Skin Creams: How to deal with redness and spots
Are you looking for a skin cream for your red, spotty skin? Then be careful, for not all skin care products serve the same purpose. There are many products available for many different conditions: oily, dry, combination. Here are some tips to help you.
Before you buy any skin cream, it is important to understand some basics. The most common cause for red, spotty skin is rosacea, a chronic condition in which your face becomes red and swollen, sometimes to the point of stinging. Sometimes you can even see the blood vessels in your face. Your nose may become very red and prominent and your eyes may also become red and watery. Unfortunately, there is no known cure for this condition but by visiting a dermatologist; you may learn some techniques to prevent flare-ups.
If you have rosacea, your dermatologist may give you an antibiotic skin cream like metronidazole or a cream containing Vitamin A to help control flare-ups. These can be very effective if you follow your dermatologist’s directions, not only about using the cream but also in avoiding stress, sun and trigger foods.
But what if you don’t have rosacea and you simply have red, dry skin in places? There are plenty of remedies you can use. Look for creams specifically made for sensitive skin or labeled hypoallergenic . These products will be less likely to contain alcohol, soap, scents, colors or preservatives that could make your skin even redder.
You should also take care to avoid retinoic acids, alpha hydroxyl acids and other products touted as anti-aging remedies. While we all want to avoid wrinkles, these remedies may be way too harsh for your already sensitive skin.
If you want to make your own skin cream, an easy one that will help sooth irritated, red skin involves simply mixing the contents of vitamin E capsules in pure almond oil. Add oatmeal to make it creamy and apply it to your red skin. You’ll be amazed at how well it works.
In addition to skin care products, you should also follow some common-sense tips toward treating your red, spotty skin:
1. If the problem appeared recently, consider any changes you have made to your diet and/or lifestyle. If you have tried a new medication or food, stop it. Some key triggers are alcoholic beverages and spicy foods.
2. Stay out of the sun and wear a sun block that prevents UVA and UVB rays from attacking your skin.
3. Use a cold compress or even a bag of frozen vegetables against the reddened areas to provide temporary relief.
4. Do what you can to reduce stress: get plenty of sleep; take a brisk walk to clear your head; pray, meditate and/or practice yoga.
5. Look for make-up that is blended specifically to correct reddened skin. These products will have a green base and can work wonders when used properly. Most department store cosmetic counters carry these products, though it may take some searching.
If these creams and tips don’t adequately address the problem, you probably should go back to your dermatologist, who will be able to give you additional tests and treatments. Lasers, injections and other treatments are available.
Finding the right skin cream is a matter of trial and error but it is not rocket science. Be patient and consistent and soon you will have soothing relief for your skin.
Laser Hair Removal: Is This the Right Solution for You?
Laser hair removal is an intriguing option for people with excess body hair. Wouldn’t it be great to no longer have to worry about shaving regularly ñ or about the parts you missed? Here is how to decide whether laser treatment is for you.
1. What skin color do you have? Lighter skin tones are easier to treat because they generally require fewer treatments and there is less chance of visible scarring.
2. What hair color do you have? In contrast to the skin color question, dark hair colors are easier to treat because it absorbs more laser energy, according to dermatologist Roy G. Geronemous, M.D. He said light hair is more difficult to treat and blonde and grey hair does not respond to laser treatment.
3. How does laser hair removal work? Tiny flashes of laser light are used to generate heat that destroys hair follicles. The process may take a few minutes (for facial hair) to several hours (for back hair).
4. Does it hurt? Some patients feel a little tingling during the procedure. A topical anesthetic may be applied to sensitive area, such as the bikini area and a cooling system may be applied to surrounding skin to prevent heat damage.
5. What are the risks? There may be some swelling and redness after the procedure. The surrounding skin may burn. Lasers may also lighten or darken the skin by affecting the body’s production of melanin. While darkening of the skin can be reversed, lightening cannot.
5. What happens afterward? After the procedure, patients are generally advised to use moisturizers and sunscreen for several weeks. However, they should not use makeup during that time, in order to avoid infection. Many people continue to lose hair as much as three weeks after the procedure. This hair can be gently scrubbed away while in the shower.
6. Will more than one treatment be needed? That depends on the size of the treatment area. In some cases, hair regrows in a specific area, but it is usually lighter and finer than before.
7. Does insurance cover laser hair removal? Unfortunately, no. Laser hair removal is usually considered an elective cosmetic procedure.
8. How much does it cost? Under arm hair removal averages about $300. Treatment of the bikini area and arms averages between $350 and $500. Single treatments for areas of the back, lower or upper legs, face and neck range between $600 and $900.
9. What other options are there? In addition to shaving, waxing and depilatory creams and lotions that are available over the counter, many dermatologists also offer an at-home laser hair removal system. These systems average about $1000 in cost and result in a 50% to 70% reduction in hair growth, according to Dr. Doris Day, a New York dermatologist. (In-office laser removal results in a 70% to 100% reduction, Day said.)
Is laser hair removal the right solution for you? It all depends on your time and your budget. If you want to avoid the repeated hassle of removing your unwanted body hair, find a qualified dermatologist who has experience in the procedure and find out more. The results may amaze you.
