Yes, sunburns are particularly dangerous. But there’s increasing scientific consensus that there’s no such thing as a safe tan, either.

This is a message that Katie Donnar, 18, dismissed until a year ago when, preparing for the Miss Indiana pageant, she discovered a growth on her leg — an early-stage melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer.

She can’t prove tanning beds are to blame, but started using them as a sixth-grade cheerleader, says she stepped under the bulbs about every other day during parts of high school, and at one point even owned one. No more.

“It seemed somewhat of a myth that I was putting myself at risk,” says Donnar, of Bruceville, Ind., who found the melanoma before it spread.

“The warning label was so small, nothing to make me stop and think, ‘This is real,’ ” she said of the tanning bed.

The World Health Organization’s cancer division last summer listed tanning beds as definitive cancer-causers, right alongside the ultraviolet radiation that both they and the sun emit. They’d long been considered “probable” carcinogens, but what tipped the scales: An analysis of numerous studies that concluded the risk of melanoma jumps by 75 percent in people who used tanning beds in their teens and 20s.

Next comes the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which has long regulated tanning beds as “Class I devices,” a category of low-risk medical devices that includes bandages. Tanning beds do bear some warnings about the cancer link, but the FDA recently decided those labels aren’t visible enough to consumers and don’t fully convey the risk, especially to young people.

So in March, the FDA’s scientific advisers open a public hearing to explore stricter tanning bed regulation, both stiffer warnings and reclassifying them to allow other steps.

“We don’t recommend using them at all, but we know people do use them so we want to make them as low-risk as possible,” says FDA UV radiation specialist Sharon Miller.

The Indoor Tanning Association, already fighting pending legislation that would tax tanning salons to help pay for Congress’ health care overhaul, argues there’s no new science to justify increased FDA regulation. Any risk is to people who overdo it, says ITA President Dan Humiston, arguing that’s easier to do in the sun.

The industry is open to some change in warning labels, Humiston says, to ensure customers “understand the whole process, so there’s no chance they could be overexposed, no chance they could get a sunburn.”

But the FDA also says some people go too often, using tanning beds three times a week, for example, when its research shows once a week would provide visually the same tan.

The tanning bed debate isn’t an excuse to roast in the sun instead. Nor is melanoma the only risk. Also linked to UV exposure are basal and squamous cell carcinomas, which affect more than 1 million Americans a year. They’re usually easily removed but the American Cancer Society counts 2,000 annual deaths. Melanoma is more lethal: Nearly 69,000 U.S. cases were diagnosed last year, and about 8,650 people died.

Fair-skinned people who don’t tan easily are at highest risk. Melanoma is particularly linked to sunburns at a young age, and while it usually strikes in the 40s and 50s, doctors are seeing ever-younger cases like Donnar.

A good tan provides the equivalent of a sunscreen rated just SPF-4, and even good tanners can get melanoma, says Dr. Margaret Tucker of the National Cancer Institute. Their risk, like everybody’s, increases with increasing UV exposure.

Why? “If there was enough (UV) to give you a tan, it had to have triggered DNA damage,” says Dr. David Fisher of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and a spokesman for the Skin Cancer Foundation.

Here’s how: A protein called p53 is activated by genetic damage from UV rays. Its main job is to mend such damage, but it also sets off a chain reaction — triggering production of a hormone that filters down to pigment-producing cells called melanocytes and orders them to color the skin’s surface, Fisher explains.

In other words, “the very pathway for tanning is directly biochemically linked to the same pathway of carcinogenesis,” says Fisher.

He acknowledges it’s impossible to predict if a drop in indoor tanning might translate into less cancer because everyone gets sun.

“We don’t want people to become indoor cave-dwellers,” says NCI’s Tucker.

So be out in the early morning and late afternoon, when those UV rays penetrate less, and use sunscreen. In Indiana, that’s Donnar’s new lifestyle, plus some spray-on tanners for pageants.

“My friends call me ’snow princess’ now but I feel comfortable in my own skin.”

Technorati Tags: melanoma, Skin Care, tanning beds and cancer

There are five major types of skin. Understanding your skin type is the best approach to your personal skin care.

