin outgrowths that occur especially on the neck, but can be found on any part of body).
•acne can worsen
What is good for your skin?
•Like the transfer of food nutrients, chemicals and nutrients from skin care products are absorbed by the mum’s skin and then transferred on to the yet unborn baby in the womb. And 60% of what we apply to our skin can be absorbed into our blood stream. That is why experts advise mums to choose healthy skin care products during pregnancy.
•Don’t forget your belly! As your stomach grows with your baby, you may find the skin gets itchy so be sure to keep it well moisturised. This will also help with the stretch marks. The best ones contain ingredients such as cocoa butter and shea butter.
•Any cosmetic product which contains essential oils should usually be avoided and is often labelled with a warning for pregnant woman.
•Pimples in the first part of your pregnancy are very common so avoid heavy creams and lotions and keep the skin fresh and clean.
•Drinking plenty of water and eating a sensible diet is good but it is of equal importance to our skin. Water keeps our skin hydrated and flushes out all those nasty toxins.
•Foot care – keep your feet smooth and well moisturised as you grow bigger your feet really bear the bunt and start to crack and ache.
•Exercise regularly and moderately during pregnancy will keep your blood flowing and endorphins, you will not only feel better but you will look better. It will help with water retention, weight gain and keep skin clear.
•Wearing make-up can be a great way to help you look your best when pregnant. A little foundation can cover blemishes, mascara can lift tired eyes and a hint of colour on your lips can stop you looking washed out. Your skin can become sensitive so a mineral based make-up range may suit you better at this time.
•During pregnancy your body becomes more sensitive to UVA so it is recommended not to sun bath as you can burn much easier.
Monday, 10 January 2011
Age spots and the Sun
Age spots are caused by increase in skin pigment, also known as melanin, being manufactured when the skin is damaged by UV light, they are found on areas that are exposed to the sun like our hands, chest and faces. Long term sun exposure leads to irregular pigment production and can result in age spots. You should be using a sunscreen with a minimum of SPF15 on any areas that are uncovered - all year round - not just in summer. Look for moisturisers that shield against both UVA and UVB rays and remember to reapply if out in direct sunlight for more than 90 minutes.
The key to covering facial age spots is to use a liquid foundation that exactly matches your skin tone. Illuminating foundations work best as they reflect light to give a soft focus and radiance to the skin. Avoid thick foundations that look caked on as they will emphasis any spots. Apply concealer over the top of your foundation - (use a brush to apply concealer over your age spots) then gently pay your skin using your ring finger. Keep applying thin layers until they are hidden, blending well for a natural finish. Dust a light reflective translucent powder.
The key to covering facial age spots is to use a liquid foundation that exactly matches your skin tone. Illuminating foundations work best as they reflect light to give a soft focus and radiance to the skin. Avoid thick foundations that look caked on as they will emphasis any spots. Apply concealer over the top of your foundation - (use a brush to apply concealer over your age spots) then gently pay your skin using your ring finger. Keep applying thin layers until they are hidden, blending well for a natural finish. Dust a light reflective translucent powder.
Wednesday, 5 January 2011
Aqueous Creams make Eczema Worse
For many years people with eczema have been advised by doctors to use a cheap emollient cream to soothe their irritated skin, Researchers have now discovered that aqueous cream BP can make the condition worse.
Although aqueous cream has been prescribed fro millions of suffers from childhood, it is the first time research had been carried out on an ingredient called sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS). Previously it was thought the 'stinging' sensation affecting half of users was due to a preservative or antiseptic in the cream.
In a study by Bath University researchers, aqueous cream reduced the thickness of healthy skin in volunteers by more than 10 per cent in just four weeks and water loss was increased. Professor Richard Guy, Professor of Pharmaceutial Sciences at Bath University, said the remedy was likely to aggravate the dry, itchy rashes that plague eczema suffers.
He said: "The skin has a protective barrier layer of lipids, around one eighth the thickness of a sheet of paper, that stops chemicals from getting into the body and keeps moisture in.
SLS is a detergent used to mix oils into water-based moisturisation creams to give a nice creamy texture. It's also used widely in shower gels and other cosmetics. So to use this cream on eczemous skin, which is already thin and vulnerable to irritation, is likely to make the condition even worse,' The study was published in the British Journal of Dermatology.
The principal ingredients in Aqueous Cream are liquid paraffin, white soft paraffin and purified water. Other ingredients may vary but some have irritant effects including the preservative chlorocresol and the antimicrobial phenoxyethanol. Margaret Cox, of the National Eczema Society said the charity did not recommend aqueous cream as a moisturiser. Almost four million Britons have eczema, which is mainly treated with steriod creams.
So have a look at our site for more information and products that could be of help to you.
Although aqueous cream has been prescribed fro millions of suffers from childhood, it is the first time research had been carried out on an ingredient called sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS). Previously it was thought the 'stinging' sensation affecting half of users was due to a preservative or antiseptic in the cream.
In a study by Bath University researchers, aqueous cream reduced the thickness of healthy skin in volunteers by more than 10 per cent in just four weeks and water loss was increased. Professor Richard Guy, Professor of Pharmaceutial Sciences at Bath University, said the remedy was likely to aggravate the dry, itchy rashes that plague eczema suffers.
He said: "The skin has a protective barrier layer of lipids, around one eighth the thickness of a sheet of paper, that stops chemicals from getting into the body and keeps moisture in.
SLS is a detergent used to mix oils into water-based moisturisation creams to give a nice creamy texture. It's also used widely in shower gels and other cosmetics. So to use this cream on eczemous skin, which is already thin and vulnerable to irritation, is likely to make the condition even worse,' The study was published in the British Journal of Dermatology.
The principal ingredients in Aqueous Cream are liquid paraffin, white soft paraffin and purified water. Other ingredients may vary but some have irritant effects including the preservative chlorocresol and the antimicrobial phenoxyethanol. Margaret Cox, of the National Eczema Society said the charity did not recommend aqueous cream as a moisturiser. Almost four million Britons have eczema, which is mainly treated with steriod creams.
So have a look at our site for more information and products that could be of help to you.
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