Lotions for Skin Care

by mulanol.com

A number of breakthrough lotions formulas are being released in the market. There are different variants of bath lotion for dry skin, oily skin, and normal skin. There is also what’s is called milk bath skin lotion that every one can use to maximize that nourishing effect. Choosing the right lotion for your skin is essential to ensure that perfect glow. Just know your skin type and match it with the lotion you are to buy. You can never go wrong with that.

The Different Types of Lotions Available for the Skin

Milk Bath

Milk baths are formulas that are supposed to be added to your regular tub of water during baths. You are supposed to soak in it for a while so that your skin absorbs the goodness that milk can bring. Milk bath is made popular by Cleopatra, the Egyptian princess who became famous for her beautiful skin.

Body Lotion

Body lotions are ones you are supposed to put all over your body, for that instant moisturized effect. Most body lotions come in different scents and colors to fit your mood. It may also come with sunscreen and ultraviolet rays protection.

Bath lotion

Bath lotions are the ones that are supposed to use right after you took a shower. This is the type of lotion you need to apply if you stayed in the tub too long that wrinkles are showing in your fingers and toes. These lotions replace the essential oils that are normally washed off every time you take a bath. Plus, it also helps in maintaining the skin’s moisture. This is exactly how a bath lotion for dry skin works.

Baby Lotion

Baby lotions are tested inside dermatological laboratories and are deemed to be suitable for delicate skin such as the baby’s. This type of lotion is usually organic and does not contain harsh chemicals and fragrances that could irritate sensitive skin.

Hand lotion

Because the hand is the body part the usually moves and does all the work, it is very prone to dryness and dehydration. Hand lotions provide instant relief for the hands because the skin absorbs this type of lotion easily. This is a very basic lotion skin care regimen that your body requires.

Dark pigment patches on the face

Question

I have dark pigment patches on my face, which get darker in the summer.

My mother has vitiligo and has been told it is from taking the contraceptive Pill. As I still want to continue this method of birth control, and it doesn't make me put on weight (I have an eating disorder) what other methods could I use?

I use fade away cream on the marks and put sun block on when I sunbathe, but they do not seem to disappear, just get worse, what can be done?

Answer

I think you should try an alternative holistic approach. The safest and best way forward would be to get your GP to refer you to a doctor who has trained in homeopathy. There are quite a few homeopathic clinics on the NHS. For further info look at www.trusthomeopathy.org.

What is Melanin Pigment?

Melanin pigment is important in other areas of the body, such as the eye and the brain, but it is not known what the melanin pigment does in these areas. Melanin pigment is present in the retina (RET-n-ah), and the area of the retina called the fovea (FOE-vee-ah) does not develop correctly if melanin pigment in not present in the retina during development (see below). The other areas of the retina develop normally whether or not melanin pigment is present. The nerve connections between the retina and the brain are also altered if melanin pigment is not present in the retina during development. The iris has melanin pigment and this makes the iris opaque to light (no light goes through an opaque iris).

A composite melanin pigment in the form of particles comprising a spherical core less than 1 μm in diameter, which comprises at least one wax and at least one surfactant, and an outer layer which envelops the core, which comprises at least one compound resulting from the oxidative polymerization of a melanin pigment precursor; and uses of the pigment in powder form or in the form of an aqueous dispersion, in cosmetic compositions, in particular in dye products and/or make-up products and/or care products for keratin substances such as the skin, the hair and the nails.

Melanins are pigments of high molecular weight formed by oxidative polymerization of phenolic or indolic compounds. A number of fungi, including Aspergillus nidulans, produce pigments related or identical to melanin, which are located on cell walls or exist as extracellular polymers. The aim of the present study was to assess the antioxidant activity of synthetic melanin and of the pigment extracted from the mycelium and culture medium after growth of the highly melanized strain (MEL1) from A. nidulans. The ability of the melanin pigment to scavenge the oxidants HOCI and H_2O_2 was evaluated by inhibition of the oxidation of 5-thio-2-nitrobenzoic acid (TNB) using several melanin concentrations.

Melanins have very diverse roles and functions in various organisms. A form of eumelanin makes up the ink used by Cuttlefish as a defence mechanism against predators. Melanins also protect microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, against stresses that involve cell damage by solar UV radiation or generation of reactive oxygen species. These include high temperature as well as chemical (e.g. heavy metals and oxidizing agents), and biochemical (e.g., host defenses against invading microbes) stresses. Therefore, in many pathogenic microbes (for example, in Cryptococcus neoformans, a fungus) melanins appear to play important roles in virulence and pathogenicity by protecting the microbe against immune responses of its host.

Melanin Pigment a spreading and frequently recurring cancer of specialized skin cells (melanocytes) that produce the protective skin-darkening pigment melanin. In the United States melanoma represents less than 5 percent of all cases of skin cancer, yet it is responsible for nearly three-quarters of all skin cancer deaths and is increasing in frequency. Unlike other skin growths, melanoma is always malignant.

