Skin Care Tips for Men

Men are often looked over when you talk about skin care. There are many products that cater to men, if you can find them through the women products. But they are there. Many times men feel weird even going to the skin care or “beauty” section but a trip to that section may help your skin.
• Deep Cleanser - it’s just as important for men as it is for women. Twice a week clean face with a deep cleanser to clean pores. Always follow up with a moisturizing lotion.
• Shaving - it must be done, so make sure you do it correctly to ensure no damage to your skin. Always use a sharp razor. Apply warm water to face prior to you shaving cream. Let shaving cream rest on face 2-3 minutes before starting to shave. Once complete rinse face with COLD water (this seals the pores). Make sure to use after shave.
• Sunscreen - wind and sun can really cause damage to your skin. Sunscreen should be used prior to leaving the house. The sun can really wreak havoc on skin, so take care to keep skin looking it’s best.
• Diet and Exercise - yes, men need to eat right, too - You are what you eat, is correct for everyone. You want to eat a healthy diet to maintain healthy skin. You also want to get some exercise in, daily. It clears your pores, gets your heart rate up, and is good for you. Sweating helps shed impurities and may at first make your skin look a little worse but keep it up and it will look better once you body is cleansed.
• Water - important for everyone. Drink atleast 8, eight oz cups of water a day.
• Rest - Get plenty of rest to keep your skin rested and stress free.
The bottom line is men need to take care of their skin just as much as women. Everyone wants to look their best and skin care is a great place to start.

Check Health Through Fingernails

You can tell a lot about yourself through your nails. Changes in texture and color should be a warning sign that something is going on with your body. Many things can be seen through the nails. Here are few signs of health problems that could show up through your nails that was found on WebMD.

· Beau’s lines - when the nail has a horizontal line that runs across your nail. This could be a sign of malnutrition, uncontrolled diabetes, circulatory diseases, illnesses associated with a high fever

· Red nail beds - heart disease

· Pale or white nail beds - Anemia

· Nail pitting - psoriasis

· Half White, half pink - kidney disease

· Spoon shaped - iron deficiency

For more signs of health problems in your nails please read the articles on WebMD and Mayoclinic. This is pretty interesting how your body has so many ways to show you when there are problems in the body. Often we see nail changes and never think twice about it. After reading these articles you will learn that a change in nail color could be the sign to get to the doctor.

This will be a series of different ways to check your health through your body, so please check back to learn more about what your body could be telling you.

Men Skin Care

Proper care of skin for a man is a continuing issue which is often ignored. Men are aware about appearance of their skin and health because of men hasn\'t time to devote for their skin in their so busy schedule life. Some factors which may be preventing for doing so. Skin prevents our body from germs, sickness, disease, climates, effects of sun and other environmental factors. Men do not take care of their skin in proper way. Skin care is important for a man in a proper way for the present and in future to get a better look. Moisturizing and cleansing will keep your skin looking healthy. The schedule for skin care for a man should twice a day, just as many women\'s do. So a man needs to protect their skin effectively.
Generally, male skin is with larger pores, a richer blood supply, oilier and requires a predisposition to \"sweat.\". In male skin, the dermis is richer and thicker in collagen, and the epidermis of male skin is oilier. So the male skin is more resistant as compared to women skin in case of sun effect and any other effect from environment. To the age of 40 to 50 the dermis sheet of a male skin became thin, and the level of collagen reduced dramatically yet naturally, and the result appear in form of deep wrinkles. Just like women, men also can prevent the age signs by using the proper skin care equipments.
Good skin is essential to make good first impression, for that if you wish to enhance beauty of your skin, you should follow the below tips:-
Knowing Type of your skin
For proper looking up your skin, you must know that what your skin type is? There are usually four types of male skin. They are normal skin, dry skin, combination skin and oily skin. You should choose your skin care product according to your skin type.
Keep cleanness of your face
It is an evident skin care advise, yet it is the tip about that most of the men forget. If you skin is clean then it looks healthy and it provides you a base for good skin care.
Take Care When Shaving
It is normal to slip up at time of shaving. However, rashes and cuts don\'t look good; therefore you should use the products that will give you a smooth.
Tone Your Skin
Like cleansing toner also help you in keeping your skin healthy and firm. Another Benefit of toning is that it may help you in reducing pore size and it may also stop to growing hairs. So you should include it in you skin care routine.
Moisturize
Moisturizing is most important for your skin care treatment. It makes your skin smooth, shiny and healthy.
Juliet Cohen writes articles for skin care tips and skin care treatment. For more information visit our skin care section.
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Check Health Through Tongue