• Normal skin — is the type of skin that we’d all love to have. This is the “healthy” type of skin. This type is the not too oily, not too dry type, characterized by few blemishes, generally firm and smooth with small pores. When you pull the skin away from the bony structure, it springs back to normal position. Lines and wrinkles are appropriate for age.
• Dry Skin — due to environmental exposure to harsh elements and very often lack of water skin may flake off and feel tight in your face. It may lack natural oils, may look rather flaky with small pores, blemishes and blackheads. Without adequate moisture, dry skin can easily become chapped. As dry skin ages, it’s more likely than other types to become wrinkly.
• Oily Skin — skin may look oily and coarse, may have recurring blackheads, acne and large pores. The texture of skin is thick; the touch is often sticky. This type is usually youthful- looking due to the presence of oil on the skin. Often, individuals with oily skin have a tendency to develop acne in their teen and middle years, and overgrown oil glands, or sebaceous hyperplasia, in the middle and late years.
• Combination Skin — varies according to your skin type. This is the Jekyll and Hyde type of skin, often with split personality. This type may be characterized as oily on the T-zone (the area that stretches from the forehead down to the nose and chin), and dry to normal on the cheeks and around the eye area.
• Sensitive Skin — people with sensitive skin are the most prone to allergies, rash, sting, and burns. This type of skin gets irritated easily and can go very red and blotchy. This type will have a lot more trouble to environmental factors and tends to be very sensitive to cosmetics.

Know your skin and take care of it. It is your glory to being healthy and beautiful.

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The skin is on duty protecting you 24 hours per day and keeping infections out. It is the first line of defense against attacks on your health. This is why it is so important to take care of your skin and make sure you are helping it do its job. By keeping your skin clean and healthy today you also prevent problems such as wrinkles or skin cancer tomorrow. Don’t slack just because some things are still to come.

Hygiene goes beyond the simple task of making sure you don’t smell bad when you go out in the street. Proper hygiene means keeping clean the largest organ in your body and also the most exposed to the hazards of this world. Here’s a list featuring simple tips for your daily hygiene:

• Start simple. Who said you need expensive products to take care of your skin? Gentle cleansers or soaps are usually enough for the daily cleansing of your skin.
• Start early. People tend to think that skin hygiene can be postponed indefinitely. This is not the case if you want to have healthy skin in your old age. Start protecting your skin today so it can stay healthy and fresh as the years go by.
• Use mild soap. Stay away from harsh cleansers that are made of strong chemicals. These can dissolve your skin’s natural proteins and oils, thus doing more harm than good. Cleansing products should be as chemical-free as possible. Do not use deodorant soaps on your face! They are made of strong chemicals and also leave a detergent film behind. This protective layer will actually irritate your skin and clog your pores.
• Use lukewarm water. The water used on your face should always be lukewarm. If you make it too hot, you will dehydrate your skin, making it more prone to damage. You may also scald or even burn your skin. If it’s too cold, the water will dry your skin.
• Be gentle. Some people think they ought to scrub their skin raw, but this is one of the things to avoid. You should instead be careful not to damage or tear your skin. Exfoliation is good because it will help remove dead skin cells, but be careful and so you will not hurt yourself.
• Toning is ok. Toning helps keep the skin clear and firm, which is good. The best tones around are those containing alpha hydroxy acids and glycolic. Avoid those made with alcohol and those that are marked photosensitive.
• Moisturize your skin. Moisturizers work by preventing the loss of water. They either draw moisture to the outer layer of the skin, or coat the skin’s surface with a film of substance, thus sealing moisture into the skin. The best substances for an intensive moisture treatment are pure vitamin E, or Aloe Vera oil. The oil is available in liquid form. You can also break open a capsule and apply the oil directly to the skin. This is a great treatment for the sensitive skin under your eyes. This part of your face is one of the first to succumb to show signs of aging because it secretes none of the oils that keep skin supple and firm.

Take good care of your skin. Nobody else will do that for you.

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Renova by making the cells to generate more collagen keeps skin plump. By acting on the outer layers it also makes rough skin smooth and strips off age spots by lessening the amount of melanin produced by the skin cells. Renova works continuously to overturn aging process of the skin and maintains improvement in the skin’s appearance even after ten years of initiating the treatment. Apply a thin coat of Renova on the affected and surrounding skin area. In accordance to the package leaflet pat in gently.