A composite melanin pigment according to claim 18, wherein said at least one nonionic amphiphilic compound with a long polar head is selected from: polyalkoxylated and polyglycerolated fatty acids and amides, polyalkoxylated and polyglycerolated fatty acid esters of polyols, polyalkoxylated and polyglycerolated alkylphenols and fatty alcohols, polyalkoxylated and polyglycerolated 1,2- and 1,3-alkanediols and -alkenediols, dodecyl thioethers of polyacrylamide, alkoxylated of fatty acids, and fatty alcohols of lanolin, said at least one nonionic amphiphilic compound containing at least 50 polar or hydrophilic units constituting the polar head.

4 Basic Skin Care Needs

by mulanol.com

Here we show you tips on how to properly care for your skin, from the right way to wash your face, to the best moisturizers and UV protection.

Before we start with the proper daily 3-step skincare routine, you’ll need to know your skin type. How you care for your skin is utterly dependent on the type of skin you have: oily, normal/combination, dry, sensitive or sun- damaged. Check out this article to figure out what skin type you have.

# Step 1: Cleansing Simple is key here. You need to find a good cleanser that your skin responds well to, and stick with it. (I list the best cleansers for skin types in this article ).

Avoid bar soaps as they tend to dry out the skin. According to Rona Berg, in her book, ‘Beauty,’ a French cosmetics executive once told her ’soap should only ever touch your skin from the neck down.’ We agree. According to Berg, most cleansers contain oil, water and ’surfactants’. The oil dissolves oil on your face, surfactants dissolve dirt and makeup and the water washes it all away. Who knew? The secret is finding the right mix of oil. (Makes sense to us). Too much on your skin will clog pores, while too little will dry it out. This is why you need to know your skin type.

Be careful not to cleanse too often. Washing at night should do you. While some skincare experts swear you should cleanse skin with creamy cleansers that you wipe off with a tissue, never letting water touch your skin (some hard waters are especially hard on skin), we prefer the water method. In the morning, a splash of lukewarm water is all you need (we find it’s great for removing excess oils from your nightly moisturizing). Never wash your face with hot or cold water (both can cause broken capillaries). Also be careful about overcleansing skin.

Here’s the best way to wash your face: Use warm water to loosen dirt and clogged pores. Use a dime-sized bit of cleanser, then rinse with cool or lukewarm water. You’ll also want to take off your makeup with a proper makeup remover.

# Step 2: Exfoliate Exfoliation is the step most people skip in their weekly skincare routine. But trust me, if you start properly exfoliating your skin, you will notice an almost immediate difference. According to Berg, one of the reasons men’s skin looks more youthful than women’s is because men tend to exfoliate daily when they shave. There are several ways to exfoliate skin: Microdermabrasion, chemical peels and retinoids.

Scrubs work by removing the top layer of dead skin cells that tend to dull your complexion. We find exfoliating skin once a week with a microdermabrasion kit keeps skin glowing year-round. Make sure you use a gentle scrub with tiny grains. Big grains in cheap scrubs can tear skin and cause more harm than good. My favorite microdermabrasion kit is made by Lancome.

In the hour it takes to get a chemical peel, you can take off five years from your face. Can’t afford the pricetag for a monthly peel? Try some over-the-counter peels that work over the course of a month. I prefer MD Skincare’s.

Retinoids (such as Retin-A) also work by removing the top layer of dead skin cells while also generating collagen in the skin. “Collagen is the skin’s structural fiber,” dermatologist Dennis Gross said in the October 2005 issue of O Magazine. “As we get older, it breaks down, creating lines and large pores.” Skincare experts disagree on all sorts of things, but most of them consider retinoids to be a miracle skin saver.

Should you use a toner? Some people swear by toners, but many beauty experts do not (I once read a skincare expert claim, ‘toners are only for copy machines’). Toners are meant to remove all remaining traces of oil, makeup and dirt, but a good cleanser should do this. I firmly believe it’s up to you. If you like the way your skin feels with a toner. Buy it. Use it. Enjoy it.

# Step 3: Moisturize While I know of at least one famous beauty editor who swore skin doesn’t need moisturizer, basically everyone else I’ve read disagrees and is an adamant believer in it. A basic law of beauty is that everyone, no matter her skin type, should moisturize. Even if your skin is oily, it will benefit from moisturizers. (The only exception is those with acne). Why? Moisturizers seal moisture into skin (Berg calls this the ‘Saran Wrap effect’). So how much should you moisturize? Your skin will tell you. When your skin is tight, it’s crying out for moisture. Be careful not to overmoisturize — this can cause clogged pores. For the skinny on great moisturizers for your skin type, check out this article.