Did you know you can actually tell when something may be wrong with your body through the color of your tongue? It’s true, if your tongue is displaying a non-normal color, shape and texture it could be a key to a health problem you are experiencing or some kind of imbalance in your body. Here are a few common things to keep an eye out for next time you are checking out your tongue:

· Red color - excess heat

· Pale color - body needs some rest and you may be cold often, can be an indication of poor circulation

· Purple or Blue color - too much sugar in the body from sugary foods or sodas

· Thin tongue shape - could be a sign of anemia or some other deficiency in the blood or fluid

· Trembling tongue - spleen problem

· Elongated - heart heat

· Cracks - could be a sign of a heart imbalance

· Curling sides - may indicate something going on with your liver

A normal tongue should be pink with a light coat on it. The shape should be medium thickness and with no cracks. It is believed that the each area of the tongue is connected to specific internal organs in your body. Liver is the sides of tongue. Spleen is the center, back of the tongue is the Kidney and the tip of the tongue is your heart. A tongue diagnosis is a major part of the Chinese Medical assessment. A complete and accurate tongue assessment can only be done by a qualified practitioner.

Hyperpigmentation

Let’s talk hyperpigmentation. This is a condition where dark patches appear on the skin. This darkening takes place when an excess of melanin, brown pigment that produces normal skin color, forms deposits in the skin.
Age spots (Solar Lentigines) are a common form of hyperpigmentation. They are caused by sun damage. They are dark patches usually found on the hands and face. Damage from the sun occurs from repeated sunburns early on during youth. Melasma, sometimes called the pregnancy mask, is caused by hormonal changes like pregnancy or birth control. Acne may also cause dark spots after the condition is gone. Freckles are also a form of pigmentation, but an inherited one.

During the 70’s we sunbathed with baby oil and iodine, in the 80’s out came sun beds. Some dermatologists considered these to be a safer alternative to the sun. The UVA ray was considered the safe ray and was thought to not penetrate as deeply and the UVB (the burn ray). We now know this isn’t true. The UVA ray actually penetrates through the epidermis into the second layer of skin where collagen and elastin are made. Not only will this cause hyperpigmentation but it will also dry and crack the collagen and elastin fibers making the skins outer dermis look wrinkly and aged.

So whether you are a baby boomer, used sun beds in the 80’s, or are from generation now and have had one too many sunburns, you most likely have underlying or surface pigmentation.

There are numerous treatments to help treat pigmentation disorders.
CREAMS
Prescription creams are used to lighten the skin over time. They usually contain hydroquinone. This helps fade darkened skin patches by slowing the production of melanin. In more severe cases prescription creams with tretinoin and a cortisone cream may be used. These may be somewhat irritating to sensitive skin and will take 3-6 months to produce improvement. (Hydroquinone is banned in Europe and I personally do not recommend it.) Skin lightening serums that contain tyrosine-inhibiting ingredients such as Kojic Acid or Mulberry Root are also beneficial.
MICRODERMABRASION
Microdermabrasion is a process where multifaceted crystals are used to exfoliate and polish the outer layer of the dermis while vacuum stimulation increases blood flow to the surface of the skin. The suction helps stimulate blood flow to the surface of the skin for collagen and elastin reformation. Microderm in conjunction with other treatments can also be beneficial in lightening pigmentation. By exfoliating, you’re also allowing for better product penetration (this is good if you are using a cream to lighten the skin). Multiple treatments scheduled 10 to 14 days apart allow maximum rejuvenation of the skin.
LASERS
RN Bridget (Gigi) Goddard, owner of Pure Indulgence Skin Rejuvenation in Laguna Niguel, California and current trainer for Cutera laser, prefers the Pearl laser to treat hear clients with pigmentation. Gigi says that The Pearl is one of the most effective treatments for discoloration and uneven texture. You need fewer treatments and less recovery time than with other Erbium and Co2 laser procedures. With the Pearl you get deep thermal penetration for longer lasting benefits. Another treatment Gigi uses is the Limelight. Similar to the IPL(intense pulse light) this treatment delivers non-invasive pulses of light to the discolored areas of the skin resulting in darkening and sloughing off. GiGi has worked in the field of medical esthetics for the past 7 years and has trained countless plastic surgeons throughout Orange and LA Counties. For more information or other services she offers please contact Gigi at Pure Indulgence Skin.
CHEMICAL PEELS
Chemical Peels resurface the skin by inducing a controlled wound to the skin. Similar to microdermabrasion, they remove the top layers (or deeper) of skin to help collagen production. There are different chemical peels that vary in strength and depth, some of which may only be done under the care of a physician. Deeper peels will have longer recovery. Depending on your condition and skin type your skin care professional can customize the peel. I have used Cosmedix peels and have found them to be very effective without much down time, if any.