Retin- A is a derivative of vitamin A, which is a fat-soluble vitamin. Vitamin A can be absorbed through the intestines and stocked up in the liver. It is essential to maintain a healthful skin, the intestinal lining, mucous membranes, immune system, organs, and the inhibition of tumor growth. Retin-A should be applied at bedtime. Apply a thin layer of Retin-A on the affected and surrounding skin area. Massage it in gently and immediately wash your hands afterward. Ensure to keep it clear of your eyes, nose, mouth, and mucous membranes. Usage of Retin- A affects the dispersion and depletion of melanin along with strengthening and thickening and the tissues. Retin-A enhances the development of blood vessel and cell nutrition, reducing clogged pores and making cells separate more rapidly.

Tazorac is made use of to treat acne, psoriasis, and symptoms and signs of untimely aging of the skin sourced by overexposure to the sun referred to as photodamage. Usage of Tazorac helps acne by maintenance of clear skin pores. Even though the results will differ, improvement in the Tazorac treated skin initiates in about two weeks. Do not discontinue with Tazorac medication without a prior consulting with your doctor.

BenzaClin is an effectual acne treatment. BenzaClin constitutes ingredients such as the antibacterial agent benzoyl peroxide and the antibiotic clindamycin, which targets the bacteria, that source acne. BenzaClin is used to treat mild to moderate acne roughly within a span of two weeks. It should be applied on the affected skin area twice a day. It can be worn beneath the make-up. In this way you can easily incorporate use of BenzaClin in your daily skin care routine.

With the emergence of online pharmacies, buying acne treatments has become convenient. You can buy acne treatments such as Renova, Retin-A, Tazorac, and BenzaClin with the aid of these pharmacies that too on an affordable price range. An online order of acne treatments can save you the running around to different pharmacists to purchase the desired acne treatment.

Technorati Tags: acne cure, acne medicines, acne treatment, acte treatment drugs, retin-a

Acne treatment with Tretinoin

Tretinoin controls acne effectively by unclogging the pores and pushing the peeling of the involved skin. US FDA authorized it in 1971 for topical treatment of some varieties of acne. Tretinoin is usable in the form of topical gel, liquid or cream. It is normally recommended for use daily at nighttime or at time interval of some days. Your doc will tell you about that after looking at your acne.

In the start of the acne cure, your acne may get worse with use of Tretinoin. The skin might appear red, and increase in acne sores might be found with scaling of the skin. The normal time period during which advance is seen is between three to six weeks.

Care while using Tretinoin

While utilizing Tretinoin for acne treatment, please refer your doctor about use of any topical medicament and also any other production such as any lotions etc. Inquire your doctor about use of shampoos etc. while you are under treatment. You must also inform your doctor if you are using any oral medicinal drug. Pregnancy is to be headed off while using Tretinoin. Please talk to your doctor in detail about that before you begin using Tretinoin for treating your acne. Tretinoin works the skin very sensitive to sunshine. Proper sun screening is needed while using Tretinoin medication.

Tretinoin side effects

If you find any side effects such as red scaling skin, interchange in color of skin, stinging in the skin or swelling and if these symptoms do not go away, please refer your doctor straightaway.

This clause is only for clarifying intentions. This article is not intended to be a medical advise and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for your medical worries. Please stick to any point given in this article only after consulting your physician.

Where to buy Tretinoin online?

• Buy Tretinoin drug online
• Order Retin-A (Tretinoin brand name)

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As many as 7.5 million Americans have psoriasis, and they spend between $1.6 billion and $3.2 billion each year to treat the disease of autoimmunity, according to the National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF). Between 150,000 and 260,000 new cases are diagnosed each year, including 20,000 in children younger than 10. Though seldom disabling, the red welts, pustules, and scaling skin that mark the disease can be painful and extremely embarrassing.

