Skin – Hello Doctor

Can beauty products cause cancer?

September 10th, 2020 by The Hello Doctor Team

There’s a booming beauty industry out there producing thousands of different and new products that promise to make sure you look as young as possible. It’s what a lot of people want: to stay 25 forever – but at what cost? What if the cream you’re using to smooth out the wrinkles on your face is filled with cancer-causing chemicals? Here are a few dark secrets about beauty products.

Perfumes – A spritz of sneezes

Perfumes make people smell wonderful, but it’s not just a little water mixed with a nice smell. It’s a carefully created mixture containing many chemicals, some of which are harmful. People can have an allergic reaction to perfumes simply because the fragrance is a chemical. These chemicals can trigger allergies, headaches, migraines and asthma. It might not kill you, but it can make you, and those around you, very uncomfortable.

Nail polish – A dash of cancer

Vibrant and colourful nails are very trendy with the fashion-conscious. However, there’s a big problem with nail polish: it contains a very bad chemical called Phthalates (even we struggle to pronounce it). This harmful ingredient is absorbed through the skin and is linked breast cancer. Sadly, it’s not often mentioned on the labels and it’s also used in other beauty products, so it’s hard to avoid.

Deodorants – A stick of poison

Sweat is not a pleasant thing to smell. The funny part about sweat is that it actually doesn’t have a smell. It’s the bacteria that mixes with the sweat that gives it a foul odour. What do we use to mask that smell? Deodorants, of course. Many deodorants contain something called a paraben – a toxic chemical that is linked to breast cancer, problems with your hormones and fertility issues. Read the labels to find one without the poison.

Lipstick – A deadly twist

You can instantly make yourself look more beautiful with some lipstick (if it matches you). But while it makes you look pretty, some of them hide a very bad poison: lead. It’s not an ingredient in lipstick, but it’s involved in the making of lipstick, so there are traces of it. Why is it bad? Because it affects our nervous system – your nerves and brain. Look for lipsticks from reputable cosmetic houses that don’t use this chemical.

What can you use?

Firstly, ditch the chemicals. They’re bad from the start. If you want safe beauty products, visit a natural health store for all your cosmetic needs. If you like going for manicures and pedicures, make sure you bring your beauty products for the beauticians to use. Also, do some research – there are reputable cosmetics houses that don’t use dangerous chemicals or do animal testing – use their products. Natural body products are quite expensive, but they are less harmful to your body. Aim to have a full and healthy life, not a short and pretty one.

If you’d like some beauty advice or if you’ve had a bad reaction to your make-up and not sure what to do, subscribe to our Hello Doctor service now and get some health advice from our doctors. Simply click on the ‘Buy Now’ tab to get started.

Sources: DavidSuzuki.org, Breast Cancer Fund, Tree Hugger

Why is my skin itchy?

August 31st, 2020 by The Hello Doctor Team

Are you constantly attacking your skin with your nails, trying to relieve that irritating itch that will simply not go away? There are many different causes for itchy skin; let’s take a look at some of the possible culprits.

Bug bites

Bugs are everywhere – even in your bed! It’s best to just accept this and be informed about the different types of bites that can cause an itchy reaction to your skin. The following insects enjoy a good bite:

bed bugs
fleas
head lice
pubic lice
Mosquitoes

None of these are pleasant and can be treated by medication; but, make sure you change your bed linen regularly and try to not allow your pets on your bed too often.

Cosmetic allergies

We all use them. Whether it’s to stay clean or look good, but many people have an allergy to certain cosmetics such as: moisturisers, shampoos, deodorants, make-up, colognes and lipstick. Symptoms include redness, swelling, itching, and hive-like breakouts. In some cases, the skin becomes red and raw. The face, lips, eyes, ears, and neck are the most common sites for cosmetic allergies, although reactions may appear anywhere on the body.

Speak to your doctor about testing you fo allergies so that you can prevent this from happening again.

