Hyperpigmentation, what is it? Although hyperpigmentation affects women of all races, it’s more visible in people with a light skin complexion. This is because the darker skin pigment distinctly contrasts the natural fair complexion of the surrounding skin. Skin discoloration is usually black or dark in color. However, in some people, it’s brown or gray. This skin condition is typically characterized by pigmented irregular patches on different parts of the body, especially on the face.
Preventing Hyperpigmentation
Using sun protection is one of the best ways of preventing hyperpigmentation. It’s important to note that the sun rays are responsible for the formation of pigmented skin. Even on cloudy days, it’s still important to wear sun protection. So, if you are in menopause or post-menopause, make sure that you wear sun protection daily. If you already have a pigmented skin, you still need to wear this a protector to reduce the skin discoloration.
An SPF 30 product is effective for protecting the skin against UVA and UVB rays, which cause pigmentation. Additionally, it’s important to apply moisturizing creams to keep the skin moist. Note that some of these creams also enhance the production of collagen. So, you will end up gaining double benefits. When choosing sun protectors and moisturizing creams, avoid chemicals that may cause skin irritation.
Best Skin Lightening Methods
Skin lightening is a medical alternative that you can use to lighten your skin. Generally, the doctor will recommend a treatment method depending on your skin type. Some of the best and most common treatment options include:
Retin-A:
Retin-A is the most common type of treatment for hyperpigmentation. It’s also safe for older women who are in menopause or even those who have passed this phase. Retin-A is a type of topical skin lightening cream which contains high amounts of Vitamin A. It helps to reduce the dark skin patches by safely exfoliating the skin. Additionally, it also speeds up the growth of new skin cells. This cream is generally used in combination with other skin lightening products.
Hydroquinone Creams:
These are bleaching agents which help to reduce the production of high amounts of melanin. It’s worth noting that during and post-menopause, the body of women naturally increases the production of melanin. So, these lightening creams help to slow down this effect by significantly reducing the over-production of melanin.
Chemical Peels:
This treatment option involves the use of salicylic acids and glycolic acids. It helps to treat skin discoloration by exfoliating the skin.
Intense Pulsed Light:
IPL is a type of laser treatment that involves the use of high-intensity pulses. The pulses are usually directed on the affected area of the skin. It effectively removes hyperpigmentation. The best thing about using Intense Pulsed Light is that it doesn’t leave scars. Additionally, there is no recovery period. It is one of the best skin lightening methods.
Laser Resurfacing:
This procedure involves the use of a laser to evaporate the top layers of the pigmented skin. Laser resurfacing leaves a clear skin that’s evenly toned. Note that this method of treating hyperpigmentation usually is used after treatment options such as chemical peels and hydroquinone creams.
Microdermabrasion:
This is a non-invasive form of skin treatment that involves exfoliation of the damaged skin. Microdermabrasion is a technique where tiny and rough grains are used to remove the top layer of the skin. This layer contains damaged and dead skin cells. However, this method of lightening the skin is not highly recommended for women in and post-menopause. This is because it is highly aggressive, and it disrupts the surface of the skin.
Home Remedies for Hyperpigmentation
It’s possible to lighten your dark spots with natural home remedies. These treatment options are suitable for long-term use and users need to exercise patience. Some of the natural treatments that can reduce skin discoloration include:
Green Tea
Green tea has high amounts of antioxidants. Besides that, it’s rich in anti-inflammatory. Applying green tea can help to reduce hyperpigmentation and increase the speed of skin lightening. Evidence suggests that it minimizes the side effects of sunburns and melasma.
Licorice
Glabridin is a licorice extract that can lighten pigmented skin. It contains antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and bleaching properties. Note that the skin-whitening property of licorice has made it a popular ingredient in skincare products for hyperpigmentation.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera contains aloesin, a natural compound that can lighten pigmented skin. Note that aloesin works effectively to reduce the overproduction of melanin. You can use aloe vera by applying the gel directly on the skin.
Skin cells which rub against other skin cells often form clusters of skin. These are commonly known as skin tags. Common areas where people get skin tags include dry areas that contain skin folds. These include the armpits, skin tags on neck, groin, and sometimes even on the eyelids. Scientists believe that skin tags form in these areas because the skin is continuously rubbing, causing the cells to build up and create a skin tag. Many factors go into how skin tags appear, but most scientists do not focus on the cause of skin tags too much because they are not harmful to the skin or the body and are easily removed.
What Is The Cause Of Skin Tags?
Skin tags on the neck seem to be related to genetics. Typically, people with skin tags have other members of their family that also have skin tags. Skin tags have also been linked to the disease HPV. This information may play a role in diagnosing the disease in addition to other indications as the population that has been diagnosed with HPV is nowhere near the population that has skin tags. Almost half of the world’s population gets a skin tag at some point in their life. They are typically more common with older people, women, overweight people, or those diagnosed with diabetes.
Since so many people have skin tags regardless of nationality, weight, race, blood type, etc., it is virtually impossible to say what causes the tags. The only real knowledge there is about skin tags is that they are not harmful to the human body. They are a cluster of skin cells commonly found in skin folds. Moles are studied more than skin tags because they have been linked to Melanoma and other serious diseases.
Possible Underlying Causes
Most likely, having a skin tag on your neck is just due to the skin rubbing together, but there is a small chance that there could be an underlying cause of skin tags appearing. If it is just one or two skin tags, there is no reason to worry. But if you are continuously developing skin tags, you may want to consult with your doctor or dermatologist. Your doctor may want to run some tests for diabetes and other diseases that have been linked to skin tags. It is also important to visit a doctor if there seems to be anything abnormal about skin tags.
Skin tags are not dangerous. However, it is likely that if you have one skin tag on your neck, then you may eventually develop multiple skin tags. The recurrence is because there is friction occurring in that area. The best way to make sure you don’t end up with a ton of skin tags on your neck would be to keep the area dry. Dryer skin will prevent friction. Also, you should start maintaining healthy eating habits and adopting an exercise routine to keep your weight down. Skin tags have been directly linked to people who are above their recommended body weight.
When skin tags are in areas with a lot of friction, it is best to get them removed. While they are not harmful and may not be related to a disease, they can become bothersome and painful. If the skin flaps continue to rub against each other, it is likely that the skin tag will become irritated, inflamed, and can even begin to bleed. This can be incredibly painful, especially in places like your neck. If a skin tag begins to affect your quality of life, it is best to get it removed.
Every 60 seconds, your body sheds over 30,000 dead skin cells.
That’s gross!
But it’s also why your skin loses its shape, sags, and fails to keep its tone and texture. Dead cells can also cause fine lines and dark circles around your eyes, which usually require eye lift serum such as South Beach Repair and Release Cream.
If you have dead skin cells, they can be removed by rubbing them with a special sponge or stone.
Cosmetic surgery, botox shots, and anti-aging creams are all ways to fix these problems. In many cases, this is a complete waste of money and could even be dangerous to your health.