A chronic, non-contagious disease, psoriasis [pronounced sore-EYE-ah-sis] varies in its severity and how it responds to treatment. It results from inappropriate responses of the body’s immune system to essentially attack the body itself and can occur on any part of the body that’s covered by skin. The resulting inflammation can be as mild as something resembling dandruff or as radical as a body covered with thick, crusted plaques. Less than 10 percent of sufferers have an extreme form of the disease; it is a mild form in 65 percent of cases. Everything else is in between mild and serious.

Though it usually doesn’t get any worse over time, about 10 percent to 30 percent of people with psoriasis also develop psoriatic arthritis, which causes pain, stiffness and swelling in and around the joints.

Scalp Psoriasis

At least half of all people who have psoriasis have it on their scalp. As with psoriasis elsewhere on the body, skin cells grow too quickly and cause red lesions covered with scale. In severe cases of thick, crusted plaques covering the entire scalp, the hair may fall out. The affected area can extend beyond the hairline onto the forehead, the back of the neck and around the ears. Treatments, as with any type of psoriasis, are often combined and rotated because it can become resistant to medications after repeated use. Many treatment options can help control scalp psoriasis and its symptoms:

• Tar products and salicylic acid are generally sufficient for treating very mild scalp psoriasis.
• Topical medications (applied to the skin).
• Ultraviolet (UV) light treatments.
• Systemic (oral or injected) treatments may be tried if psoriasis is present elsewhere on the body and/or the psoriasis is severe.

Genital Psoriasis

Although it usually responds well to various treatments, the sensitive nature of the skin around the genitals requires a cautious approach to genital psoriasis:

• Protopic and Elidel. Both of these drugs reduce skin inflammation much as topical steroids do, but they do not cause thinning of the skin. They may cause some irritation when they are first used, but they do not promote yeast or bacterial growth, which may further help with inflammation and itching.
• Ultraviolet (UV) light. Overexposure to UV light can burn the skin, especially the thinner skin around the genitals, so it is therefore used only in special circumstances and in very low doses.Psoriasis in the pubic area may respond well to UV light treatment if the pubic hair is cut short or shaved. Men should wear briefs or athletic supporters to protect their genitals while receiving UV light treatment on other parts of the body.
• Dovonex. Though this synthetic form of vitamin D3 has the potential for irritation, it does not have any of the drawbacks of topical steroids, and mixing it with petroleum jelly may minimize irritation.
• Tazorac. Because of its potential for irritation, some doctors alternate its use with a low-strength topical steroid.
• Steroids. Prolonged use of topical steroids can permanently thin the skin and cause stretch marks. Furthermore, psoriasis may become resistant to clearing with continuous long-term use of steroids.
• Over-the-counter (OTC) moisturizers. The skin in affected genital areas should be continuously moisturized, but choose wisely: moisturizers with fragrance and perfumes may irritate.

Facial Psoriasis

Areas of the face most often affected are the eyebrows, the skin between the nose and upper lip, the upper forehead, and the hairline. Because other skin diseases resemble the symptoms of psoriasis on the face, a biopsy may be needed to positively identify it.

Rashes may also appear on the eyelids, around the ears, mouth, and on the nose. Treating eyelid inflammation may involve washing the edges of the eyelids and eyelashes with a solution of water and baby shampoo. An over-the-counter product, Ocusoft, can help with removing scales on the lids and eye margins. But a doctor must carefully supervise the treatment because eyelid skin can be easily damaged, and the use of topical steroids there can lead to glaucoma and/or cataracts.

In addition to Dovonex, Tazorac, and ultraviolet light, Protopic may be used in treating facial psoriasis. This and Elidel, both drugs used to treat eczema, have also been found effective in treating psoriasis. Topical steroids may be used, but prolonged use of them may cause enlarged capillaries (spider veins) on the face.

Psoriasis scaling can also block the ear canal and produce temporary hearing loss; it should be removed by a doctor. Psoriasis in and around the mouth or on the lips causes discomfort and may present difficulty in chewing and swallowing food. Improving hygiene and rinsing frequently with a saline solution can help relieve oral discomfort, and there are effective topical steroids that have been designed to treat moist areas.

Psoriasis lesions, usually white or gray, may also appear on the gums, the tongue, inside the cheek, or inside the nose.