Are eye creams necessary? Well maybe. Some beauty experts strongly recommend eye creams. Why? The skin around the eye contains no fatty tissue and is therefore very thin and susceptible to wrinkles. Special eye creams are formulated to ‘thicken’ this area and keep it sturdy. Yet other experts (including the beauty editors of Allure in their new book) claim your daily lotion works around the eyes just as well.

# Step 4: Applysunscreen ‘O’ magazine ran an article in November 2006 featuring interviews with several top skin care experts and dermatologists (check it out here ). Every single one of them said sunscreen was the most important part of your skincare regimen. It was the secret they would pass on to their daughters.

The number 1 cause of wrinkles is sun damage, so it’s important to use sunscreen from your early years on even in winter and on cloudy days. A great trick is to purchase two moisturizers: one for night and one for day that includes UV protection. Don’t use moisturizers with sunscreen at night, the ingredients are not meant to be used 27/7 and can aggravate skin. When choosing a sunscreen, make sure it contains 1 of 3 ingredients as an ‘active ingredient’: titanium dioxide, zinc oxide or Parsol 1789 (avobenzene).

Pamela Anderson - Pink Lips, Pink Bra

Pamela Anderson is your typical soccer mom - except she's richer, has bigger boobs, poses for Playboy, marries and divorces a lot of men, reunites with her baby daddy more than most people go to work every day and does photo shoots for magazine covers. Other than that, yes, just a regular PTA mother. Pammie graces the cover (and inside pics too!) of Radar mag and dishes a bit on what's going on in her life. More photos here!

How to Determine Your Skin Tone

by mulanol.com

Skin tone is so important in choosing the right makeup, but you may be wondering just how to go about identifying your own skin tone. What should you look for? What if your skin tone seems neutral but has areas of mild discoloration or redness? The good news is that identifying your skin tone need not be difficult. A simple method of determination is to consider whether your skin burns or tans when exposed to sun:

1. If you tan easily and do not burn, your skin’s natural melanin (the pigment that gives skin its color) level is higher, and you most likely have a yellow-to-olive undertone.
2. Those who burn and either tan minimally or not at all have significantly less melanin, which results in a pink, bluish-red, or ruddy skin tone. In addition, look for telltale signs: a ruddy skin tone has obvious signs of redness or is one that tends to flush easily. Some neutral skin tones fall into this category, particularly if rosacea is a factor.
3. If a yellow (usually referred to as “sallow”) tone is predominant, you’ll notice that a foundation, concealer, or powders with too much yellow will make skin look worse, not better.
4. Olive skin tones tend to look somewhat ashen or gray, from the combination of the natural yellow undertone everyone has and the greenish hue that’s unique to olive skin of any depth.
5. Neutral skin tones are those with no obvious overtones of olive, sallow, or pink.

These categories hold true for all women, including women of color; your underlying skin color will always relate to one of these skin tones. You may have been told that you are a particular “season” and your wardrobe and makeup colors should be a specific undertone, either cool (blue or pink tones) or warm (yellow or sallow/olive tones). Unfortunately, the rampant misinformation surrounding skin tone can be misleading when it comes to choosing your most flattering makeup shades.

The question of determining skin tone comes into play most often when shopping for your ideal shade of foundation. When you’re testing foundation shades, it is critical to identify your overall, exact skin color and find a foundation that matches it, regardless of how ashen/olive, sallow, or pink it appears on the surface. The goal is to use foundation to neutralize whatever overtones are present with a neutral- to slightly yellow-toned foundation, thus matching the skin’s natural undertone. Why a slightly yellow undertone? Because skin color, more often than not, always has a yellow undertone: that’s just what the natural color of melanin tends to be. For the most part, regardless of your race, nationality, or age, your foundation should be some shade of neutral ivory, neutral beige, tan, dark brown, bronze brown, or ebony, with a slight undertone of yellow but without any obvious orange, pink, rose, green, ash, or blue. Adding those shades to a foundation is never flattering and can look obvious and contrived.

There are a few exceptions to this guideline: Native North American or South American women, a tiny percentage of African-American women, and some Polynesian women do indeed have a red cast to their skin. In those instances the information about neutral foundations should be ignored. Because their skin has a slightly reddish cast, they need to look for foundations that have a slightly reddish cast to them—but that’s only a hint of brownish red, and not copper, orange, or peach.

But regardless of these skin tone categories, when it comes to foundation, trying it on and making it sure it matches your skin exactly (especially in daylight) is the best way to get a color that looks like you, not like you’re wearing foundation or, even worse, a mask.