More Natural Ways to Repair and Replace your Skin
What if there was a more natural way to repair your skin that could erase up to 52% of the wrinkles on your face in just 14 days?
ALSO: Remove the sagging skin around your neck and jawline within four weeks.
AND: Remove up to ten years off your appearance in only two months.
All from using a 100% natural solution that can even be done in the comfort of your own home.
Read on to find out more…
Dr. Ryan Shelton and South Beach Skin Lab
Dr. Ryan Shelton works at South Beach Skin Lab on the South Beach Skin Solution.
Dr. Ryan Shelton is a Double Board Certified Doctor, educated in Biochemistry with a Master’s from the University of Kansas and trained as a doctor at the prestigious Bastyr University.
Dr. Ryan Shelton expert in skincare.
You may have seen his groundbreaking work featured on FOX, CBS, ABC, and NBC. You may have even heard keynote speeches at the American Academy of Anti-Aging.
Ryan Shelton has devoted his whole career to fighting the “war on wrinkles.” What will likely shock you is that the solution he suggests is straightforward.
By boosting an amino acid that already exists in our body, we can re-program the way our skin ages and turn back the clock on wrinkles for good.
Do you suffer from aging skin?
Some of the skincare products that you are already using can be harmful for your skin and have no genuine anti-aging properties.
If you are one of the 165 million Americans suffering in silence from aging skin symptoms, you may not believe some of what you are about to read.
Some of your favorite brands, even household names that you love and trust, could be deceiving you, marketing products that don’t work, or even toxic for your skin.
The American Beauty Industry is expected to pull in a staggering 62 Billion Dollars this year alone, and a “fix” for this problem could threaten to destabilize the whole monopoly they’ve created. Thus, they want to keep certain things on the down low.
Mary wanted to tighten her skin.
Mary was starting to feel the effects of aging on her skin and wanted to find a healthy and economical solution.
Mary was in her early 50s and was seeking a solution to tighten the skin sagging around her face and neck. She was in a desperate situation as she knew that if she didn’t stop it, then it would get worse.
Mary was considering botox shots, recommendations for cosmetic surgeons, and even laser therapies.
Toxic chemicals like BOTOX really can be dangerous. 1 in every 10,000 cosmetic procedures ends in death.
Mary had tried several high-end moisturizing creams, exfoliated her skin daily, and spent money on a variety of cleansers.
But none of this made a difference, perhaps due to her skin type. It might help prevent further aging, but it didn’t fix the wrinkles that had already draped the sides of Mary’s face and neck.
She then heard about South Beach Skin Lab Repair And Release Facial Cream.
Mary tried this new cream and applied it morning and night. The first 24 hours passed, and she noticed no significant change in the depth of her wrinkles. Days 7 and 8 went by, and still no improvement.
On day 14, something incredible happened. The improvement was remarkable. The depth of Mary’s wrinkles had improved by 15%. It may not seem like a lot, but trust me when I tell you Mary was Overjoyed.
But this wasn’t the end of her results. Over the next five weeks, Mary’s wrinkle depth improved to 25%, then 32%, then 44%. After a full 60 days, HALF of the wrinkles on Mary’s face had gone! As in disappeared.
Mary didn’t see improvement in her wrinkles immediately after using the South Beach cream. However, after a couple of months, there were significant changes in the depths of her wrinkles.
Outdated Skin Technology
All those expensive antiaging creams, night serums, cleansers, and balms on the market use the same outdated technology. It’s called “Multi-Step Moisturizing,” and it works in two ways…
First, it draws as much water as possible to the skin cells. Then it seals off the moisture barrier on the outside to retain the water. This causes it to fill your skin with water, making it look plump and smooth.
Many skincare products work pretty well until the moisturizer dries out, and it’s time for another application, and then another one and another one. It does nothing to fix the ROOT CAUSE of why your skin is aging.
The Power of Peptides
There is, however, something called peptides. Studies have linked them to muscle regeneration and athletic performance for years.
Cosmetic companies have no interest in “eliminating” your problem. It is far more profitable to market product after product that “treats” your symptoms.
Think about this, if they “fixed” your problem, would you keep buying their creams?
Worse yet, you will be frustrated to learn that this solution has been entirely ignored by the FDA, the big cosmetic companies, and even the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
In scientific terms, a Peptide is a short chain of amino acids, otherwise known as a protein. When peptides can penetrate the top layer of our skin, they can send signals to our cells and tell them how to function.
Peptides are highly effective in making your skin look tighter and less wrinkled. They are also great for your skin.
Essentially they can “talk” to other proteins in our skin. These little peptides are the most effective way to repair wrinkles. When added to traditional cosmetic skin creams, peptides are so potent that they become a new kind of anti-aging cream called a “cosmeceutical.”
Why does our skin wrinkle?
The first underlying cause of our skin wrinkles is that, as YOU age, the structure of your skin’s “epidermis” also starts to age.
Starting from 18, your body’s collagen and elastin production decrease by approximately 1% yearly. Well, this causes your skin to lose its firmness and elasticity, taking away your youthful look.
Nobody loves wrinkles, which is why an easy method to get rid of them is cream or lotion.
Around the age of 18 is when our skin is at its most healthy. As we get older, it starts to wear and develops lines and wrinkles.
There are also expression lines.
Over time, our facial expressions start to CHANGE the physical structure of our skin, and this change registers in our brain as an “INJURY.” When this happens, your brain’s feedback gives the facial muscle the job of protecting the “injured” area, causing your muscle to CONTRACT, and hence forming a wrinkle.
This is where peptides make all the difference. We can now use them to “talk” directly to the proteins in our skin. Using them to prevent these things from happening in the first place, right at the source of the problem
The Conspiracy and why everyone isn’t using it
It starts way back in 1938-the US President at the time, Franklin. D. Roosevelt established the Food, Drug, and Cosmetics Act. This landmark act would become what we now refer to as the “FDA” or the “Food and Drug Administration.”
The Hollywood movie industry was quickly becoming a national obsession, and women were exposed to cosmetics ads from their favorite stars for the first time.
Of course, since there was no oversight of the newly formed cosmetics industry, The government had to establish an organization to oversee the consumers’ safety who purchased cosmetics. But in a MASSIVE oversight, they had only given the FDA powers to manage the “physical safety” of the cosmetic product, but not regulate the “effectiveness” of its claims.
Cosmetic companies promised the “fountain of youth” but sold nothing more than simple moisturizers, leading millions of American women down a false road of hope. The skin creams had high-profit margins, and they began filling the entranceways of every mall in America.
The aggressive advertising tactics of cosmetics brands kept a steady stream of customers rushing through the doors. In contrast, cosmetic companies charged top dollar for cheap skin creams in the same store as some of America’s most trusted brands like Macy’s, Nordstrom, and Barneys.
Things reached a BOILING POINT in 1987.
Cries from consumer advocate groups pushed the FDA to protect women from the misleading ads of cosmetic companies. Under immense pressure to act, they launched a lawsuit against a cosmetics company.