Ringworm

Contrary to popular belief, ringworm has nothing to do with worms; it’s a fungal skin condition, which is commonly passed on by animals such as dogs and cats; however, it can also be spread by:

living in damp or humid areas
excessive sweating
participating in contact sports
wearing tight clothing
having a weak immune system

It is generally not serious and can be treated with medication.

Food allergies

There’s nothing better to start your day off with a hearty helping of eggs, but be careful! You may be allergic to them, which, if eaten, can cause respiratory problems. Other common foods that people suffer from include: cow’s milk, peanuts, fish, shellfish, tree nuts such as cashews or walnuts, wheat and soy.

Speak to your doctor about running an allergy test to find out exactly what food allergies you or your child may have.

This is how stress affects your skin!

July 19th, 2020 by The Hello Doctor Team

A little bit of stress keeps you on your toes and actually helps keep you motivated. But when stress gets too much and is persistent, it starts messing with your sleep patterns, metabolism and general health – and it also starts showing on your skin. Yikes!

It’s all about cortisol, the stress hormone

When you’re stressed out, your body produces high levels of cortisol, which act as a powerful steroid designed to heighten your senses and prepare your body for “flight or fight” mode – which was a great help when we lived in caves and had to fight off predators on a daily basis.

In the modern-day though, these high levels of cortisol are a result of daily stressors, such as traffic jams, looming deadlines, and juggling home, kids and relationships. All of which can start showing up on your skin – in the following ways:

1. Cold sores and rashes: Stress can cause the top layers of skin to break up as skin cells shrink. These tiny cracks can let harmful bacteria in, which sets off your immune system and leaves you vulnerable to psoriasis, eczema and cold sores. Our top tip: take a daily multivitamin, boost your vitamin C intake, and practice yoga, meditation or deep breathing – even if it’s just for 15 minutes a day.

2.Frown lines: Often, you don’t even realise you’re frowning, especially when you’re hunched over your keyboard, or trying to put a smile on your face despite whatever’s going on. Over time, those frown lines stay! So, be more conscious of whether or not you’re frowning – and help save yourself a few unnecessary worry-lines.

3. Dull, dry skin: The more cortisol in your body, the more it affects your skin’s ability to retain moisture – which leads to dry skin. It doesn’t end there though. When you’re stressed out, skin cells take longer to turnover, and the build-up of dead cells causes your skin to look dull. How to combat this: drink more water and herbal tea, and invest in a gentle exfoliator for your face.

4. Acne: If you never struggled with bad skin in your teens, but you’re breaking out now that you’re in your late 20s or 30s – it could very well be a result of the stress you’re under. This is because high stress levels increase inflammation in your body, which has been closely linked to adult acne and breakouts. This type of acne is different from teenage breakouts, so speak to your doctor or dermatologist for the right skincare and treatment programme to suit your skin type.

5. Redness: Part of your body’s stress reaction is increased blood flow to your skin, which can cause tiny veins (capillaries) at the surface of your skin to expand. And, if you’re already prone to redness and flare-ups, stress can make it worse.

What’s the best way to deal with all of this?

A lot of day-to-day stressors can’t be avoided, but if you’re going through a tough month at work, prepping for exams, or settling into a new job, take extra care of yourself – inside and out. This means sticking to a regular skincare routine, exercising more often, and taking a quality multivitamin and mineral supplement to help keep your immune system boosted.

Sources: Prevention.com, WebMD

Getting a tattoo? Here are the do’s and don’ts

January 27th, 2020 by Content Editor

Tattoos have been around for thousands of years. Whether plain or elaborate they have served as personal symbols, status symbols, declarations of love and signs of religious beliefs.

How does it work?

When you get a tattoo, dye is injected into your skin using small needles that puncture the skin at speed. The needles penetrate past the epidermis (outer layer of the skin) into the underlying dermis. This leaves behind pigment on the area.

Your dermis is made up of collagen fibres, nerves, sweat glands, sebaceous glands, blood vessels and basically everything that keeps skin connected to the rest of the body.