Choosing Makeup Colors to Work with Your Skin Tone
A look through any fashion magazine is great for figuring out what colors work best with your skin tone. Redheads with fair to medium skin tones like Susan Sarandon, Nicole Kidman, and Julianne Moore tend to wear corals, salmon, browns, ambers, bronze, and other earth tones. Blondes with fair skin to medium skin tones like Gwyneth Paltrow, Paris Hilton, and Kirsten Dunst favor a range of pink shades. Brunettes with fair to medium skin tones like Julia Roberts and Jennifer Garner are often seen in light rose and soft red shades. Women with dark brown hair and fair to medium skin tones like Demi Moore, Sandra Bullock, and Penelope Cruz wear more vivid shades of rose and cherry. Black hair and deeper skin tones such as Halle Berry and Angela Bassett wear soft natural tones such as nude pinks, soft browns, and pale corals. It is also easy to see that there are exceptions to the rule and as a change of pace all kinds of color combinations (not to mention changes in hair color) are typical. In other words, choosing color can be as diverse and versatile as changing your clothes. To be safe, stay with the basics listed above, but in truth, anything goes as long as it is worn in balance and the colors work together.

Tips For Using Anti Aging Skin Care

The number of anti aging skin care products just keeps growing and growing. There is an antiaging skin cream for natural whitening, a restorative night time lotion, eye contour gel, hydrating and cleansing masks and even whole body creams. Do you really need them all?

Depending on your natural tone, you may not need whitening. It is a part of a complete anti aging skin care program because some fair skinned people develop dark spots, commonly referred to as “age spots”, and uneven tones. The best choice for an antiaging skin cream of this type is one that does not use harsh chemicals or abrasives. A natural herbal extract developed in Europe will inhibit melanin production and reduce irritation that can occur as the skin becomes thinner. Thus, lightening and evening your natural color.

An anti aging skin care hydrating mask will help your daily moisturizers work better and more efficiently. Every part of your body needs water. In most any moisturizer or antiaging skin cream the primary ingredient is purified water, which is fine, but research has revealed new substances that allow you to “retain” that water, so your skin stays moister, longer. The result is softer and healthier looking.

A deep cleansing mask will remove dead skin-cells while preventing black heads, pimples and even acne. Yes, it is not uncommon to develop acne in later years, particularly, if your health and beauty regimen leaves something to be desired. Dietary factors can also contribute, as can irregular hormonal levels that accompany menopause. You should, once again, choose a product that contains no chemicals or harsh ingredients.

Health Tip: Pregnancy Affects the Skin

(HealthDay News) -- Pregnancy affects much of your body, even your skin.

Here's a list of changes to the skin that can occur while you're pregnant, provided by the American Pregnancy Association:

· Stretch marks -- pink or reddish streaks that can occur on your abdomen or breasts.

· Melasma -- dark spots that can appear on the face, especially the cheeks and forehead. They are caused by a change in hormones, which affect the skin's pigmentation.

· Oily skin on the face, or acne.

· Varicose and spider veins, both caused by increased blood circulation.

· Dry, itchy skin on the belly.

· Darkening of the linea nigra -- a dark line that runs from the belly button to the pubic bone.

· Moles and freckles that turn darker.

· Excess skin that forms beneath the breasts or arms.

How To Get Rid Of Acne - The Key To The Perfect Skin

By: Graham Lavery

Hygiene is not everything when it comes to problems of the skin. Acne can appear even on the cleanest and properly cared skin.

When acne appears, the oil in the skin becomes blocked in the pores with dirt and bacteria. Because it cannot reach the surface, pimples appear in the area affected.

Basically, there are two major problems of the skin, when the oil is blocked in the pores of the follicles of the skin. These are blackheads and whiteheads.

The difference between them is that the whiteheads appear when the excess of sebum, combined with dirt and bacteria is blocked below the surface of the skin, while blackheads appear when the mentioned combination exists beneath the layer of the skin. The black color is caused by melanin.There are not exact explanation for the appearance of acne as it seems that many people, regardless of age, gender or skin color are affected by it.

Teenagers are especially tormented by acne, but some adults may have some bad experiences with it, too.

Acne appearing on teenagers' faces has a strong relation with the evolution of hormones in the young bodies. For them, it becomes a sort of an emotional problem, so they also need some emotional support, aside physical aid to treat acne. The appearance of their skin is important for them, so acne can act as a dampener for self esteem.

Usually, acne appears on the face, but some other parts of the body can have trouble with acne, too.

The good news is that, with acne being such a common problem, there are many treatments that do not need any prescriptions and that can be used successfully for preventing acne.

Here are some treatments you can use in case you want to fight acne efficiently:

You can try a chemical peel, a procedure consisting of peeling off the skin very lightly, but enough to get rid of a superficial layer of skin. According to your skin type, the chemical peel may vary.

Some severe cases of acne may require a more drastic solution, like plastic surgery, which can be used to get rid of it.

But if you only have the usual problems that anybody else has, the over the counter solutions are the best for you. They may work wonders against blackheads and whiteheads alike.

It does not matter which one you have, zits, pimples, whiteheads or blackheads, they do not look good at all on your skin and you must get rid of them.

For a flawless skin, here are some ideas that can help you in the process.

First, use a skin cleansing routine that works for you.

It is possible to have used a lot of products until you have found the one that works great for your skin. Try using the same product.