You may have heard of “Estee Lauder.”
The FDA made the case that Estee Lauder’s marketing had become so deceptive it was now making “medical claims” that were completely untrue.
Estee Lauder gathered the whole industry to begin viciously lobbying the government to drop the case. The result was a predictable “checkmate.”
The lawsuit was dismissed by the U.S. District Court in 1989, leaving Estee Lauder and the WHOLE cosmetics industry free to continue to market their products as they wished.
Peptides are 100% safe.
One well-known study by a lab in Switzerland called – Pentapharm Labs found that Peptides were 100% safe and showed that one specific peptide called Synake produced a stunning 52% reduction in wrinkles.
You can use two types of peptides to help remove all sorts of aging symptoms.
The first type is a Neurotransmitter Peptide, or “Neuropeptide” for short. It is especially effective at preventing pesky expression line wrinkles. It uses an all-natural mechanism that mimics botox’s effects, telling the brain to block the release of chemicals that cause muscle contractions on your face.
Neuropeptides protect the skin from treating repeated movements in our expressions as an “injury.” Instead, they prevent it from happening altogether!
The second type is called a “Signal peptide.” Their job is to “signal” what proteins our skin produces. Signal peptides can jump-start collagen and elastin production in our skin again.
A study was done on Signal peptide.
In one study, 23 female volunteers aged from 42 to 67 years old used a Signal peptide cream twice daily on only one-half of their faces. They found that after just two months, there was an incredible 39% overall reduction in the depth of their wrinkles!
When signal peptides and neuropeptides are combined, this unique combination can virtually reverse the clock on your age and erase close to half the wrinkles on your face in as little as 30 days.
But There Is A Problem
The problem is processing raw peptides is extremely expensive, and they are tough to find. But a few labs produced peptide compounds in bulk for different medical uses.
There is a combination that met all the strength and potency guidelines from the studies and exceeded them! It went on smooth, dried quickly, and left no greasy residue. There is also a way to jam not just 2, but 3 peptide compounds into the formula.
Dr. Richard went on to become Head of Skin Care Formulation at the University Compounding Pharmacy in San Diego, California. It was the perfect place to continue working on the research that Mary had inspired.
Not only were Mary’s wrinkles less noticeable than before. The peptides had begun to entirely refresh her skin’s overall appearance:
Improving the elasticity, brightening her skin tone, boosting production, lightening dark spots, and even tightening the sagging, crepey skin around her neck and jaw.
Skin tightening creams can have an amazing effect.
Other women who tried it said:
They felt their skin was softer and more supple.
That they got increased attention from their spouse and friends.
They didn’t feel as self-conscious about their appearance.
Their youthful looks made them feel younger at heart, giving them more energy and confidence.
And the best part, every single woman reported a drastically improved appearance in their wrinkles.
Unfortunately, over 152 million Americans purchase cosmetic creams and anti-aging products yearly. There is no sign that the ever-growing marketing campaigns, backed by celebrities and famous models, will slow down.
South Beach Skin Lab – Repair and Release Cream Review
South Beach Skin Lab Repair and Release Cream is a one-of-a-kind lab-strength anti-aging cream that is proven to “Repair” your skin and “Release” your wrinkles using only the most potent peptides on the planet.
This is because of the combined Neuropeptide and Signal peptides into one easy-to-use cream. You don’t have to worry about which peptides work best for which problem.
South Beach Repair and Release Cream has solved many problems that previous wrinkle creams have.
You don’t have to worry about mixing products such as shea butter that could harm your skin. And you certainly don’t need to pay for two, three, or even four separate creams!
This is the only anti-aging cream you need in your cabinet.
The best part is that with South Beach Skin Lab Release Cream, there is no crazy skincare routine to do. All it takes is 45 seconds, morning and night. Apply a small dab to your face and neck, and then let the cream do the work. It’s that easy.
Menopausal hair thinning is a common condition that most women suffer from as they enter the perimenopausal and menopause stages. Hormonal changes, weak immune system, hereditary factors, and nutritional changes are some of the things that can trigger hair loss. Although this condition is usually considered to be subtle in women (unlike men who normally have bald spots), its effects are typically distressing when it becomes worse.
Below is an overview of hair thinning in menopausal women, its effects, treatment options, and also management techniques.
The Menopause
When women hit their mid-40s, they start experiencing biological changes as their bodies evolve in anticipation of menopause. However, apart from actually reaching that age, external factors can also cause hair thinning and loss.
Hormones are the primary cause of thin hair and sometimes hair loss in menopausal women. It should be noted that estrogen is required for the healthy development of thick hair. For instance, during pregnancy, women tend to have high levels of female hormones. During this period, women normally have fuller, thicker, and healthier hair.
But what happens exactly during menopause?
During this phase, the level of estrogen in the body starts to decline. On the other hand, the production of androgens, i.e. the male hormones, begin to increase. The compounding effect of this hormonal change is that hair follicles start to produce thinner hairs.
It should be noted that genetics also plays a crucial role in determining the strength of your hair. So, the combination of genetics with low levels of estrogen will lead to the development of progressively thinner and weaker hair follicles.
Hormonal change is the main culprit of thinning hair during menopause.
Thyroid disease:
Both menopause and thyroid disorders share the same symptoms. It is also worth noting that women who are at the menopausal age are more likely to develop thyroid disorders, i.e., hyperthyroidism. A prolonged and severe state of hypothyroidism can make your hair thinner and even lead to hair loss.
Nutritional changes:
The human body contains estrogen receptors, which are found in the hypothalamus gland. These receptors are responsible for controlling the way that the body uses its energy. They are also crucial in determining the rate of metabolism and hunger pangs. Once a woman reaches menopause, the level of estrogen rapidly declines. This has a direct impact on the way the estrogen receptors in the brain function. Overall, the resulting effect is that a female is highly likely to change their diet. They may be attracted to fast foods that are highly processed and sugary. These foods usually lack the essential nutrients and as a result, cause iron deficiency. The low iron content in the body is what sometimes causes thinning hair.
Illnesses:
The low levels of progesterone during menopause can trigger several illnesses. During this stage, a woman’s immune system is usually weak, and they are at a high risk of contracting infections. Menopause brings typically the onset of autoimmune disorders, which may damage the hair follicles and cause hair to thin or fall out. For instance, Lupus, Crohn’s disease, alopecia, and psoriasis are some of the autoimmune diseases that may cause hair thinning and sometimes hair loss.
Stress:
Besides illnesses, chronic stress is another condition that’s also common at this point. Due to other factors, people at this age tend to become more stressed. Clinically, there is a direct link between stress and hair thinning. High levels of stress in the body usually causes hormonal changes. The resulting impact of this is often visible through the hair in the form of thinning, and sometimes hair falling out.
Effects of Hair Thinning
The effects of hair thinning and hair loss during menopause can be devastating. Many women end up suffering from low self-esteem. According to physicians, society typically attributes healthy and thick hair to beauty and youth. To many women, having healthy hair makes them feel beautiful, and losing it can do the opposite.