Maintaining your results after treatment will depend on what you do post-treatment. Using a good broad-spectrum sunscreen is #1. Ultimate UV Defense with zinc by Skin Ceuticals is one of my favorites. Your skin care professional should also prescribe a good regimen to help maintain your new results.

Please feel free to post any questions and I will be happy to answer!

*This article is only for informative purposes. This article is not intended to be a medical advice and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for all your medical concerns. Please follow any information given in this article only after consulting your doctor or qualified medical professional. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from any information obtained from this article.

Age spots (liver spots)

Definition
Also called liver spots and solar lentigines, age spots are flat, gray, brown or black spots. They vary in size and usually appear on the face, hands, shoulders and arms — areas most exposed to the sun. Though age spots are very common in adults older than age 40, they can affect younger people as well.

True age spots are harmless and don’t need treatment, but they can look like cancerous growths. For cosmetic reasons, age spots can be lightened with skin-bleaching products or removed. However, prevention — by avoiding the sun and using sunscreen — may be the easiest way to maintain your skin’s youthful appearance and to avoid these dark skin spots.

Symptoms:
Age spots are flat, oval areas of increased pigmentation — usually brown, black or gray. They typically develop in people with a fair complexion but can be seen even in those with darker skin. Age spots occur on skin that has had the most sun exposure over the years, such as the backs of hands, tops of feet, face, shoulders and upper back.

Age spots on shoulders & back

Age spots range from freckle-size to more than a centimeter across and can group together, making them more prominent. Often, age spots are accompanied by other signs of sun damage, including:

*Deep wrinkles

*Dry, rough skin

*Fine red veins on your cheeks, nose and ears

*Thinner, more translucent-looking skin

Causes:
Ultraviolet (UV) light accelerates the production of melanin. Melanin is the dark pigment in the epidermis that gives your skin its normal color. The extra melanin — produced to protect the deeper layers of your skin — creates the darker color of a tan. Age spots develop when the extra melanin becomes “clumped” or is produced in higher concentrations than normal.

Most often, it takes years of sun exposure for these dark spots to occur — they typically develop very slowly over time. Using commercial tanning lamps and tanning beds can eventually result in the same changes.

In addition to sun exposure, simply growing older can cause the extra production of melanin and subsequent age spots. Genetics also plays a role in how susceptible you are to the development of age spots.

Diagnosis:
Your doctor can diagnose age spots by inspecting the skin. If there’s any doubt, your doctor may do other tests, such as a biopsy. Other conditions that can look similar to age spots include:

*Moles. Although they often appear as small, dark brown spots, moles (nevi) vary in color and size. They can be raised or flat and can develop almost anywhere on your body — even between your fingers and toes. Unlike age spots, moles can be present at birth. They often become more prominent with age. Moles also may darken with repeated sun exposure or as a result of hormonal changes in pregnancy.

*Seborrheic keratoses. These tan, brown or black growths have a wart-like or waxy, pasted-on appearance and range in size from very small to more than 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) across. Seborrheic keratoses don’t become cancerous, but they can resemble age spots, moles or skin cancer.

*Lentigo maligna. One type of skin cancer known as lentigo maligna melanoma can develop in areas of long-term sun exposure. Lentigo maligna starts as tan, brown or black lesions that slowly darken and enlarge. They tend to have an irregular border and uneven coloring and may be slightly raised.

Modern Treatments :
If you’re unhappy with the appearance of age spots, treatments are available to lighten or remove them. Since the pigment is located at the base of the epidermis — the topmost layer of skin — any treatments meant to lighten the age spots will need to penetrate through this layer of skin.

Age spot treatments include:

*Medications. Prescription bleaching creams (hydroquinone) used alone or with retinoids (tretinoin) and a mild steroid may gradually fade the spots over several months. Over-the-counter (nonprescription) fade creams that contain glycolic acid or kojic acid may slightly reduce the appearance of the age spots. Sun protection is strongly advised if you use medication treatments.

*Laser therapy. Laser therapy destroys the extra melanocytes that create the dark pigment without damaging the skin’s surface. Treatments with laser typically require several sessions. After treatment, age spots fade gradually over several weeks or months. Laser therapy has few side effects, but it can be expensive.

*Freezing (cryotherapy). This procedure involves applying liquid nitrogen or another freezing agent to the age spots to destroy the extra pigment. As the area heals, the skin appears lighter. Freezing is typically used on a single or small grouping of age spots. Though effective, this procedure poses a slight risk of permanent scarring or discoloration.