So every time the needle penetrates, it causes a wound in the skin and alerts the body to begin the inflammatory process which is the skin’s way to deal with ‘danger’. Cells of the immune system then travel to the wound site and begin to repair the skin.

What to expect

Keep a good level of communication between you and the artist, that way everything is clear from the get-go.
The artist will apply a stencil to the area you’re going to have tattooed to ensure the size and angle is exactly right.
The first needlework will be the outline which is done with a loaded tattoo gun and a liner needle.
Next, he’ll probably rinse your tattoo area and will then use broader needles to shade your tattoo.
Once the tattoo is completely inked, it will be washed and covered with a sterile bandage. Expect some slight bleeding during and after the process.

After getting your tattoo, get precise instructions for aftercare. Follow these steps while your new tattoo heals.

Healing time can vary from person to person, but it generally takes about two weeks.

Your artist should cover your new tattoo in a thin layer of petroleum jelly or unscented cream and a bandage.
Remove the bandage after 24 hours. Use lukewarm water and mild, liquid antibacterial or antimicrobial soap to gently remove any ointment or blood to completely clean the area and pat dry.
Apply a layer of antibacterial ointment twice a day, but don’t put on another bandage.
Gently wash your tattoo area several times a day with soap and water and gently pat dry.
Keep applying a moisturiser or ointment after you clean it to keep it moist. Repeat this process for two to four weeks.
Avoid wearing clothes that will stick to your tattoo, as well as sleeping on it so you don’t agitate the healing process. Avoid swimming in the sun for about two weeks.
Take cool showers. Scorching hot water will hurt and may fade the ink.

Good to know

If your tattoo develops hard layers or scabs, don’t stress. It’s normal. Never pick, scratch, or peel it as you could get an infection or remove the colour. If you think your tattoo is infected or isn’t healing properly, see your doctor.

Sun exposure can mess with your tattoo. Avoid the sun rays during the healing process. Soon after that, always use sunblock to protect it.

Keep your hands clean. This is as important as keeping your tattoo clean, as your hands can introduce bacteria to your tattoo. Remember; never touch your tattoo unless you have just washed your hands!

References:

The best home remedies for sunburn

November 22nd, 2019 by Content Editor

With plenty of fun-in-the-sun, one thing’s inevitable: sunburn.

Sunburn is the skin’s response to too much ultraviolet B exposure.

Mild sunburn symptoms include skin redness and pain. After about four to seven days, your skin may start to peel.

As is the case with many things, prevention is always better than cure! If, however, you did get a touch more sun than you had planned, try out these remedies in the comfort of your home.

Good ol’ water

One of the symptoms of sunburn is the inflammation of the skin. One of the easiest ways to treat inflammation is to cool down the affected area with water.

Dipping in a cool bath or shower may help ease the burn and soothe your skin. However, while you’re still out in the sun avoid jumping in the pool to cool off, as the chlorine water may irritate the skin more.

Avoid directly applying ice on the affected area as it can cause damage to your extra-sensitive sunburned skin. And stay hydrated – drinking extra water when you’re sunburnt can help prevent dehydration.

Aloe Vera

The medicinal properties that aloe Vera packs are rich in tried-and-tested antioxidants and antibacterial agents.

If you don’t already have one get an aloe Vera plant for your house,. The gel inside the plant can be used for many ailments but comes in especially handy for soothing sunburn. Alternatively, look for a 100% aloe Vera gel or an aloe-based lotion or ointment available over-the-counter at your local pharmacy. Apply gently to the affected skin areas.

Colloidal oats

This is finely ground oats which boasts several benefits to soothing the skin. In addition to sunburn, it can also be effective for inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema and rosacea. Studies have shown that colloidal oatmeal binds to the skin and provides a protective barrier against irritants. The oats works as an anti-inflammatory when mixed with bathwater. Pour into the bath and soak for relief.