Your skin needs cleansing and moisturizing, so give it what it needs. According to your skin type, choose a cleanser, as well as some medication with salicylic acid or basic benzyl peroxide.

Avoid rubbing the skin, instead wash it gently and clean it well. After you are done with the cleansing, you can use a moisturizer to make the skin hydrated.

Do not touch the area with acne.

Go see a dermatologist to find out what you can do more for a perfect skin.

Maybe the medications and the solutions on the market have not proven good results in your case. Then you must see a doctor to tell you what to do in order to get rid of a severe case of acne.

Being healthy on the inside is reflected outside, too. So eat healthy and keep you daily cleansing routine. You will achieve a great skin, without acne or ugly pimples.

Graham Lavery is the Editor and Publisher of Article Click. For more FREE articles for your ezine and websites visit - www.articleclick.com

Lotions for Skin Care

by mulanol.com

A number of breakthrough lotions formulas are being released in the market. There are different variants of bath lotion for dry skin, oily skin, and normal skin. There is also what’s is called milk bath skin lotion that every one can use to maximize that nourishing effect. Choosing the right lotion for your skin is essential to ensure that perfect glow. Just know your skin type and match it with the lotion you are to buy. You can never go wrong with that.

The Different Types of Lotions Available for the Skin

Milk Bath

Milk baths are formulas that are supposed to be added to your regular tub of water during baths. You are supposed to soak in it for a while so that your skin absorbs the goodness that milk can bring. Milk bath is made popular by Cleopatra, the Egyptian princess who became famous for her beautiful skin.

Body Lotion

Body lotions are ones you are supposed to put all over your body, for that instant moisturized effect. Most body lotions come in different scents and colors to fit your mood. It may also come with sunscreen and ultraviolet rays protection.

Bath lotion

Bath lotions are the ones that are supposed to use right after you took a shower. This is the type of lotion you need to apply if you stayed in the tub too long that wrinkles are showing in your fingers and toes. These lotions replace the essential oils that are normally washed off every time you take a bath. Plus, it also helps in maintaining the skin’s moisture. This is exactly how a bath lotion for dry skin works.

Baby Lotion

Baby lotions are tested inside dermatological laboratories and are deemed to be suitable for delicate skin such as the baby’s. This type of lotion is usually organic and does not contain harsh chemicals and fragrances that could irritate sensitive skin.

Hand lotion

Because the hand is the body part the usually moves and does all the work, it is very prone to dryness and dehydration. Hand lotions provide instant relief for the hands because the skin absorbs this type of lotion easily. This is a very basic lotion skin care regimen that your body requires.

Anti Aging Skin Care Secrets

By: S. Williams

To battle aging skin and wrinkles, you need to understand why skin ages and wrinkles. What makes skin age? Skin ages due to a long list of varied and complicated reasons; too long and complex to explain in a paragraph, but nevertheless a general summary will be attempted. Skin aging factors can be divided primarily into two groups, external factors and internal factors. External factors that can cause skin to age include pollution, the sun, free radicals, and smoking. Internal factors that can make skin age include genetics, natural aging, and hormones.

External factors such as sun damage and free radical damage interfere with skin cell DNA/RNA's ability to direct cells to properly divide/replicate; this leads to unhealthy, abnormally shaped cells which can cause skin texture to appear uneven and coarse. To fight free radical damage, try Prodonia Anti-Oxidant Power-House. Antioxidants fight free radical damage by blocking unstable molecules from stealing electrons from otherwise healthy cell molecules. To fight sun damage, always wear sunscreen; rain or shine. To protect from UVB and UVA rays, look for sunscreens that contain SPF greater than 15, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide and mexoryl sx.

Internal factors (hormones, genetics and naturing aging) can destroy skin support structure such as fat, collagen, and elastin. Loss of fat, collagen, and elastic can lead to wrinkles, loss of skin elasticity and sagging skin. Currently, there is no way to restore skin firmness to its youth without plastic surgery. In order to improve skin firmness, you need to restore the intercellular structure of the skin as well as promote elastin and collagen synthesis. Products containing ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin help support the skin.

Another complication of aging skin is hyperpigmentation. As skin cells become damaged, they may begin to produce too much melanin; this can lead to hyperpigmentation; commonly seen in skin as age spots, liver spots, or brown spots. Some of the best skin care ingredients to reduce hyperpigmentation include hydroquinone and arbutin. Hydroquinone and arbutin work by inhibiting melanin production. Though there has been concern over the safety hydroquinone, it is generally accepted to be safe and effective at 2% to 4% concentrations.