Hands and feet psoriasis

Because of their frequent use, hands or feet suffering from acute psoriasis need to be treated promptly and carefully. There may be cracking, blisters, pustules, and swelling. A typical course of treatment recommended by a doctor may look like this:

• Soak the hands or feet in warm water to reduce swelling. Oilated oatmeal powder or bath oil may be added to the water to reduce built-up layers of skin and making medications and phototherapy more effective.
• Gently rub the affected skin with a sponge to remove scales.
• Apply medications or moisturizers. Traditional topical treatment of palm and sole psoriasis includes tar products, salicylic acid, and steroids. Combinations of these three agents may be superior to each one used individually.
• When directed by a doctor, some topical medications may be used with occlusion to intensify the effect of the cream or ointment. Cotton or plastic gloves are worn over creams or moisturizers on the hands. Feet can be occluded by putting each foot in a plastic bag and then putting a sock on over the bag before going to bed. A regimen alternating Dovonex and potent topical steroids may be beneficial.

Technorati Tags: facial psoriasis, feet psoriasis, genital psoriasis, hand psoriasis, psoriasis, psoriasis treatment, scalp psoriasis

Yet who doesn’t want that good-skin glow? So, with your time (and pocketbook) in mind, WebMD sought the help of experts to create these quick, basic skin care tips. With these simple steps you can love the skin you’re in — in minutes.

Basic Skin Care Tip 1: Wash Your Skin Each Day

You don’t need fancy products to clean your way to super skin. Everyday soap and water removes the grime, sweat, pollution and dead cells that accumulate through the day — and costs pennies to boot.

And a daily scrub or two is all you need; washing more often can disturb your skin’s natural protective lubrication. Skin care experts suggest using a mild, unscented soap with emollient and moisturizing properties. They warn against deodorant body soaps or antibacterial cleansers, which can be harsh to your skin.

Basic Skin Care Tip 2: Moisturize Your Skin

With our constant exposure to steamy showers, cold weather, and hot sun it’s no wonder the pros say we need moisturizer — even if our skin is naturally oily.

Fortunately, locking in moisture for soft, smooth skin is easy: Just pat on your preferred product after stepping from the shower. And pricey products need not apply: Some skin care professional recommend white petroleum jelly, even hair conditioner. Have oily skin? Try noncomedogenic products, which don’t clog pores.

And don’t forget to moisturize from the inside out with plenty of water.

Basic Skin Care Tip 3: Use Sunscreen to Protect Your Skin

Whether the weather promises snow, sun, or showers, sun protection is a must, say the specialists at the American Academy of Dermatology. Snow and water both reflect the sun’s rays, and even on cloudy days we get a healthy dose of skin-sizzling ultraviolet.

Over time, those ultraviolet rays can lead to wrinkles, discoloration, moles, and skin cancer.

What to do? Cover up exposed skin and slather on a sunscreen of SPF 15 or more, with UVA and UVB protection. And reapply often.

Even Skimpier Skin Care

Really pressed for time? It’s easy to shrink these three skin care steps into a two-step process:

• Merge washing up and moisturizing steps by using a moisturizing soap.
• Unite your moisturizer and sunscreen: Buy a moisturizer with SPF 15 or higher.

Basic skin care: It’s as easy as 1-2-3.

Technorati Tags: exfoliate, moisturize skin, skin care tips

Eczema is a general term for rash-like skin conditions. The most common type of eczema is called atopic dermatitis, which is an allergic reaction. Eczema is often very itchy and when you scratch it, the skin becomes red and inflamed. As many as 15 million people in the United States have some form of eczema. It occurs in adults and children, but most often appears on babies. You are more likely to have eczema if you have a family history of the condition.

Although the exact cause is unknown, eczema is not contagious. Eczema can’t be cured, but it can be managed, and you can learn to avoid the things that trigger it.

Limit your contact with things that can irritate your skin.

Some things that may irritate your skin include household cleansers, detergents, aftershave lotions, soap, gasoline, turpentine and other solvents. Try to avoid contact with things that make you break out with eczema. Because soaps and wetness can cause skin irritation, wash your hands only when necessary, especially if you have eczema on your hands. Be sure to dry your hands completely after you wash them.

Wear gloves to protect the skin on your hands.