*Dermabrasion. This procedure consists of sanding down (planing) the surface layer of your skin with a rapidly rotating brush. This procedure removes the skin surface, and a new layer of skin grows in its place. Redness and temporary scab formation can result from this age spot treatment.

*Chemical peel. A light or medium chemical peel can gradually fade age spots, but several treatments are necessary before you notice any results. A chemical peel involves applying an acid, which burns the outer layer of your skin, to the age spots. As your skin peels, new skin forms to take its place. Sun protection is strongly advised following this treatment.
Because age spot treatments are considered cosmetic, your insurance may not pay for it.

In addition, any of the procedures can have side effects, so be sure to discuss them in advance with your doctor. Make sure your dermatologist is specially trained and experienced in the technique you’re considering.
THE HERBS listed below can help you overcome age and liver spots, flat, non-cancerous brown spots on face, neck, hands; poor liver function.

Milk thistle guaranteed-potency extract, ginkgo biloba guaranteed-potency extract, panax ginseng, una de gato, burbur, dandelion root, yellow dock, burdock.
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Homeopathic Treatment for Age Spots

Prevention:To help avoid age spots, minimize your sun exposure. If you must be in the sun, use a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15. It should be a broad-spectrum sunscreen, which means it blocks both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays.

Avoid the sun during high-intensity hours. The sun’s rays are most damaging from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Reduce the time you spend outdoors during these hours.
Wear protective clothing. Cover your skin with clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts, long pants and wide-brimmed hats. Also, keep in mind that certain clothing styles and fabrics offer better protection from the sun than do others. For example, tightly woven fabrics are better than loosely woven fabrics.
Use sunscreen. Apply sunscreen liberally 30 minutes before going outdoors so that your skin has time to absorb the sunscreen. Then reapply according to the directions on the label — usually about every hour.

Disclaimer: This information is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advise or help. It is always best to consult with a Physician about serious health concerns. This information is in no way intended to diagnose or prescribe remedies.This is purely for educational purpose.

Skin Pigmentation

Stan Grimes

Skin pigmentation is a physiological event unpreventable and inevitable for all of us. It´s not some kind of intellectual enlightenment or spiritual awakening. Yet, for some reason unknown to me our country believes it´s important. Otherwise why do we talk about it so much? We worry about it like it´s something we can change, like it´s some kind of inoperable cancer. We, as a people, have made it an issue, a "card" to be played. We seem to worry about it more than oil prices, healthcare, mortgage foreclosures, and even war. Does skin pigmentation drive our economy? I think not. However, it does appear to drive our psyches.

It doesn´t seem to matter if John McCain´s campaign in the past two weeks has placed attack ads against Barack Obama that appear to have been produced and directed by some secret and mentally impaired Dr. Who showing just how demented and desperate his staffers are, and of course McCain himself who tags these outlandish productions with, "I´m John McCain and I approve this message." How could anyone with a straight face declare, "I approve this message?"

Little has been discussed about McCain´s little pilgrimages to Canada and Mexico trying to improve our chances of losing more jobs to our southern and northern friends across the border. Maybe pigmentation is more important. We would rather do close-up shots of his melanoma-ridden face. After all, pigmentation is important. Man, I admit that I have extremely light skin pigmentation, but this guy looks like he just came off the movie set of "Powder, The Sequel." But, hey, we´re more worried about those darker pigmentations.

Folks with darker skin pigmentation are okay in a good ´ol boy´s eyes when he´s watching the NFL, NBA, NCAA, and MLB sporting events, but run for president? Whoa horsey, we can´t have any of that going on. This idea of "All men are created equal" is great when it comes to sports, but politics? Let´s not get extreme here. Dark pigmented folks are good for playing sports, representing us in the Olympics, fighting on our battlefields, and working in our factories…but, hey, being the President is an entirely different matter. "It´s risky."

I guess voting George Bush into the Presidency wasn´t risky, right? After all, he was a governor and a…uh, well…he was a pilot in the military service. Being a pilot in the military must now be a prerequisite for the job. McCain was a pilot in the military, hmm. Risky? Let´s see, I´m a war hero so I should be qualified to be President. I was a navy pilot using drugs and alcohol so I should be President. Was Lincoln a pilot? Wasn´t he just a young guy out of Illinois, a little risky I´d say? Oh, I forgot, his skin pigmentation was lighter like those other guys that started wars.

I say we forget for a few months about the color of skin and start worrying about a nation that´s falling to its knees with such force the world can hear it. We have an economic earthquake going on, forget the pigmentation. Let's get to the real issues.