Skin Treatments – Chemical Peels

Chemical peeling is a procedure that is carried out to improve the appearance of the skin and can be performed in a clinic or as an outpatient. A chemical solution is applied to the face which causes the skin to blister and peel – a little like peeling heavily after being sunburnt. The new skin that is underneath and revealed by the peel, is usually smoother and fine lines can be erased.

Chemical peels can be done on the face, the neck and the hands. Some sun damaged areas will be improved and surface lesions may be removed altogether.  Chemical peels will not help deep wrinkles or tighten the skin but will give a younger fresher look to the skin.

What happens during a peel?

The skin is thoroughly cleansed to remove all traces of oil. A chemical solution, commonly glycolic, salicylic or lactic acid is brushed on to the skin. There will be a feeling of heat from the area treated and a stinging sensation as the peel does its work. Cold compresses are typically applied to alleviate discomfort. If you have a deeper peel you may need to have pain killing drugs as well and some doctors will prescribe an antibiotic to minimise the risk of any infection.

What to expect after a peel

There will be a range of reactions depending on the individual and on the depth of the peel.  You will experience a reaction that is very similar to a bad case of sunburn. The skin will be red initially and then begin to peel, usually taking between three to seven days to complete the process.
If you have a deeper chemical peel you may experience swelling as well and as in a severe case of sunburn – blisters may form. Depending on the individual the area treated with the peel will form a crust and peel off in a period of one to two weeks.  You will need to give yourself enough time to heal depending on how comfortable you are being back in the public eye.

Tips:

• Make sure a in depth consultation is given by the doctor you choose. Be clear about what you are trying to achieve and what will be involved in the treatment and the healing process.

• Choose a doctor that has had considerable experience in the process – don’t be afraid to ask for a referral.

• Let your doctor know if there is any history of pigmentation in you or your family.

• Inform your doctor of any history of unusual scarring or scar tissue formation as this can affect the results.

• Let your doctor know if you are subject to herpes outbreaks as medication can be taken to lessen the chance of an outbreak.

• New skin is very susceptible to sunburn – great care must be taken to use sun block every time you go outdoors.

• Use a skincare regime that is formulated for sensitive skins  with no ingredients that could irritate the new skin that will be revealed.

• Skinsaviour cleanser and moisturiser is ideal after treatment as it will help to calm and soothe and support the healing process.

Razor bumps and razor burns

Razor burn is irritation of the skin usually caused by not using a sharp enough blade so the skin is dragged and chafed or by not using the correct technique. Razor burn usually presents itself as a mild rash and some redness of the skin may occur usually 2-4 days after shaving. It can be short lived and disappear in a few days or can last for days if severe enough. If you experience a rash at the time of shaving it is usually more to do with the skin being too dry during the shaving process, applying too much pressure, going against the natural growth direction or shaving too closely.

Razor bumps can occur on the face after shaving but also in areas where the hair removed is coarse and the area sensitive such as genital area shaving. Curly hair also tends to curl inwards as it grows and can curl back into the skin causing inflammation and can also cause pimple like bumps. These papules or pustules that form can be red and sore especially if the area becomes infected.

Pseudofolliculitis Barbae is the medical term for ingrown hairs and these can be two gifferent types -   transfollicular and extrafollicular. The transfollicular hair never leaves the hair follicle and the extrafollicular hair is a hair that has exited the follicle and reentered the skin.

Tips for Prevention:

• Keep the face or area being shaved well lubricated.
• Shave in the direction of the hair growth.
• Use a sharp blade and avoid dull blades.
• Cleanse the face first to soften the hair growth.
• Shave lightly –don’t apply too much pressure.
• Use an aftershave that has no irritating ingredients and is an effective moisturiser. Skinsaviour Cream was formulated for sensitive skins and is ideal for use after shaving.
• Avoid colognes and aftershaves on the affected area.
• Gentle exfoliation – lightly rub over with a washcloth the area after shaving to help prevent razor bumps forming. Ingrown hairs may be gently squeezed to release the hair.
• Severe chronic cases may need to let beards grow or investigate other forms of hair removal such as laser or electrolysis.
• Seek medical advice if the rash or bumps do not heal.

Rosacea – Treat Me Gently

What is rosacea?