Lather the skin

After treating the sting and burn, your skin will still need some TLC. Prevent your skin from peeling or at least keep it to a minimum by regularly applying a moisturiser to the affected parts. Use a scent-free moisturiser, preferably a “sensitive skin” product to keep skin irritation to a minimum.

Avoid picking or breaking the skin of any blisters that develop. If a blister breaks, gently clean the area with mild soap and water, apply an antibiotic ointment and cover it with a non-stick gauze bandage.

Take a pain reliever

If needed, an over-the-counter pain reliever may help control the pain and swelling of sunburn, especially if you take it soon after sun exposure. Some pain relievers may also be applied to your skin as gels. Ask your pharmacist for advice.

See a doctor if the sunburn:

Is accompanied by a high fever or extreme pain
Blistering takes up a large part of your body
Produces yellow drainage or red streaks leading away from blisters

References:

Do moisturisers really work?

October 7th, 2019 by Content Editor

The largest organ in the body is the skin. It covers you from head to toe and consists of three layers: the epidermis, dermis and hypodermis.

The hypodermis consists of a layer of fat, and nerves and blood vessels.
Above this layer is the dermis which is comprised of nerves, blood vessels, hair shafts, sweat and sebaceous glands. The sebaceous glands produce sebum, an oily, waxy substance that gives the skin its oily feel and texture. The problem with the secretion of sebum is that it can lead to acne and other skin-related problems.

Most moisturisers and cosmetic products work solely on the cells in the epidermis section (the top-most layer). Moisturisers aim to prevent moisture from leaving the skin’s surface and/or replenish its water supply. They essentially provide a bit of water that penetrates the cell membranes to rehydrate and plump up the outermost layers of dead skin cells.

But what makes one moisturiser different from another? It all comes down to the ingredients.

Occlusives

Occlusives form a barrier on the surface of the skin that water molecules can’t penetrate. They lock in the water molecules that are already inside the skin, which makes them very effective at keeping the skin hydrated.

Emollients

Emollients fill the spaces between cells in the skin to make it feel smoother. Though emollients and occlusives share similar components, but they work quite differently. While occlusives simply form a barrier on the outermost layer, emollients penetrate the skin and fill the gaps between cells that are missing fatty layers of lipids.

Humectants

Humectants help draw water to the skin to keep it hydrated. When applied on the skin, humectant molecules attract moisture from the environment and retain it inside the skin, which is why many skin lotions contain humectants.

Humectants also make young, moist cells stick to the surface, to help keep the skin from becoming flaky. They also stimulate the body’s natural production of ceramides, which keep any loss of water from the outermost layer in check.

In essence, all commercial moisturisers basically work on the same principle. However, they may have additional features, like different expiration dates (thanks to some preservatives), a pleasant fragrance, an eye-catching cover or a popular brand ambassador.

Why does your skin need moisture?

The daily loss of skin cells leaves certain areas vulnerable to dryness. Moisturising helps your skin stay young.

Replenish your skin with ingredients that can help enrich the surface and revitalise hydration. This will benefit the skin and help it look and feel soft, smooth, and supple!

Skin-replenishing ingredients to consider include hydration-boosting superstars like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, sodium PCA, glycerine, glycerol, silicones, petrolatum, salicylic acid, and alpha hydroxy acids. You can use natural oils too, like coconut oil, jojoba oil, olive oil, sunflower seed oil, shea butter, almond oil and grapeseed oil.

Sunscreen

During the day, your moisturiser should contain broad-spectrum sunscreen rated SPF 30+ or more. Moisturisers and anti-ageing products can’t really keep up with what sun exposure can cause to the skin. Even on a cloudy day, put on some SPF; the sun sees you even when you can’t see it.

Unprotected sun exposure continually takes a knock at your skin and hinders its ability to hold in moisture and replenish the vital substances dry skin needs. Make sure the label says “broad spectrum” and apply it liberally to ensure you’re getting enough protection.

