Bookmark Website  | Free Registration  | The Team
The Lounge  | Champions  | The Wire |  Schedule |  Audio  |  Arcade  |  The Top Ten  |  Historical  |  Email  |  Video

Shopping for Sensitive Skin: A Guide for the Acne and Rosacea Conscious


Acne and rosacea patients take note- you must know about proper skin-care and cosmetic usage to successfully manage your sensitive skin. This is the counsel of Dr. Diane Berson, who runs a dermatology practice in New York City.

A critical step in reducing skin sensitivity is understanding the importance of the stratum corneum. The stratum corneum is the outermost layer of the skin and is composed of dead, flat skin cells held together by the protein keratin. This skin barrier prevents molecules from passing into and out of the skin and thereby protects the lower layers of skin while reducing skin sensitivity.

Healthy, uninjured skin is more effective at preventing skin irritations that may result from using cosmetics and skin care products. Individuals with altered nerve endings or more neurotransmitters under their skin are more susceptible to minor skin irritants in cosmetics and skin care products. When the skin is excessively dry or damaged, it cannot adequately protect these nerve endings. Sound moisturizing and a strong immune system help minimize possible skin irritants.

Some of Dr. Berson's recommendations for caring for sensitive skin include:

Selecting mild cleansers. Use mild cleansing agents that have synthetic detergents or lipid-free cleansers. Resist using abrasive cleansers since they can cause microscopic tears in the skin and damage the protective layers of the skin.

Rosacea patients should not use alcohol-based products such as toners or astringents.

Acne patients will benefit from toners that contain salicylic acid or alpha hydroxy acid. However, when starting a retinoid treatment, temporarily discontinue using a toner or astringent since the combination may make the retinoid more irritating. Acne patients must also limit or abstain from excessively rough cleansing and washing. Julie Harper, M.D., who directs a clinic to treat acne at the University of Alabama at Birmingham laments, "Teenagers think they have acne because they do not wash enough, but usually they are washing too often with harsh scrubs that make their symptoms worse."

Using moisturizers. Tracy L. Grosick, a key skin care product researcher with Procter & Gamble, Cincinnati says that when the skin's moisture barrier is intact, it helps the skin to combat environmental attacks that are encountered on a daily basis. When acne and rosacea patients are using treatments that dry the skin, moisturizers may improve the skin's barrier function. Dr. Benson recommends using moisturizers with the least amount of ingredients.

Rosacea patients should choose a moisturizer with only glycerin, petrolatum, or aloe vera, which might be anti-inflammatory.

Acne patients should also stick with products containing the least amount of ingredients.

Using noncomedogenic sunscreens. Rosacea patients need to use a physical-blocking products containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide because these ingredients will not irritate red, inflamed skin and will provide optimal protection.

Acne patients with oily skin should use noncomedogenic, non-pore clogging, products. Select an alcohol-based or gel-based sunscreen.

Preservatives. The best preservatives for sensitive skin are those containing parabens like methyl paraben and butyl paraben.

The key to keeping sensitive skin less susceptible to irritation is ensuring the integrity of your stratum corneum, the skin's primary defensive barrier. You can start by using a minimalist moisturizer, and noncomedogenic sunscreen.

Sources:

American Academy of Dermatology (Newswise.com)

Dermatology Times. Patricia Reiman. Alleviating sensitivity: Study finds moisturizers with niacinamide make skin more resilient. March 1, 2004Dermatology Times. Cheryl Guttman. Sensitive skin valid patient problem. May 1, 2002.

E Skin and Allergy News. Timothy F. Kirn. Lifestyle, Cosmetics Integral to Acne, Rosacea Tx. August 2003.

Naweko San-Joyz writes health and beauty articles from her home in San Diego. She recently published "Acne Messages: Crack the code of your zits and say goodbye to acne" (ISBN: 0974912204). Naweko is presently working on title called "Skinny Fat Girls, Why we're still not getting this diet thing" (ISBN: 0974912212) for release in May of 2005. To challenge and verify her research, San-Joyz trains for figure competitions.


MORE RESOURCES:

Eating junk food doesn't cause acne
Post-Tribune
My grandmother says that I'm getting acne. I'm really worried about this. Grandma says that I'm eating too much junk food and that if I stop “eating that junk” my complexion will start to clear. Is this true? Please tell me what I should do to get rid ...

and more »


What Triggers Teenage Acne? Dermatologist Explains
MyFox Detroit
(WJBK) -- Bad acne is physically and emotionally scarring. It's tough at any age, but for teens it can be traumatic. Dermatologist Steve Grekin sees a lot of acne, kids like 17-year-old Talvin Stephenson, whose skin and self esteem are both at-risk.



Zion Health Announces Simple Home Remedy; Natural Clay Skin Care Products Now ...
San Francisco Chronicle (press release)
Zion Health's Detox Clay Home Remedies to help heal skin conditions including adult acne, rashes and skin break outs- Now available at Olivers Market in Cotati, CA. Zion Health announces a unique line of Healing Clay skin care products now available ...

and more »


Avoiding Acne
Patch.com
Of course, I love this, but it wasn't always so "beautiful," in fact, I had a very severe case of cystic acne for several years. Almost everyone I know has had some form of acne in their lives. I had great skin all my teen years, and developed acne as ...



Don't blame whitening agents in toothpaste for those breakouts
The Republic
Despite suspicions from some zit-stricken folks seeking answers on online advice forums, dermatologists say there's no reason to blame toothpaste for acne breakouts. What toothpaste can cause, however, is irritation or allergic reactions in people with ...



Don't blame whitening agents in toothpaste for those breakouts
Chicago Tribune
Despite suspicions from some zit-stricken folks seeking answers on online advice forums, dermatologists say there's no reason to blame toothpaste for acne breakouts. What toothpaste can cause, however, is irritation or allergic reactions in people with ...

and more »


Use Of Cosmetics When You Have Acne
Oye! Times
You have acne and like every other girl you still want to use cosmetics for looking different, for that you need to follow some cosmetics tips for acne. Make a personalcosmetic guide which includes the cosmetics and products that suit you and that suit ...



BBC News

New acne treatment up for award
BBC News
A Scottish company has launched a new treatment based on light-therapy to treat acne. Ambicare has developed a device which can be used at home. The patient places pads, which emit a blue light, directly onto the affected parts of their skin.



Murad® Healthy Skin Facials Now Available at Massage Envy Spas in the Houston Area
Houston Chronicle
Treatments include the Environmental Shield® Vitamin C Facial, Clarifying Enzyme Acne Facial, Anti-aging Facial and the Sensitive Skin Facial. Massage Envy Spas also offer an at-home skincare kit to continue treatment in between facial sessions!

and more »


Acne Inversa Patients Face Sexual Distress
Skin and Allergy News Digital Network
Sexual dysfunction and distress are increased in patients with acne inversa leading to a diminished quality of life, according to the findings of a recent prospective, observational study. The findings, which are among the first to evaluate sexual ...


Google News


Advertisement



Section Site Map - Submit News - Feedback - Comments - Advertise with Us

Copyright © 2006 Luminati Inc. All rights reserved.