Rosacea (which can be pronounced as ro-zay-sha) is a skin disease that causes redness and pimples on your nose, cheeks, chin, and forehead. Rosacea can come and go with people suffering from flare-ups. Tiny red veins can form on the face that look like a cobweb of red veins – these are permanent. People sometimes call rosacea “adult acne” because it can cause outbreaks that look like acne and often happens to us as we get older. Sometimes there can be an associated soreness of the eyes and the eyelids. Although rosacea should not affect your vision, it can cause eye problems and a doctor should be consulted if you experience any symptoms. Rosacea can cause a lot of embarrassment and discomfort for sufferers but there are things we can do to minimise flare-ups.

What causes rosacea?

There is some evidence that people with fair skin and who have a tendency to blush are more prone and that a family history can also predispose you to developing rosacea. In an attack of rosacea the blood vessels in the face expand, filling with blood and causing the face to redden. While there is no one cause for all people there are certain common triggers it would be best to avoid. Some attacks may last minutes or in severe cases can last for days. If you can work out your own personal triggers it will help you manage your rosacea and some people find keeping a trigger diary helpful.

Some triggers include:

Exercise or heavy exertion
Exposure to the sun and wind
Alcohol
Spicy foods
Hot food and drink
Stress or anxiety
Emotional changes such as embarrassment or laughing
Hot baths and showers
Menopause
Some medications – ask your doctor

Medical help should be sought and exposure to triggers reduced as rosacea can worsen and turn into advanced rosacea where bumps on the nose and cheek area can form, giving the area a swollen, lumpy look. While there is no cure medical treatment includes antibiotic creams and drugs. Laser treatment can also help to reduce the size and number of the veins.

Prevention by avoiding triggers is an important part of learning to manage and lessen rosacea attacks.

• Cut down on food and drink that causes symptoms
• Try shorter work outs more frequently when exercising
• Have lukewarm showers and baths and keep them short
• Drink plenty of water in hot conditions
• Cool the face with a damp, cold washcloth if you become overheated.
• Keep alcohol to a minimum – it doesn’t cause rosacea but it can make it worse.
• Always hear sunscreen and a hat when outdoors
• Use a skin care regime that has products with no perfumes, colourings or fragrances that will help soothe and not irritate the skin such as skinsaviour cleanser and moisturiser.
• Skinsaviour Cream and Cleanser are specially formulated for skin that is sensitive and easily irritated.

Do men need moisturiser?

Why use skin care products?

Male skin care has seen huge growth in the last decade with men not only having product bought for them by women but increasingly choosing to buy their own skin care products.  Men’s skincare products are more commonplace today and increased advertising has made the average man more likely to consider whether skin care products might be for him.

Some of this increase is due to an increased pressure in the workplace to look good – the man who perceives his appearance is linked to his career success is keen to present as well groomed. He wants to have his skin looking in the best condition it can. A worldwide survey by health care firm Allergan found a total of 31 percent of American men considered grooming to be important because they wanted to look good for professional reasons.

Men are also finding out what women have known for a long time – that well cared for skin not only looks better it feels better as well!

What to look for in men’s skin care?

• Keep your skin care regime simple and you will be more likely to keep it up and reap the greatest benefits.

• Find a cleanser you can use under the shower to save time. Using a cleanser before shaving helps soften the stubble for easier shaving.

• Stop using bar soap to clean your face – choose a cleanser like the skinsaviour cleanser for men that has no soaps or detergents that dry out the skin.

• Choose a moisturiser that will give long lasting hydration but not give a greasy look to the skin. skinsaviour cream for men absorbs beautifully and leaves no greasy residue. A shiny face does not look good.

• Use a moisturiser that calms and soothes the skin after shaving will help reduce irritation that is often experienced after shaving. Shaving can be tough on the skin.

• Find skin care products that have no harmful chemicals, colourings, perfumes that can irritate or dry the skin. skinsaviour has done the work for you here in providing a high quality effective moisturiser that has none of what you don’t want in your skin care.

• Sun protection is a must if you are going to be outdoors, nothing ages the skin faster than sun exposure.

Dry skin and diet

If dry, flaky skin is a problem for you, then apart from external factors such as wind, exposure, heating and air conditioning, excessive bathing and using harsh soaps, you also need to consider internal factors such as diet. ‘We are what we eat’ also holds true for the skin. Internal causes include reduced functioning of the glands that provide oil to the skin caused by a poor diet.

How does diet affect my skin?