It should be noted that psychological studies associate thinning hair to anxiety and depression. Furthermore, it can result in social withdrawal. But it doesn’t matter if your hair loss is caused by hormonal changes, diet, or an underlying medical condition. It’s still possible to restore hair thinning in menopausal women.
How to Treat Hair Loss And Hair Thinning
Menopausal women treat their thinning hair. Some of the effective treatment options include:
Using Hair Thinning Shampoos
Some shampoos can help to increase hair volume, making it thicker. These shampoos contain amino acids and vitamins which nourish the scalp and enhance the generation of healthier hair. To achieve the best results, use the strengthening shampoo every day.
Folic Acid Supplements
These supplements contain B-vitamins, which are vital for the generation of new cells. When dealing with hair thinning, folic acid supplements help the hair follicles to generate new hair effectively. However, there is a need for more research to determine the effectiveness of B-vitamins and hair thickening.
Minoxidil
It’s also known as Rogaine. This is an FDA-approved hair thinning and hair loss treatment that’s sold over-the-counter. Minoxidil enhances the thickening of thin hair. For better results, it should be applied on the scalp every day. If you are going to use minoxidil, you need to take it for almost 4 months to get tangible results. Additionally, you can use it in the form of foam or liquid.
Note: Minoxidil should be used consistently every day, or you may fail to see tangible results. Additionally, it may have adverse effects on some people. They include unwanted hair growth in areas such as the neck region and face. Furthermore, scalp irritation is a common side effect.
Home-based Laser Therapy
Previously, the FDA approved the use of laser therapy by dermatologists only. However, you can now use it at home. Home-based laser therapy designed for hair helps to enhance the development of new cells. As a result, it promotes the regrowth of thick healthier hair. But just like minoxidil, it may take several months before you get any positive results.
Note: As much as home-baser laser hair therapy is good, it’s actually costly. The equipment used in this process usually costs hundreds of dollars. This is obviously a significant investment, and you need first to consider other options.
Spironolactone
It’s also known as Aldactone. This is a prescription drug that’s normally prescribed to people, including menopausal women, suffering from hair thinning caused by androgen production. Spironolactone is considered a “water pill” and its also an anti-androgen.
It’s one of the better remedies for thinning hair in women who have reached menopause. This is because it helps to regulate hormonal fluctuations in this phase. However, the doctor needs to carry out blood tests before prescribing this drug.
Biotin
Biotin is also known as vitamin-B7. Biotin is a nutrient that’s considered water-soluble, and you can find it in various foods. As a solution for hair thinning and loss, it’s recommended that the affected person uses a biotin supplement. It promotes the breakdown of enzymes and can, therefore, lead to the development of thick hair.
Note: Biotin contains vitamin B7; hence, it shouldn’t be used together with Vitamin B5 supplements. This is because the combination of these vitamins typically reduces the effectiveness of one another.
Essential Oils
These are natural but highly effective liquids which are obtained from specific plants. They are commonly used in alternative medicine, including aromatherapy. One of the best types of essential oils for hair thinning is lavender oil. Evidence suggests that it can effectively minimize balding spots. When lavender oil is combined with thyme or rosemary, it often leads to the growth of thicker and healthier hair.
Fatty Acids
Fatty acids include omega-3 and -6. Fatty acids are also referred to as essential fatty acids because they can’t be produced naturally by the body. They are useful in facilitating the growth of thicker hair. It should be noted that omega-3 fatty acids help to fight inflammation. So, if your hair thinning is a result of an underlying medical condition, then this essential fatty acid can help to improve your condition. Omega-6-fatty acids, on the other hand, help to improve the skin’s health. Therefore, it can help to improve the scalp’s health and lead to the growth of thicker hair.
Corticosteroids
Just like omega-3 fatty acids, Corticosteroids help to fight underlying inflammation. The prescription drug can help to treat hair thinning thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties.
Hormone replacement therapy
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) helps to improve the quality of your hair. Additionally, it makes it thicker and more pronounced on the head. Generally, hormone replacement is a form of therapy that helps to reduce the negative effects of menopause. It helps to increase the level of female hormones in the body and restore it to normal levels.
Note: Women can only undergo estrogen hormone replacement therapy if they have removed their uterus. This is because this medical procedure increases the risk of uterine cancer, and doctors won’t allow patients to use it due to safety issues.
Other Management Techniques
Transitioning to menopause is not easy. The body comes with a lot of physical changes. Besides that, there are a lot of emotional effects that occur. All these experiences can leave you feeling depressed with low self-esteem. Apart from the remedies mentioned above, some of the management techniques that you can use to prevent hair loss during menopause include:
Exercising
Exercising is not directly related to hair thinning, but it can be beneficial. Engaging in physical activities can help to improve your general health. Remember that stress and diseases usually peak during this phase.
Furthermore, they are among the major causes of hair thinning. But by exercising, you can minimize the severity of stress and reduce your chances of getting inflammatory diseases. This way, you will end up protecting your hair indirectly.
Avoid Stress
As stated above, menopausal women are at a high risk of developing chronic stress. The psychological effect of menopause is usually draining. However, stress causes typically adverse health effects, including hair thinning. It creates a decline in estrogen production, which generally leads to hair thinning or hair loss.
So, it’s essential to avoid stress. Engage in stress-reducing activities that can help to calm your body and relax your mind. They include yoga, meditation, tai chi, and Pilates, among others.
Drink Adequate Water
The effects of menopause also include physical appearance. Apart from skin changes, most women end up with hair loss/thinning. To reduce its impact, it’s important to drink adequate water daily. Ensure that you drink at least 8 glasses of water. It helps to flush out toxins in the body, which leads to inflammation.
Watch Your Diet
When a woman is in menopause, their diet matters. Their physical and emotional well-being requires that they attend to their nutritional needs. A significant percentage of their daily diet should be composed of fruits and vegetables.
Additionally, calcium-rich foods such as milk and yogurt are important for the development of bones. On the other hand, iron-rich foods like eggs, fish, and red meat supply the body with fiber. It’s important to avoid spicy food. Furthermore, cut your alcohol intake and ensure that you avoid caffeinated drinks.
Scalp Massage
This is a cheap management technique that’s readily available. Scalp massage enhances the development of thicker and healthier hair. You can do this when you wash your hair. Simply apply a gentle pressure on your scalp using your fingertips. Scalp massage enhances the flow of blood and also removes dead skin cells, which may hinder healthy hair growth.
Conclusion
According to research studies, more than 50 percent of women in menopause normally experience hair loss and thinning. This is a common condition that affects a large part of the population. Although hormonal change is usually considered as the main culprit, there are still other factors that can cause hair thinning.
Therefore, it’s important to consult a trichologist to determine the cause of hair thinning. Apart from prescription drugs, you can also use OTC medications. Furthermore, there are also home-based management techniques that can help nourish your hair. If you are a woman in menopause experiencing this condition, remember that you’re not alone. Also, don’t forget that it IS possible to grow your hair back thicker and healthier.