Other skin care ingredients that may prove powerful in the fight against aging skin and wrinkles include niacinamide, Vitamin C, DMAE, alpha lipoic acid, and tretinoin. Vitamin C is not only a powerful antioxidant, Vitamin C has also been shown to increase collagen synthesis. DMAE, shown to have a skin firming effect, stimulates the synthesis of phosphatidylcholine, an important component of cell membranes. Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is an interesting antioxidant, in that it is soluble in both water and oil, allowing it to protect areas in cells that are composed of water as well as areas in cells that are composed of oil. Moreover, alpha lipoic acid inhibits cell damaging cross linking and helps cells produce more ATP (energy). Niacinamide and tretinoin are cell communicating ingredients; this means they may have the ability to direct skin cells to behave healthier; possibly reversing and repairing damage. For products containing alpha lipoic acid, DMAE, and vitamin C, try Prodonia's Alpha Lipoic Acid Lifting Serum with DMAE, Glycolic Acid, and Vitamin C.

In summary, the best age defying skin care products are sunscreen, antioxidants, and skin care products that promote elastin and collagen synthesis. For an anti aging skin care daily plan, please visit at www.prodonia.com, where you can find this article with a daily plan listed at the bottom of the article.

For more information on anti aging skin care and antioxidants skin care products, please visit www.prodonia.com.

Tanning and Burning Problems

Did you know UVB rays are more intense in summer months and are the primary cause of sunburning, premature aging of the skin and skin cancer. UVA rays are more constant year round and penetrate deeper into the skin?s layers and again contribute to burning, premature aging of the skin and skin cancer.

Tanning and burning are two intentional or unintentional consequences of being out in the sun. Most people willingly seek out the healthy glow that sun can produce. Yet two people, spending the same amount of time exposed to the same sun intensity often will come home with far different results. Why is it that one might come home in agony while other comes home looking sleek and glamorous?

The answer has a lot to do with a person’s skin type. Other factors can influence the end result such as taking certain prescription medications and using certain types of skin care products, so let’s take a closer look.

When skin is exposed to the sun without adequate sun protection, the exposure causes melanin, the pigment in the body that gives skin its color, to rise to the surface of the skin. One of the roles melanin plays is protecting skin from the sun. People with light or fair skin have less melanin whereas people with dark complexions obviously have more melanin. Since melanin protects the skin from the sun, it makes sense then that those with less melanin have less protection and vice versa. Darker-skinned individuals tan more often than they burn, but not always.

Because a burn takes a few hours to develop, most people don’t realize they may be burning. They might not reapply sunscreen or cover up if they’re not feeling burned. Unfortunately, it’s usually not until later that they realize just how bad the situation is.

What to do when you get sunburned

In addition to the embarrassing skin color you get from sunburns, there will be other symptoms. You might feel nauseous and dehydrated, and dizzy or light-headed. After a few days, sunburned skin will begin to peel and unlike what many people think and hope, sunburned skin will not develop into a tan.

There isn’t much you’ll be able to do to alleviate the above symptoms of sunburn. You’ll definitely want to put on minimal, loose-fitting clothing as any rubbing against the burn will be painful. A pain reliever such as aspirin or acetaminophen will help minimize pain and discomfort. Keeping the body cool is the best thing for sunburns so fill a tub with cool or tepid water and soak. And promise yourself that next time, you’ll use sun protection!

Do not immerse your body in a tub full of vinegar or rub the burn with butter. These remedies have been around for years but they’re not effective ways to treat sunburns. In fact, it’s often advised not to apply lotions or creams because you never know whether the product will intensify the pain or relieve it. And some products, including butter, might trap the heat and cause more discomfort.

If the sunburn is accompanied by blisters, you may have a severe second-degree burn. Blistering is normal after a few days but right away it’s usually a sign that the sunburn is bad. In this case, it’s advisable to seek medical attention right away.

You can slow down the skin aging process by using natural skin care products. Download our recipe ebook by clicking here and learn how to make your own skin care products.

Shaping Up Your Lips

Through a knowledge of what you can do to correct lip shape you can truly achieve a perfect finish to your face.Study the shape of your lips, identify the defects, if any, and decide on what you want to achieve and then proceed.

1.Small Mouth With Small Lips:
These are easily corrected by taking the lip liner pencil outside the natural lip line.Work slowly and steadily to form a perfect shape.Fill in with primer and finally with the lipstick.A highlight of frosting on the upper lip would also create an impression of fullness.
2.Large Mouth With Full Lips:
Apply liquid foundation makeup to the entire mouth, then outline with a dark shade of lipstick just inside the natural contours of the mouth.Then aply lipstick of a lighter shade carefully and accurately within this outline.Subdued shades work well for this kind of mouth.Use medium toned lip colours and avoid dark browns, plums, electric brights or pale shimmer shades.
3.Full Upper Lip:
Aply fluid foundation makeup to the upper lip.Outline just inside its natural contour and apply a dark shade of lipstick.Then outline the lower lip just outside its natural contour and emphasize by filling in with a lighter shade of lipstick.
4.Full Lower Lip:
Outline upper lip just outside its natural contour.Apply a light shade of lipstick and in the center add a touch of lip gloss.Apply fluid foundation makeup to the lower lip. Outline just inside its natural contour.Then fill in with a darker shade of lipstick, using a lip brush.
5.Wide Mouth:
Cover the corners of the mouth with foundation makeup or a cover stick.Apply lipstick with a lip brush, stopping a few millimeters before the corners of the mouth are reached.