References:

These good bacteria live on your skin

August 8th, 2019 by Content Editor

Your skin biome is home to the microorganisms that live on your skin. These include bacteria, fungi and viruses. Just as the microorganisms in your gut play a role in your overall health, your skin biome influences the health of your skin. This includes the way your skin looks and feels, how it functions, as well as its overall condition.

A 2017 study published in the journal Scientific Reports revealed that in acne patients, the skin microbiome bacteria are less balanced than in people with healthy skin. Skin biomes also play a role in skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis and even dandruff.

A healthy skin microbiome protects your skin from infections and conditions by preventing the overgrowth of bad bacteria and pathogens. It also allows wounds to heal faster, acts as a barrier to keep out toxins and keeps inflammation at bay. Unfortunately, if you don’t look after your skin microbiome properly, you’ll wreak havoc on your skin’s overall health.

For example, if you have blemish-prone skin, your skin microbiome is probably overpopulated with pathogens and bad bacteria; while healthy skin would have a balance of both good and bad bacteria.

The overuse of antibacterial soaps, preservatives in topical skin products and other harsh products we apply to our skin, are just a few factors that can send skin bacteria out of whack.

Here are a few ways to keep your skin bugs in check.

Protect your skin microbiome

Eat more prebiotics

In order to thrive, the bacteria in your skin needs food. Prebiotics are a kind of fibre that good bacteria feed on, but your body can’t produce. Include prebiotics in your diet to ensure that your skin’s bacteria are nourished and plentiful. Eat foods like soybeans, oats, garlic, artichokes and asparagus.

Up your probiotics

Besides prebiotics, have probiotics every day. Like prebiotics, probiotics help your skin microbiome’s good bugs thrive. Probiotics also boost digestion. You can find them in most fermented foods and good options include yoghurt, sauerkraut, kimchi and tempeh.

Find the balance

Avoid using antibacterial soaps on your skin to ensure you maintain a healthy community of bacteria. Avoid moisturisers with harmful ingredients and use natural ones instead. Have at least one serving of both prebiotics and probiotics each day.

Destress regularly

Just as stress negatively affects your general health, it also affects your skin’s wellbeing. Find a stress management technique and use it daily. This can range from journaling to meditation and even yoga. Working out also helps you let off steam while working up a sweat ups your body’s prebiotics.

References:

Can you treat eczema with your diet?

August 2nd, 2019 by The Hello Doctor Team

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a condition known to cause patches of dry, itchy skin on your body. It usually develops as a result of inflammation. Common treatments include ointments, creams and medication, but paying attention to your diet could help too.

According to Dr Peter Lio, Assistant Professor of Dermatology and Paediatrics at Northwestern University in Chicago, there’s a close connection between eczema and certain food allergies.

For example, some people may react to a peanut allergy in a life-threating way that could lead to anaphylaxis or even death. For others though, their skin could react with an eczema flare-up. Both reactions are caused by the immune system.

Eczema and your diet

For people with eczema, this kind of reaction could come from certain foods which may trigger your body to release compounds that cause inflammation.

So, cutting out certain foods will help right?

Unfortunately, it’s not as simple as that. Although inflammatory foods can contribute to an eczema flare-up, they aren’t the only causes.

Other factors:

Genetics
Abnormal functioning of the immune system.
The environment. For example, certain weather conditions that makes your skin dry out.
Activities that create skin sensitivity, like prolonged exposure to water, sweating and showers that are excessively hot or cold.
Defects in the skin barrier that allow moisture out and germs in.

What can you do to improve eczema?

While there’s no cure for eczema, a combination of an anti-inflammatory diet and other treatments can help.

Pay attention to your diet and talk to your doctor immediately if you suspect you’re allergic to certain foods. Your doctor can also recommend which foods to avoid. Not everyone will react to the same foods, so it depends on which ones affect you.

Trigger foods usually include:

Citrus fruit.
Dairy.
Eggs.
Gluten or wheat.
Soy.
Spices, such as vanilla, cloves, and cinnamon.
Tomatoes.
Some kinds of nuts.