Do you find that your body hair grows thicker than you want? Or maybe it sprouts up in embarrassing places? Unwanted body hair is a common problem that no one wants to experience. It can happen on areas like legs, arms, and armpits, or in more visible areas like your face and back. Finding an effective way to thin out undesirably thick hairs is difficult, especially if you don’t want to remove them entirely. But, there are many foods you can eat aid in thinning unruly body hair.
Hirsutism is the word that describes excessive hair growth. Several things including hormonal imbalances, insulin resistance, menopause, and polycystic ovary syndrome, exacerbate this problem. Diet also plays a massive part in excessive hair growth, and eating certain foods will naturally thin your overly thick body hair.
How exactly does your diet affect hair growth?
There are many ways that food influences how much hair your body grows. Firstly, overeating will make you gain weight, and being overweight is a contributing factor to an increase in your androgens and testosterone production. These two hormones directly link to an increase in the way your hair grows. A diet too high in carbs and sugars makes it likely that you may develop insulin resistance. To lessen the chance of developing hirsutism, eat fewer sugars and white flour.
Foods You Can Eat For Thinner Body Hair.
1. Green Tea:
Green tea is an extremely healthy drink that you should try to consume daily. Numerous research studies suggest that polyphenols from green tea lessen the presence of a hormone linked to thicker body hair. If you add lemon to your drink, it will up the EGCG that your body absorbs, making it even more useful.
2. Lettuce:
Leafy lettuce is a helpful food for thinning overly thick body fuzz. Salad has much chromium, a mineral that regulates blood sugar and lessens the amount of insulin your body produces. Lettuce is also a smart weight-loss food, which means you should be eating more of it every day. Greens like lettuce are high in magnesium, which is proven effective at thinning excessive body hair.
You should try eating a fresh salad for lunch or as a side with dinner. Doing this will be beneficial for your health in general and will help you to shed any unwanted body hair. Adding a salad to meals is also an excellent way to fill up without gaining any weight.
It is important to watch what kinds of dressing you opt for because some are high in calories. Balsamic vinegar makes a great topping and has practically no fat when you compare it with other varieties of store-bought dressings. Or, you can always choose a low-fat option to compliment the weight-losing benefits of eating greens.
3. Apricots:
Apricots are full of healthy B complex vitamins. You get plenty of Vitamins B3, B5, and B6 from eating just one apricot per day, which is why you should consume one every chance you get. These three vitamins combined promote weight loss and reduce hair growth in unwanted places like the face and back. B vitamins also help to balance out your hormones, which will thin your body hair even more.
4. Barley:
Whole grains like barley are incredibly beneficial to your overall health. Barley has a minimal GI ranking, which means it doesn’t play havoc with your blood sugars. Barley is the perfect carb for increasing energy that won’t cause your sugar levels to fly all over the board. Eating cereal or bread high in the grain is healthier than eating foods like white bread, which has the wrong kind of carbs.
White bread and other sugary foods have lots of simple carbs. These are the kind you want to avoid because they break down and turn to sugar very quickly once you consume them. Complex carbs like barley take longer for your body to breakdown after you’ve eaten them. The results are more energy and less sugar in your system.
5. Chicken
Skinless chicken breasts are healthy, protein-rich food. You can eat chicken breasts all day long and still lose weight, making it an excellent choice for hirsutism. Chicken breasts are also abundant in Vitamins B3 to B6, which both combat excessive hair. Try having chicken breasts for dinner with a side of spinach for a super-powered, hair-fighting entree.
6. Tuna
If you’re battling with excessive hairiness, try adding a little tuna to your diet. Tuna is a low-fat choice that offers carb-free protein. This means you can eat lots of it without weight gain. Fish is also high in B vitamins that lessen hair growth in unwanted places. Just be sure that you aren’t overeating the tuna because it contains mercury and other kinds of metals.
7. Spinach
Leafy green foods like spinach and lettuce contain healthy magnesium, though spinach is vibrant with 20% of your DV for every 100 grams. Many research studies suggest a link between magnesium deficiency with insulin resistance. So, not eating enough magnesium-rich foods could easily cause you to have unusually thick body hair. By increasing your spinach intake, it will combat the fuzz growing on your body.
Conclusion
Hopefully, the information on this page will help you in achieving your desired results and thin out any unwanted body hair.
It’s important to remember that eating a healthy diet filled with vitamins and minerals will help you to live a happy life. The proverb, “you are what you eat,” couldn’t be any more accurate!
Be sure to get lots of B vitamins from the foods you consume and try to avoid sugar and high-carb dishes. Junk food is the worst thing for your body and promotes unwanted hair growth in places like your face, back, and body.
With the right diet, you will notice incredible results and feel more confident once your body hair has toned down. It’s tough dealing with excessive hair, especially for women.
In this way, we will go over a few different ways to conceal your facial age spots and prevent further skin damage. As your skin ages, you will notice more age spots that are also called liver spots and brown spots. They are mainly due to prolonged sun exposure. The spots are made of a cluster of melanin cells. Age spots look like enlarged freckles on the skin. Every time that you are in the sun without a sunscreen, you increase your chances of developing more age spots in the future.
The Affect Of Hormones On Age Spots
Later in a pregnancy women may notice a condition called Melasma. The Melasma will look just like your typical age spot. Although, in most cases, the Melasma will disappear after pregnancy. Occaionally though, women will still have them post-pregnancy. Other skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and acne can also cause age spots. Even wounds can cause skin discoloration. Basically, anything that causes skin irritation can lead to age spots once you age.
Tanning beds are also a contributing factor to age spots. Tanning beds use artificial UV rays to tan the skin. Prolonged use of tanning beds and tanning products will eventually cause your skin to seem parched and when you are older give you more age spots. This is why the use of tanning beds is often discouraged if you want to avoid age spots.
Concealing Age Spots
A moisturizer or a cream with SPF should be an essential part of your skincare routine. It’s recommended to use at least SPF 15 but SPF 30 is a better option if you’re in the sun more. If you know you’re going to spend a whole day out in the sun, you should definitely put on SPF 50 or higher. Some great suncare brands include Banana Boat, Hawaiian Tropic, Neutrogena, Coola, and Bare Republic.
After sun care is just as important as putting on your sunscreen. Applying things such as aloe vera gel, apple cider vinegar, or a post tanning lotion is important for your skin.
When you’ve been in the sun all day, your skin lost a lot of its moisture. That is why post-sun care is so important because it brings the moisture back into your skin.
One of the products we recommend is Ulta’s After Sun Recovery Lotion. It is under $10 and leaves your skin feeling hydrated. It also smells like a tropical getaway! You should also look for foundations that contain SPF in them. More companies are offering foundations that have extra sun care protection. A few brands that have a foundation with SPF in them are Bare Minerals, M.A.C., Maybelline, Tarte and Clinique.