Wear vinyl or plastic gloves for work that requires you to have your hands in water. Also, wear gloves when your hands will be exposed to anything that can irritate your skin. Wear cotton gloves under plastic gloves to soak up sweat from your hands. Take occasional breaks and remove your gloves to prevent a buildup of sweat inside your gloves.

Wear gloves when you go outside during the winter. Cold air and low humidity can dry your skin, and dryness can make your eczema worse.

Wear clothes made of cotton or a cotton blend.

Wool and some synthetic fabrics can irritate your skin. Most people with sensitive skin feel better in clothes made of cotton or a cotton blend.

Care for your skin in the bath or shower.

Bathe only with a mild soap, such as Dove, Basis or Oil of Olay. Use a small amount of soap when bathing. Keep the water temperature cool or warm, not hot. Soaking in the tub for a short time can be good for your skin because the skin’s outer layer can absorb water and become less dry. Soak for 15 to 20 minutes. Then use a soft towel to pat your skin dry without rubbing. Immediately after drying, apply a moisturizer to your skin. This helps seal in the moisture.

Use the medicine your doctor has prescribed for you.

When your eczema flares up (gets worse), use the medicine prescribed by your doctor. Use it right after bathing. Medicine used to treat eczema is usually a steroid medicine that you rub on your skin. Follow your doctor’s directions for using this medicine or check the label for proper use. Call your doctor if your skin does not get better after 3 weeks of using the medicine.

Use a moisturizer on your skin every day.

Moisturizers help keep your skin soft and flexible. They prevent skin cracks. A plain moisturizer is best. Avoid moisturizers with fragrances (perfume) and a lot of extra ingredients. A good, cheap moisturizer is plain petroleum jelly (such as Vaseline). Use moisturizers that are more greasy than creamy, because creams usually have more preservatives in them.

Regular use of a moisturizer can help prevent the dry skin that is common in winter.

Avoid scratching or rubbing the itchy area.

Try not to scratch the irritated area on your skin even if it itches. Scratching can break the skin. Bacteria can enter these breaks and cause infection. Moisturizing your skin will help prevent itchiness.

Avoid getting too hot and sweaty.

Too much heat and sweat can make your skin more irritated and itchy. Try to avoid activities that make you hot and sweaty.

Learn how to manage stress in your life.

Eczema can flare up when you are under stress. Learn how to recognize and cope with stress. Stress reduction techniques can help. Changing your activities to reduce daily stress can also be helpful.

Continue skin care even after your skin has healed.

The area where you had the eczema may easily get irritated again, so it needs special care. Continue to follow the tips in this handout even after your skin has healed.

Technorati Tags: eczema, skin care tips

• What causes dry skin?
• How artificial creams and supplements help in dealing with dry skin?
• How can you make your own beauty mask?

Dry skin care is important as damaged and dry skin needs to receive the proper treatment. Dry skin lotions can help, but there are lots of other things people can do to minimize dry skin and the damage that it does. Here are some effective tips for caring for dry skin.

What Is Dry Skin and How Is It Caused?

Dry skin (or xerosis) has a low level of sebum, which is the skin’s natural lubricant. As it does not have enough sebum, it dries out easily and is unable to retain the right amount of moisture needed for healthy skin.

A number of factors may cause dry skin. It is more common in winter when the cold outside and the heat inside contribute in drying up the skin. It can also be caused by hot water or harsh soaps. Poor diet or smoking can also cause or aggravate the problem. Dry skin may also be a symptom of other conditions, including dermatitis, eczema, ichthyoids, psoriasis, an under active thyroid and diabetes. Dry skin becomes more common as people age.

Problems Faced by People with Dry Skin

People with dry skin may find their skin cracks and peels or becomes flaky. Dry skin may look parched and feel tight after washing. It can also become red, irritated and inflamed. Dry itchy skin is a common problem for people with dry skin. In extreme cases, there may be deep fissures that bleed.

Dry skin ages more quickly than other types of skin. Wrinkles and fine lines can often become a problem.

Techniques for Dealing with Dry Skin

There are a number of things you can do for effective dry skin care. Baths and showers should be taken in warm, instead of hot, water, and should be kept as short as possible. Soap should be used sparingly. Mild cleansers and pure soaps are better. When drying your skin, use patting motions and avoid rubbing the skin too much. Try massaging your skin to increase the flow of natural oils.