Food-sensitive eczema reactions usually happen between six and 24 hours after you’ve eaten. To determine your food sensitivity, your doctor could recommend an elimination diet. This involves removing certain foods from your diet, and then slowly adding them back one at a time while monitoring your body and skins reaction.

If you find your symptoms worsening after adding the food, it’s likely that you’ve found your trigger and you should avoid it in the future.

Another way to ease inflammation in your body is to bulk up your diet with anti-inflammatory foods.

Try these:

Fish. Eating fish often is helpful as it contains Omega-3 fatty acids which decrease inflammation. Good options include salmon, mackerel, sardines and tuna.

Probiotics. Foods high in probiotics are known to promote a healthy gut. Go for kefir, yoghurt with live and active cultures, tempeh, kombucha and sauerkraut.

Foods high in flavonoids. Flavonoids help to fight inflammation. Try including more colourful fruit in your diet, like apples, blueberries and cherries and vegetables like spinach, kale and broccoli.

Good to know

Before cutting out or adding any foods to your diet, talk to your doctor first. He may make suggestions and can refer you to a dietician if necessary.

References:

How do antioxidants help your skin?

June 17th, 2019 by Content Editor

Antioxidants are substances found in food that stop or delay damage to your cells. They can be found in many kinds of foods but particularly in plants.

They’re released from the foods we eat through digestion and travel from your bloodstream into your cells.

They protect your cells from damage by removing waste products, called free radicals, before they can do any harm. Free radicals can be caused by outside toxins like smoking, radiation from the sun, pollution and toxic chemicals.

Although your body has built-in defences to protect you from free radicals, sometimes extra help is needed. Once free radicals are attached to antioxidants, they can’t bind with parts of your cells and therefore can’t cause any damage.

How do antioxidants affect your skin? 

Antioxidants are used in many skin formulations like creams and lotions to promote healthy skin. They protect your skin by limiting free radical damage. Having sufficient antioxidants in your body can help reduce signs of ageing like spots, as well as easing inflammation. Antioxidants can also help moisturise dry and dull skin.

Antioxidants can:

Prevent sunburn. Antioxidants have anti-inflammatory properties to help prevent sunburn and give your skin better protection against sun damage and ageing.
Repair your skin. Antioxidants lower inflammation, which means your skin can repair itself more easily. Some antioxidants can also increase collagen production which makes your skin look youthful.
Brighten your skin tone. Over time, free radical damage and extended sun exposure can cause dark spots and pigmentation. Some antioxidants can help your skin make more melanin (dark pigment in your body) to even out and brighten your skin tone.

The best skincare antioxidants  

Look out for skincare products with these antioxidants for glowing, healthy skin. Speak to a dermatologist to choose the best option for your skin type.

Vitamin C 

Besides helping to keep your immune system in check, Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant often added to skin serums. It’s best known for fighting off free radicals, helping to fade dark spots and boosting collagen. If you choose to use Vitamin C, you must store it properly because it can become unstable when exposed to light or air. Store it in a cool, dark drawer.

Retinol (Vitamin A)  

Well-known for its anti-ageing perks, retinol is a favourite amongst skincare experts. Retinol helps your skin to make more collagen which helps repair your cells. This can smooth out fine lines and wrinkles and improve your skin tone, making your skin look younger. You can get retinol over the counter or a stronger kind from your doctor with a prescription.

Vitamin E 

This super vitamin is needed to help your organs to function, including your skin. It speeds up your skin’s healing process and can help with stretch marks. It’s most often used in creams, moisturisers and lotions to treat dry skin.

Flavonoids 

Flavonoids are nutrients that absorb UV light from the sun. They help to protect your skin from these rays thereby preventing skin damage. They can also delay skin ageing and reduce skin inflammation. Flavonoids are commonly found in green and black teas

Top tips 

The best way to keep free radicals at bay is to use sunscreen every day and avoid smoking and obvious air pollution. You can use more than one antioxidant on your skin at a time. For example, Vitamin C and E work well together. Give your skin an extra boost by eating foods high in antioxidants like dark chocolate, pecan nuts, blueberries and goji berries.