M.A.C. Studio Fix Fluid is also excellent with SPF 15. Sun prevention is key to keeping your age spots at bay. So using a foundation with extra protection is an easy way to have flawless skin without the greasy feeling of sunscreen. There are even lightweight moisturizers that you can apply under your makeup before applying your primer. The Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel with SPF 15 in it is the perfect lightweight moisturizer.
Neutrogena even now offers a Hydro Boost sunscreen. They have an SPF 30 and an SPF 50 option. Both have the same lightweight, hydrating, skin-like texture to them. These sunscreens are highly recommended to anyone who despises the heavy greasy feeling of typical sunscreens. Wearing sunscreen daily is just one of the steps in preventing age spots, sunburns, and potential skin cancers.
Using Makeup Products To Conceal Age Spots
One of the ways to conceal facial age spots is with makeup products. You must always first wash your face. After washing your face you will need to prime your skin for makeup application. There are many primers on the market right now, so finding the right one is very important.
When finding the right primer for you consider your skin concerns. A good one for age spots would be E.L.F’s Tone Adjusting Primer. That primer will tone down the dark spots and any redness you may have on your skin. The next step will be taking a peach or orange color-correcting concealer and applying it over the spot you wish to conceal. Apply the concealer with a small concealer brush or with a sponge. Then you will take your favorite concealer and apply it with the beauty tool you used to apply the color corrector. After that, you will take a full coverage or color correcting foundation to further cover your age spots.
Once you are finished with that, you are ready to apply a setting powder. Setting powders work to keep your makeup in place all day. A loose setting powder is a better option for more coverage and lasting look. If you’re wanting even more staying power, use a setting spray to lock in your look. The Urban Decay All-Nighter Setting Spray will keep your makeup locked in throughout the entire day. Hence the name, All-Nighter, as it really will last through the night.
Another way to conceal facial age spots is by simply reducing the time you are in direct sunlight. The sun’s UV rays are at their worst anywhere between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The UV rays are also the worst if it’s a cloudy day. The clouds make it a lot easier for the sun to pass through. In fact, over 87% of the sun gets through the clouds. That is why you may find yourself with a nasty sunburn even on a cloudy day.
If you can’t avoid being outside during those times, you should make sure you apply your SPF at least 15 minutes before sun exposure. Make sure to reapply your sunscreen every 2 hours. Even if your sunscreen is an SPF 50 or higher and promises to be water and sweat proof you should still reapply it.
Using A Dermatologist To Conceal Age Spots
If you want a more permanent solution to conceal your age spots there are many different procedures dermatologists can do. Although these procedures cost more, you will most likely see longer lasting results with these options.
Laser Resurfacing
To achieve a clearer complexion you could try a procedure called laser resurfacing. What laser resurfacing does is heat your skin layers that are deeper in your skin. When the skin layer is heated up, your skin produces more collagen. Collagen is a protein that helps to support your connective tissues, joints, and muscles. So with extra collagen production in your skin, you should notice dramatically smoother skin and an overall clearer complexion.
Like any procedure, you should always consider the possible risks.
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels are another good option if you’re wanting a cosmetic procedure that doesn’t hurt. A chemical peel is as it sounds, there are chemicals applied to the skin that an esthetician or dermatologist peels off the face. Once the chemical mixture is removed from the skin, you can expect some redness to occur at first. It will take some time for some of the skin to peel off after your procedure. After the peel is completed you will notice a brighter complexion with less noticeable age spots.
There is a fairly common method for clearing acne scars and helping uneven complexion. The results are visibly clear.
Dermabrasion And Microdermabrasion
Dermatologists or estheticians can also do a procedure called dermabrasion or microdermabrasion.
How they reduce the appearance of facial age spots is by using a tool that has an end on it that sands away your outer layer of skin to reveal beautiful rejuvenated skin. Another form of dermabrasion is by using a spray that has aluminum oxide or sodium bicarbonate in it. The spray is attached to a vacuum-like tool that suctions the skin. The suction works similar to the tool with the abrasive end on it. Either option is a lot less invasive than the laser resurfacing procedure. Especially since it can be done at your local spa or salon.
Natural Remedies
If you’re a more natural skincare consumer, you should consider these natural remedies that can teach you how to conceal and lighten up your facial age spots.
Vitamin C
Any fruit or vegetable that has vitamin C or a hydrating complex to it will do the trick. Nature has a lot to offer our skin. It has so many benefits. Lemon juice is a great trick to eliminating age spots since it has so much vitamin C in it. An easy way to sneak it into your skincare routine is by squeezing all the juice out of the lemon then dipping a cotton ball into the juice. Then you will apply it on your age spots and let it sit for at least 20 minutes.
Cucumbers
A great vegetable you can use on your skin is a cucumber. Cucumbers have a lot of water in them, antioxidants, and tons of vitamins. The vegetable is used in many beauty products due to its amazing skin healing properties.
Here’s how to help your age spots disappear with an easy DIY face mask:
All you need to do is put a cucumber that is sliced up, a half-teaspoon of aloe-vera gel (natural or store-bought), and one tablespoon of lemon juice in your blender. You’ll want to blend it up until it is a fairly thin consistency. Then take a facial applicator or your hands and apply it to your face. Wait 30 minutes for it to kick in. After that, you’ll wash it off with water.
You can use this mask as often as you’d like since it is natural and great for your skin!
Other Natural Products
Other natural products you might like to use are oranges, honey, apple cider vinegar, yogurt, and even onion. Apple cider vinegar is a classic household item that is growing in popularity, from everything to haircare all the way to weight loss. This all-natural substance can reduce your age spots with its alpha hydroxy acid compound. The alpha-hydroxy acid compound has the potency to lighten the overall appearance of age spots.
To properly use the vinegar mix it with some olive oil and apply daily. Over time, you’ll start to notice a difference in your skin. All of those natural remedies will give your skin a healthy more even-toned complexion.
Keeping Your Skin In Great Shape
Our skin is the biggest organ we have, so it’s imperatively important to keep it in tip-top shape! You can prevent age spots by taking precautions. Never forget to apply your sunscreen daily and cover your skin up with clothing if possible. Doing that will almost guarantee you’ll have fewer skin concerns.
If you already have age spots, you can still take preventive actions. Also, be aware that although age spots are benign meaning they’re cancer-free, that still doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be paying close attention to your age spots. If you notice a spot that doesn’t seem right, you should visit your doctor immediately. Waiting too long to get a spot checked out is the worst thing you can do.
Conclusion
Those are just a few things you can do to conceal, prevent, and lighten your age spots. Just remember the sun is the enemy to our skin and we must do whatever we can to battle it. Put your shield up by always applying your sunscreen. Prevention is key when trying to avoid getting age spots in the first place. There are so many options and products out there for you to try. If you don’t see results right away, don’t worry. Everything good in life takes time, so don’t be discouraged right away. It may take a month or more for these tips and tricks to work. See what you like best, what works best for your skin, and most of all have fun taking care of your skin!