Because cold and heat exacerbate the problems of dry skin, people with dry skin should protect their face and skin when going out into the wind or sun, and they should always wear a sunscreen.

Exercise, a good diet and enough sleep will all help keep your skin healthy.

Natural techniques for caring dry skin

1. Instead of using a commercial cleanser, use a vegetable oil like olive oil or almond oil.

2. Aloe Vera is very good for dry skin and it has healing and soothing properties.

3. Calendula and comfrey soften the skin. They may be used in a facial sauna.

4. Cold compresses can help alleviate dry itchy skin. Add a few drops of essential oil.

5. Herbal teas like chamomile, dandelion, peppermint, borage, fennel, coltsfoot or calendula help improve the skin.

6. A good home remedy for dry skin is to make your own beauty mask. Combine an egg, honey, olive oil and rosewater. Apply onto your skin and leave it there for fifteen minutes before washing off.

7. Milk baths are very effective in the treatment of dry skin on the body. Add powdered milk and almond oil to a warm (not hot) bath.

8. Another home remedy for dry skin is to mash some avocado and apply onto your face. Mashed banana also works well.

Technorati Tags: dry skin, dry skin care, skin care tips

If you’ve got the funds, plastic surgeons have a host of solutions to make your hands look young again — or at least be a closer match to your face.

“The best place to guess someone’s age is their hands,” says Danny Vleggaar, MD, a physician at Clinique Vert Pre in Geneva, Switzerland, and part of a panel of plastic surgeons discussing new options for rejuvenating aging hands at the annual meeting of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery in San Diego.

Pigment changes, age spots, texture changes, loss of fat, contour changes, and prominent veins all contribute to make the hands look older, Vleggaar and his colleagues say.

To turn back the clock, plastic surgeons are offering topical treatments, lasers, and soft tissue fillers, the same ones that refresh the face.

Topical and Laser Treatments for the Aging Hand

Topical treatments include tretinoin, says Barry E. DiBernardo, MD, a plastic surgeon in Montclair, N.J., and another panel member. Chemical peels can also improve the appearance of the skin on the hands, he and others say.

Laser treatment can also improve the hand’s appearance. “Feathering” the effect of the laser near the wrist can help prevent a “line of demarcation,” says DiBernardo, who works as a consultant for filler and laser manufacturers.

Filler Treatments for the Aging Hand

Fillers approved for use in the face are being used to restore the lost volume in the hands that often accompanies aging.

DiBernardo mixes the filler Radiesse with lidocaine, an anesthetic, and injects it to help restore a more youthful contour. Once injected, he massages the hand to distribute the filler evenly.

“It will take one or two syringes [of filler] per hand if there is significant contour to improve,” he says.

If patients are happy with the fillers, DiBernardo says he sometimes switches to autologous fat injections (fat collected from your own body) the next time if the patient agrees. The fat is typically longer lasting, he says.

Another filler, Sculptra, may last longer than other fillers, up to two or three years, says Vleggaar, who has presented studies about the filler at professional meetings and works as a consultant for Sculptra’s manufacturer and other companies.

Treating the Veins in Aging Hands

Another alternative is laser removal of unwanted hand veins, a technique favored by Roxanne Guy, MD, a plastic surgeon in Melbourne, Fla., and another speaker.

In her study of the technique, called laser ablation, she and a colleague performed the treatment on 28 women and 54 hands in all, reporting the results in Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery. A laser is placed on the tip of a wire, which is threaded into the vein. As the wire is slowly pulled out, the laser energy heats the veins and damages the vessel wall’s inner lining. Over the next few weeks, the vein dies.

The patients, aged 41 to 68, were followed for up to 31 months. “Patient satisfaction was high,” Guy says. Post-procedure swelling, which was expected, usually resolved within two weeks, she says. On average, most patients had four veins per hand treated. One woman had a skin burn where the laser exited. Even so, all 28 said they were satisfied with the results, Guy says.

By Kathleen Doheny

Technorati Tags: aging hands skin care, treating aging hands