by mulanol.com

The Sun and How it Causes Damage to Your Skin

Ultraviolet (UV) light rays emitted by the sun are the cause of damage to our skin. This damage may be visible as age spots, fine or not so fine lines on our face, or simply skin that has lost its elasticity. Exposure to the sun can also lead to skin cancer. The National Safety Council estimates that one in five will develop skin cancer. A sunburn will fade, but damage to deeper layers of skin remains and can eventually cause cancer. That’s why you should start sun-safe habits now that will last a lifetime.

Sunlight contains three types of ultraviolet rays: UVA, UVB, and UVC.

UVA rays cause skin aging and wrinkling and contribute to skin cancer, such as melanoma. Because UVA rays pass effortlessly through the ozone layer (the protective layer of atmosphere, or shield, surrounding the earth), they make up the majority of our sun exposure. A UVA tan does not help protect the skin from further sun damage; it merely produces color and a false sense of protection from the sun.

UVB rays are also dangerous, causing sunburns, cataracts (clouding of the eye lens), and immune system damage. They also contribute to skin cancer. Melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer, is thought to be associated with severe UVB sunburns that occur before the age of 20. Most UVB rays are absorbed by the ozone layer, but enough of these rays pass through to cause serious damage.

UVC rays are the most dangerous, but fortunately, these rays are blocked by the ozone layer and don’t reach the earth.

UV rays react with a chemical called melanin that’s found in most people’s skin. Melanin is the first defense against the sun because it absorbs dangerous UV rays before they do serious skin damage. Melanin is found in different concentrations and colors, resulting in different skin colors. The lighter a person’s natural skin color, the less melanin it has to absorb UV and protect itself. The darker a person’s natural skin color, the more melanin it has to protect itself. Its important to remember that both dark and light-skinned people need protection from UV rays because any burning causes skin damage.

As the melanin increases in response to sun exposure, the skin tans. But even that “healthy” tan may be a sign of sun damage. The risk of damage increases with the amount and intensity of exposure. Those who are chronically exposed to the sun are at much greater risk.

A sunburn develops when the amount of UV exposure is greater than what can be protected against by the skin’s melanin. Unprotected sun exposure is even more dangerous for individuals with moles on their skin, very fair skin and hair, or a family history of skin cancer, including melanoma.

Also, not all sunlight is “equal” in UV concentration. The intensity of the sun’s rays depends upon the time of year. UV rays are strongest during summer. With the right precautions, you can increase your level of safety while in the sun.

Most sun damage occurs as a result of incidental exposure during day-to-day activities. Even on cloudy, cool, or overcast days, UV rays travel through the clouds and reflect off water abd bombard your skin. Clouds and pollution don’t filter out UV rays, and they can give a false sense of protection. This “invisible sun” can cause unexpected sunburn and skin damage.

One of the best ways to protect your skin from the sun is to cover up and shield skin from UV rays. Ensure that clothes will screen out harmful UV rays by placing your hand inside the garments and making sure you can’t see it through them.

Lots of good sunscreens are available including formulations for sensitive skin, long-lasting waterproof and sweat-proof versions, and easy-application varieties in spray bottles. What matters most in a sunscreen is the degree of protection from UV rays it provides. When faced with the overwhelming sea of sunscreen choices, concentrate on the SPF (sun protection factor) numbers on the labels. Generally speaking, SPF indicates how much longer a person wearing sunscreen can stay in the sun before beginning to burn than they would without using any sunscreen at all. SPF numbers generally range from 2 to 50. The American Academy of Dermatology and the Sun Safety Alliance (SSA) recommend an SPF of 15 or higher.

- Dave Riches

Take care to block the sun's rays

(MCT) - Special to the DN

Article Last Updated: 06/16/2008 09:30:12 AM PDT

You're all set for a day at the beach or on the boat. Snacks and beverages are packed, towels are tucked into your tote bag and you've got sunglasses and a book or two to browse.

Is your protective sunscreen in there, too? Hopefully it is. Your skin is something you really want to protect from sunburn even moderate tanning.

"There is no such thing as a `healthy tan,'" says Leslie Coker, a dermatologist and the mother of a 2-year-old daughter in Hampton, Va. "Tanning of the skin is a result of ultraviolet ray damage to the DNA of your skin cell. Sun damage is cumulative. A golden tan while you are young could mean skin cancer and a leathery hide when you are middle aged."

Q. What makes a good sunscreen and how should you use it?
A. Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen - one that blocks UVA and UVB rays - with a SPF of 15 or more. Remember that waterproof sunscreens protect up to 80 minutes in the water, while water-resistant ones are good for only 40 minutes.