Barium sulfide is a form of an inorganic chemical compound. That means that it is a combination of at least two other chemicals that are mixed in a specific proportion. Because of this chemical characteristic, it is used in many different ways.
First, barium sulfide is a vital precursor. It is used to produce other substances with the barium. This alkaline compound has found its way in the medical field and is considered to be a short-wavelength emitter that can show up on scans and Xrays. As a result, it helps to produce clear images of the body’s soft tissues.
Barium sulfide is also very popular in the cosmetics industry. Barium sulfide is one of the active and most used ingredients used in depilatory creams to remove hair. It’s normally used in conjunction with other active ingredients for hair removal. The use of this chemical compound has been around for more than 90 years!
Depilatory Creams and Barium Sulfide
The use of depilatory creams started around the 1920s. Note that this is the period when the design of clothes began to change. People started wearing clothes that showed more skin. As a result, they began to get interested in hair removal techniques. With the introduction of shorter and sleeveless clothing, people became interested in removing body hair from areas such as the armpits, upper arm, and shoulders.
The first type of depilatory creams contained natural arsenic trisulphide and slaked lime. They used to be combined with water. However, arsenic trisulphide is not safe, and it’s considered to be poisonous. So, barium sulfide was introduced because it’s much safer. It was the apparent safety of barium sulfide that helped it enter the cosmetic industry.
Barium Sulfide For Hair Removal
The inorganic compound of barium sulfide is part of the ingredients of most shaving and depilatory creams. This chemical can break hair down. As a result, it makes the removal process of body hair easier. You need to apply the cream over the skin and wait for the chemical agent in this compound to start working. Once the hairs’ protein structure dissolves, you can easily remove the hair. Note that this process can take 10 minutes or more, depending on hair growth.
Please ensure that you also take account of barium sulfide hair removal side effects which you can read more about below.
How Barium Sulfide Chemically Acts
This inorganic compound disintegrates the body’s natural hair, creating an amorphous mass. This makes it easy for you to rinse, wipe, or scrape it off your skin.
But how does this process occur?
Hair contains keratin protein. This protein is the main component that makes up the body’s hair shaft. When you apply a cosmetic product that contains barium sulfide, it mainly acts on this protein.
Keratin contains cysteine amino-acids with disulfide bonds. These bonds are responsible for giving keratin its strength as well as elasticity. And although these bonds are incredibly strong, it’s also easy to break them down. One of the best compounds to break these bonds are alkaline reducing agents.
So, using a depilatory with barium sulfide can act as a great hair removal solution as it helps to break down the disulfide bonds. As a result, they alter the hairs’ natural chemistry. This chemical effect is the reason why depilatories are the best products for quick and long-lasting hair removal of body hair.
Preparation for Hair Removal
Wash the area in which you want to remove the body hair. Use a mild cleanser and warm water then pat it dry. If you are using a Barium Sulfide product for the first time, you need to apply it on a small patch of skin. This helps to determine your skin’s sensitivity and reaction to the chemical compound. Note that you need to wait for a few hours before you can proceed with the application process in case you notice that’s it’s safe to use it.
Note that the level of concentration also plays a crucial role in determining the effectiveness of the Barium Sulfide depilatory. If you are going to choose a product with this chemical, ensure it contains a glycol such glycerin. This helps to reduce the chances of skin irritability. Besides that, the coarseness of your body hair. The finer it is, the less time the sulfide will act on it.
Dangers of Barium Sulfide to the Body
Using barium sulfide to remove body hair is great. It acts quickly and the results are usually good. However, this inorganic compound is a very powerful chemical. This means that its application can result in allergies and skin irritations. So, using large amounts if this alkaline substance can lead to severe skin burns.
Other Dangers
This chemical is normally used with topical products. However, it can accidentally find its way into the body via inhalation or ingestion. So, what dangers does it pose to the body?
Inhalation
Acute inhalation of this chemical can result in a burning sensation. Besides that, it can make you feel like you are chocking. This is because it destroys the mucous membranes which are found on the throat and nose. On the other hand, chronic inhalation can cause throat and nose irritation. In case you notice any of these effects after using or coming into contact with his sulfide, make sure that you consult with your doctor as soon as possible.
Eye Contact
You may accidentally touch your eyes after using a product with barium sulfide. Note that acute eye contact can make your eyes painful. You may end up even tearing. This occurs because the chemical interferes with the normal functions of the eye’s cornea. When eye contact is chronic, you will end up tearing and feeling irritation. This effect may also result in corneal opacity.
Skin Contact
Hair removal products with barium are meant to be applied to the skin. However, the skin also contains protein, just like hair. Besides that, there are some instances where the skin is broken or burned hence its opened. So, when the barium ions penetrate through the open skin cells, it may cause severe irritation. Its alkaline PH interferes with the skin’s natural PH balance. However, the irritation is usually extreme when you over-expose your skin to this chemical.
Ingestion
Like it’s stated above, barium sulfide has an alkaline nature. So, if you accidentally ingest it, it may interfere with the acidic nature of the digestive system. The alkaline PH can easily destroy the stomach’s lining. In case you ingest high amounts of this chemical, you may end up with alkali burns which are painful.
Barium Sulfide Hair Removal Side Effects
The digestive effect of this inorganic compound is severe abdominal pain in addition to purging with bloody or watery stool. Some people may also end up vomiting or feeling nauseous. However, these side effects normally disappear after the body eliminates the excess barium content. This mainly happens via feces.
Other notable side effects include muscle twitching which may also involve muscle paralysis. Note that if you inhale extremely high amounts of this compound, you may end up with respiratory muscle paralysis. This is a serious condition that may be fatal. Others end up with headaches, confusion, and dizziness. Well, these serious side effects occur only when there is over-exposure to Barium Sulfide.
The Carcinogenic Effect of Barium Sulfide
Normally, depilatory creams with Barium Sulfide are designed for topical use. You need to apply them on the skin. So, can it result in skin cancer? Well, there is no evidence at the moment that suggests so. Neither sulfide nor barium has been found to be carcinogenic.
Caution
It’s clear now that Barium Sulfide is harmful when inhaled and ingested. It interferes with the respiratory functions and may cause eye damage. So, do not taste, inhale, or ingest it! You need to wash your hands thoroughly after touching any product that contains Barium Sulfide. When applying this compound, make sure that the room is well-ventilated.
In case you orally consume Barium Sulfide, drink lots of water or milk as soon as you can. Besides that, you can drink water that contains dissolved Glauber’s salt or Epsom salts. Avoid inducing vomiting not unless you have been directed to do so by professional medical personnel. In case this chemical compound comes into contact with your eyes, wash them with water and then seek medical help immediately. Final Thoughts
The use of Barium Sulfide in depilatories for hair removal is great. It perfectly removes hair and leaves your skin feeling fresh and smoother for longer. Note that Barium Sulfide works by dissolving body hair. So, this means when new hair grows back, it will be more tapered. Additionally, it will be less coarse. However, be careful when using a product with Barium Sulfide in certain areas such as the private region and armpits. These areas have coarser hair and sensitive skin. So, ensure that you don’t over-expose them to this chemical compound as it may cause unwanted reactions.