References:

Why homemade sunscreen is a no-go

June 17th, 2019 by Content Editor

From DIY facemasks to beauty products, there’s a homemade swap for most things these days; including sunscreen. The DIY version of sunscreen certainly seems simple.

The main ingredients include essential oils and shea butter topped off with the mineral-based sun shield, zinc oxide. Blend them all together and you’re good to go!

As simple as this sounds, using DIY sunscreen could backfire, and instead of protecting your skin, it could cause skin damage instead. Sunscreen serves as a barrier that protects your skin from absorbing ultraviolet (UV and UVB) rays. UV rays ages skin while UVB rays can cause sunburn. Both can lead to harmful skin conditions like skin cancer and severe burns.

Here are a few reasons why you should ditch your DIY sunscreen.

You can’t judge its effectiveness 

An effective sunscreen offers protection from both UV and UVB rays. The only way to test whether a sunscreen can do this is under controlled conditions in a laboratory. Guessing the effectiveness of your homemade sunscreen by looking at your skin is not a reliable nor accurate method.

You can’t determine the time of exposure

If you spend too much time in the sun without any sunscreen, your skin will start to burn. This is known as erythema or sunburn. The SPF of your sunscreen is an indicator of how long you can safely stay in the sun before your skin starts to burn. For example, SPF 30 protects you 30 times more than if you go without sunscreen. In other words, it delays the burning process.

Without proper lab tests, there’s no way for you to know the SPF measurement of your sunscreen and how long you can safely stay in the sun. Since sunburn can only start to appear anywhere from six to 24 hours after exposure to the sun, you can’t determine how long you can safely be exposed to the sun simply by looking at the colour of your skin..

You can’t judge if it’s going to stay stable

When it comes to sun exposure, making sure that a sunscreen formula is effective and stable is important. When cosmetic products are made, they go through different processes to ensure that reactive ingredients like zinc oxide will stay stable over time. If the ingredients used in homemade sunscreen aren’t stable, it could affect how well it works when exposed to the sun. It not only needs to stay stable while it’s in the sun but also while on your skin. Only professionals working in a lab can test if ingredients will interact to each other.

References:

Is your medication causing acne?

March 20th, 2019 by The Hello Doctor Team

If you have acne, you are not alone. About 80% of people between the ages of 11 and 30 get acne breakouts at some point. It seems that adult acne is also on the rise, with studies showing that as many as 54% of women aged 25 and older affected by the skin condition.

With acne, different types of pimples form when the hair follicles under the skin are blocked with sebum (oil), dead skin cells and sometimes, bacteria.

While doctors don’t always know the cause of acne, they do know that changing hormone levels, genes and some cosmetics may play a role. Certain medication can also be to blame.

Acne culprits

Birth control medication that contains progesterone-like hormones. This includes progesterone injections and pills (e.g. Depo-Provera and Provera) as well as progesterone-containing intra-uterine devices and implants (e.g. the Mirena).
Topical and oral corticosteroids. The oral corticosteroids may cause yeast to grow within the hair follicles, resulting in acne, while the overuse of topical ones (i.e. skin creams or gels) could produce a type of acne.
Anabolic steroids, synthetic variations of the male sex hormone testosterone, can leave you with severe acne. These drugs increase the amount of sebum in the pores.
Lithium. This medication is used to treat bipolar disorder and can cause a type of acne.

Other medications linked to acne and acne-like eruptions include anti-epileptic as well as immunosuppressive medication (which inhibit the activity of the immune system). Medication can, however, also play an important role in treating your acne. Oestrogen-based contraceptive pills, for example, can help regulate the hormonal changes that cause acne.

Manage and treat your acne

Make a point of getting your acne treated, as the skin condition can leave permanent scars and affect your self-esteem. With the right approach, your doctor could help clear your skin completely.