As for makeup with sunscreen, the more the better.

Q. What protection do kids need?
A. They need sun-protective clothing and swimsuits, hats and sunscreens. Zinc- and titanium-based sunscreens are best for kids and adults with sensitive skin. Spray sunscreens make life easier but need to be used liberally.

Q. What's your opinion on tanning lotions?
A. I like them. They are safe but still a little messy.

Q. How does being on the beach or in a boat change what the sun does to your skin?

You are getting direct sunlight plus you're exposed to reflective rays off the water. Sweating and swimming rinses sunscreen off so reapplying it is important. Unfortunately, reapplication on sandy or wet skin is tough. Go for sun-protective clothing for large body areas. Wind breaks down the outer protective layer of skin and this magnifies sun damage; lube up with a heavy sunscreen and wear a hat.

Q. What are the visible signs of sun damage to skin?
A. Age spots, freckles, wrinkles and fine superficial blood vessels are the typical signs. Ultra violet rays also accelerate the breakdown of collagen and elastin, causing the skin to become thin and not as elastic.

. Do people use too much sunscreen, at the risk of not getting enough Vitamin D from the sun?
A. Most people get adequate amounts of sun exposure with daily activities like getting your mail or walking to and from your car. For anyone who never sees the light of day, Vitamin D deficiency is possible. Women and men with a personal or family history of osteoporosis should have their Vitamin D levels checked.

Q. What is good and bad for skin in general?
A. Many people over wash. The skin is a barrier that prevents moisture loss and protects us from infection, etc. Detergents and scrubbing, as in exfoliating, is so popular and, in most cases, I find it detrimental. Smooth pink skin exfoliated or raw skin is not healthy. I recommend using soap in body folds but discourage my patients from lathering up their entire body. A thin layer of petroleum jelly on wet skin traps moisture and when used correctly leaves skin soft and smooth.

Q. What summer skin-care regimen do you follow for yourself and child?
A. I hate to name products because there are many good sunscreens available at drugstores. I like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide products (sun blockers) and I have found a very sheer product that I use first thing in the morning. Ellie and I both wear sun protective clothing and hats because even I dislike rubbing creams on my arms and trunk. Ellie and I reapply our 30+ SPF every two hours when we are outside and we always search for shade! My skin-care maintenance routine includes tretinoin cream (like Renova) alternating with topical Vitamin C serum nightly.

Tips:

Wear your sunscreen Find a sunscreen you like. One to two ounces of sunscreen, about the size of a golf ball, covers your body and needs to be reapplied every two to four hours.

Protect your lips and ears Skin cancers in these areas are often aggressive so wear a hat over your ears and/or use sunscreen on these vulnerable parts.

Seek shade. Cover up with clothing.

Learn to perform a good skin exam. It's like doing a tick check; look for anything that appears out of place.

Schedule checkups. Get a baseline exam by a dermatologist.

Source: Dermatologist Leslie Coker of Hampton, Va.

Hot Pink lips & Sparkley eyes

Causes of Dark Spots

Conditions and Medications that Cause Dark Spots on the Skin

By Heather Brannon, MD

Dark spots on the skin, also called hyperpigmentation, are a common skin problem especially beginning in middle age. There are a variety of conditions and agents that can cause dark spots to develop.

Skin Diseases that Cause Dark Spots
One of the most under-recognized causes of dark spots is post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. This is a dark spot that occurs after some type of trauma to the skin - especially infections like acne. This and other skin diseases are listed here:

· Melasma

· Riehl's melanosis

· Poikiloderma of Civatte

· Erythromelanosis follicularis

· Linea Fusca

· Post inflammatory hyperpigmentation

Medications that Cause Dark Spots
Certain medications sensitize the skin to the sun and other medications can cause dark spots without sun exposure. The most common offending medications are listed here:

· Estrogens

· Tetracyclines

· Amiodarone

· Phenytoin

· Phenothiazines

· Sulfonamides

UV Light Causes Specific Types of Dark Spots
UV light is a major cause of not only dark spots, but also other types of skin damage. The various types of dark spots caused by UV light are listed here:

· Melasma

· Solar lentigines - freckles

· Ephelides

Other Causes of Dark Spots
These are other conditions or diseases that can cause dark spots:

· Pregnancy

· Liver disease

· Addison's disease

· Hemachromatosis

· Pituitary tumors

References:

· Rendon, Marta and Gaviria, Jorge. "Skin Lightening Agents." Ed. Zoe Draelos. Philadelphia: Elsevier, 2005. 103-4.

· Suggested Reading

· Effects of Sun on the SkinWhat Causes WrinklesPreventing Wrinkles with Sunscreen

· More About UV Radiation

· UV RadiationSunscreen Chemicals that Absorb UVA RadiationSunscreen Chemicals that Absorb UVB Radiation

· Acne Information

· Acne Scar TreatmentsWhat Causes AcneAcne - Blackheads & Whiteheads