A diet that is low in healthy foods and high in overly refined and processed foods, alcohol, caffeine, sugar and ‘bad’ fats will result in unhealthy skin. The better we eat – the better our skin will look. Foods that are high in water content and an adequate water intake will all help to hydrate and therefore plump the skin cells.

Fresh unprocessed foods have vitamins and minerals that help promote optimal functioning of the oil glands, keeping the skin supple and smooth. Supporting the lipid barrier keeps the skin supple and smooth and therefore less moisture is lost and the skin is less dry.

What to avoid:

• Highly refined processed foods
• Excess caffeine and alcohol as they have a diuretic action
• Low daily water intake
• A diet high in fat and sugar, avoid fried foods
• Artificial sweeteners

What to include:

• Eat raw foods for the high water content
• Water based fruit such as watermelon, cantaloupe and oranges
• Water based vegetables such as cucumber, tomatoes and peppers
• Foods that contain sulphur like eggs, garlic and asparagus
• Flaxseeds, ground or as an oil, extra virgin cold pressed oil
• Avocados – that help the oil glands to lubricate the skin
• Adequate hydration, particularly in hot climates or when exercising
• Foods from all the spectrum of colours for antioxidants to help fight free radicals that damage the skin

What can I do to help dry skin?

• Use lukewarm water, gentle drying and products without ingredients to irritate dry skin.

• Invest in a humidifier, this will help with both central heating and air conditioning.

• Apply a moisturiser to the skin immediately after cleansing to retain maximum moisture in the skin.

• Drink plenty of water – several small glasses throughout the day is easier if you are not a big water drinker – little and often makes it easier.

• Use skin care products that are high in ingredients that attract and hold the moisture, keeping the integrity of the lipid layer.

What is dry skin?

Dry skin, or xerosis to use the medical term, is a common skin problem. Dry skin effects all ages but as we get older the skin retains less moisture. It can often feel tight and uncomfortable, look dull and lifeless but much can be done to bring relief. Skin that is well hydrated skin feels good and gives a young, healthy look to the skin.

Do I have dry skin?

The mildest form of dry skin can be recognised by a feeling of slight tightness in the skin, some mild flaking and be annoying. Severe dry skin can have flaking, itching, red discolouration, severe tightness and even cracking. Dry skin can age faster as untreated dryness can lead to premature visible signs of aging.

Dry Skin – Medical Conditions

Dry skin can be part of a symptom picture for a number of underlying medical conditions, some of which can be quite serious.

An examination by a doctor is advisable if you still have chronic dry skin problems after making dietary, lifestyle and skincare regime changes. If you have dry skin that has cracked and bled, medical advice should also be sought. Some medications that you have been advised to take can have dry skin as an unwanted side effect.

Why the skin is so important?

Skin is the primary defence system of the body and is actually classified as the largest organ of the body. If the skin is damaged in any way or becomes drier and drier until cracking in the skin occurs, there is danger that microbes can enter the skin. These microbes can enter causing bacterial and fungal infections.

Untreated dry skin can lead to dermatitis – inflammation of the skin, causing itchiness, redness and swelling and again can become open to infection, especially if it is scratched due to the itchiness. So we can see it pays to look after our skin – if you are worried about your dry skin or it is making you miserable – see your doctor.

Medical Causes

• Hypothyroidism – a low thyroid condition that can cause dry skin by reducing the amount of oil produced by the body and other symptoms such as intolerance to cold and weight gain.

• Dehydration – dry skin associated with infrequent, dark urine, headaches.

• Underweight – especially if fats have been avoided in an effort to lose weight.

• Malnutrition – linked to low oil and fatty acid intake. A healthy body and healthy skin need some oils and essential fatty acids to maintain the lipid barrier and these are some of the body’s best natural moisturisers.

• Diabetes – fluctuations in glucose levels can lead to dehydration and this also will cause the skin to dry.

• Genetic Predisposition

• Eczema and psoriasis – skin conditions that may be diagnosed.

Medications that can cause dry skin

There are a number of medications that can cause dry skin such as:

• High blood pressure medication – diuretic action

• Allergy treatment such as antihistamines

• Retinoids used in the treatment of acne

If you notice you develop dry skin after taking a new medication, speak to your doctor.

Many cases of dry skin are easy to treat and are not a sign of more serious health conditions, but if in doubt – get it checked out.

Photographs of dry skin before treatment

Photographs of dry skin after treatment