Your treatment will depend on what’s causing your acne and its severity as well as your age, your health, and your medical and family history.

Talk to your doctor about:

Alternative birth control options if you think your current method could be causing or aggravating your acne. For example, a combined oral contraceptive pill may be a better choice than a progestogen-only contraceptive pill or injection.
If you’re using oral or topical corticosteroids, find out if you’re using them correctly and at the right dose. Remember: overuse could be causing your acne.
Anabolic steroids should only ever be taken under strict supervision by your doctor. Don’t use them to bulk up.
Talk to your doctor about managing your acne if you think lithium may be the cause. A lower dose might help clear your skin, but it’s important to discuss with your doctor first. Another possible treatment option is tretinoin, a topical drug that will help unclog your skin.

Commonly prescribed treatments include:

Antibiotics
Anti-androgens, i.e. drugs that block the action of the male sex hormones.
Isotretinoin (Roaccutane), a powerful and effective anti-acne drug.
Benzoyl peroxide, a topical antibacterial treatment.
Retinoids, a form of Vitamin A.
Salicylic acid, a treatment from the same family as aspirin.
Photodynamic therapy, which involves special photosensitising drugs and light.
Chemical peels, which are applied to the skin, causing it to peel off.

Remember: Your skin might only respond to treatment within a few days or weeks. In the meantime, gently wash your face twice a day (don’t scrub!) and when you’re sweaty. Make a point of using skincare products and cosmetics that don’t cause acne. Look for “non-comedogenic”, “non-acnegenic” and “oil-free” on labels.

References

Can you use regular face cream for your eyes?

January 23rd, 2019 by The Hello Doctor Team

The first signs of ageing usually show up around the eye area. This is because the skin around the eyes is a little different from the rest of the face. It’s much more delicate and fragile.

This begs the question: is the skin on your face and eye area different enough to merit using two separate moisturising products?

All about face cream

While the skin constantly needs protection and moisture, everyone’s skin is different. Your skin also changes over time.

To know what will work for you, you first need to understand your skin type and your face’s skin zones. This calls for an organised skincare routine to help maintain and balance your skin.

Commercially available face creams are packed with moisture-boosting chemicals. A good moisturiser infuses your skin with hydration, which helps to trap the product underneath it to make the ingredients even more effective. Skin-replenishing ingredients enrich the skin’s surface, while drenching it with revitalising hydration.

The lowdown on eye cream

The skin around the eyes is extremely thin, fragile, prone to dryness, and quicker to show signs of ageing and fatigue. It can also be severely stressed by blinking and/or rubbing of the eyes. Squinting and constant movement of your eyes accelerates the appearance of lines and wrinkles, while fluids that collect under the eye cause puffiness and dark circles.

Eye creams can help to address some of these issues, but so can your diet. Fluid accumulation is often caused by poor circulation, so including more vitamin K- rich food in your diet, can help ease this. Healthy options include broccoli, Brussels sprouts, green leafy vegetables, spinach, fish, liver and eggs.

Should you use eye cream?

Eye creams often contain ingredients that offer quick, temporary fixes to the problems mentioned above. They can help reduce puffiness, fine lines, wrinkles and dark circles. The night-time versions usually contain more of these active ingredients that help to repair the skin while you rest.

But these creams aren’t always the magical fix you’re looking for. Don’t forget that the skin is an organ that needs constant maintenance. Because the eye area is so sensitive, it’s best to give this part of your skin a little more TLC before fine lines and wrinkles start to appear. Using a good eye cream is one trick. Remember though, your skin also benefits from gentle, fragrance-free products, including a good cleanser and toner.

Your skin needs will change as you age, and so will your products.

Take care of your skin in four steps:

1. Cleanse: Wash your face using lukewarm water and cleanser.

2. Tone: This helps to balance the skin.

3. Moisturise: This hydrates and softens the skin.

4. Eye cream: Apply regularly to give the fragile skin around your eyes the extra protection it needs.