Although our whole appearance matters, most of the time the focus is on the face. That’s why an unusual change can be a matter of concern.
Although women don’t have usually have full-grown beards, the development of chin hair is not something unusual. It’s common to see a few visible strands of hair standing out from time. Every woman has a few strands of hair on their chin. This is a normal occurrence even though it’s not highly visible.
Tiny and light-colored hair helps to regulate the body’s temperature. But there are some instances where the growth is sudden, excess, and unwanted.
So, what causes hair to grow on a woman’s chin?
Hair due to Hormonal Changes
This is the number one cause of the growth of chin hair in women. For instance, during puberty, the body may experience an increase in the level of androgen hormone. As a result, this hormone causes the hair follicles to enlarge. The eventual result is the growth of darker and coarser chin hair.
Naturally, every human being has androgen. However, men have more androgen than women. And it’s for this reason that their facial features involve the growth of excessive chin hair.
When there are hormonal imbalances, women will end up also developing chin hair, just like men. Apart from puberty, other causes that may lead to hormonal changes include pregnancy and changes in the environment.
A slight change in both female and male sex hormones can easily create an imbalance. This may lead to the rapid growth of facial hair in areas such as the chin.
Medications can occasionally cause increased hair growth.
Although this is not very common, there are certain medications that can cause hair to grow on a woman’s chin.
Evidence suggests that some drugs for epilepsy and chemotherapy can cause hair growth. Besides that, there are class C drugs that have proved to also cause this.
When women use illegally bought anabolic steroids for gym or sports, they risk developing facial hair. So, if you are a woman and want to use a class C drug, make sure that it’s prescribed and purchased from a verified pharmacy.
Rapid Weight Changes
Rapid and massive weight changes are another cause of hair growth on a woman’s chin.
Research has established that a significant weight gain or weight loss coincided with the growth of chin hair in women. Obesity, for instance, causes an imbalance in both male and female hormones. Note that even a small hormonal imbalance has a huge impact on the growth of facial hair.
Additionally, extreme and rapid weight loss can cause the growth of fine chin hairs.
Fine chin hairs are often a giveaway sign of anorexia.
Age when extra hairs appear
The growth of chin hair is prevalent in older women. It is even more prevalent after menopause. The older you get, the hairier your body becomes. One of the areas that you will notice is getting hairier is your chin. This is because, at this stage, the body produces a lower level of estrogen.
Hirsutism
The growth of chin hair in women could also be a sign of health problems. This could be a serious indicator of an underlying issue that’s undetected.
When there is a sudden and excessive growth of facial hair on an area such as the chin, this condition is normally referred to as hypertrichosis or more specifically in women, hirsutism.
This medical condition can be caused by several health problems such as:
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
PCOS is the number one cause of hirsutism. This is a serious and common medical condition affects which affects almost 12 percent of American women who are of childbearing age.
PCOS affects the ovaries by causing irregular periods, high levels of male hormones, and sparking the growth of tiny ovarian cysts. It may also result in weight gain which, as mentioned above, may spark the unwanted growth of chin hair in women.
Androgen-secreting tumors
They affect the adrenal glands and ovaries. Although these tumors are not very common, they cause serious side effects. They are associated with hirsutism which causes excessive hair growth in women.
These androgen-secreting tumors may be accompanied by high levels of testosterone. And it’s known that a high level of male hormone in a woman’s body may easily lead to the growth of chin hair.
Non-classic congenital-adrenal hyperplasia (NCAH)
This is a mild form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia. NCAH is a genetic disorder that affects women later in life. The rare medical condition has no earlier symptoms and it’s not so common.
The rapid growth of excess facial hair such as chin hair is one of the main symptoms of this disease. It may also cause menstrual irregularity, a symptom that’s also associated with PCOS.
Cushing syndrome
Cushing syndrome is caused by high levels of cortisol hormone. Cushing syndrome can occur after prolonged use of corticosteroids. Besides that, it may occur if your body decides to produce extremely high levels of cortisol hormone.
Women who suffer from this condition have high chances of growing excessive chin hair.
Genetics
The growth of excess chin hair in women can be genetically based. If your mother or grandmother has visible chin hair, chances are that you might also develop it.
The Bottom Line
It’s clear that there are numerous factors that can make women grow chin hair. Some of them are harmless while in some instances it may be an indication of a serious health problem.
Generally, it’s normal to have some chin hair. A lot of women, in fact, treat it as an issue that relates to cosmetics. So, they opt to go for treatment options such as laser, waxing, or plucking.
However, if you have excessive hair growth on your chin that is causing you to worry, then you need to seek professional medical attention. This should be a matter of concern, especially if the sudden growth of chin hair is accompanied by other symptoms.
Ingrown hair can be irritating, painful, itchy, and lead to the development of whiteheads or sore red pimples that accumulate pus. Sadly, cases of ingrown hair can appear anywhere in your body from the jawline, legs, and pubic area to the bikini line.
What is the best way to avoid ingrown hair?
Although there are several ways, the main thing that you can do is not to shave.
What causes ingrown hair?
Ingrown hair usually happens when hair curls around and grows back into the skin. In worst-case scenarios, ingrown hair can develop into a cyst which appears as a small or large painless lump when infection sets in.
Apart from the pain and discomfort they cause, ingrown hairs are not considered dangerous and rarely require medical attention. They can be prevented and treated easily at home.
Prevention is better than a cure
Prevention is always better than cure, but before we look at the different ways to avoid ingrown hair, it is important to learn how to identify an ingrown hair situation and the common causes.
Causes of ingrown hair
The structure and direction of your hair’s growth play an important role in the development of ingrown hairs. Curly hair is more prone to re-enter the skin and grow back, especially if hair removal procedures, such as shaving, happen when the hair is dry.
Shaving creates sharp uneven edges in the hair follicles of curly dry hair which causes hair strands to bend and dig back into the skin.
Other causes include:
When skin is pulled tight against the grain of the hair’s growth when shaving.
Tweezing can leave hair fragments below the surface of the skin causing ingrown hair.
Tight clothing, especially underwear can cause ingrown hair when the elastic presses into the skin of recently shaved hair, causing it to change its direction of growth.
When hair grows back into your skin, the body reacts to it the same way as any foreign body, and that is what causes the inflammation.
Ingrown Hair Symptoms
When ingrown hairs occur, you may witness some or all of the following signs:
Pain
Itching
Small, hard, rounded bumps medically referred to as papules
Darkening of the skin or hyperpigmentation
Small, round, blister-like pimples filled with pus also known as pustules
The best way to prevent ingrown hair is to refrain from shaving altogether. But if that is not an option, here are 5 ways to avoid ingrown hair:
1. Regular exfoliation
Exfoliation is the removal of old dead skin cells from the skin’s surface either mechanically or chemically.
Studies have shown that clogged skin pores contribute to ingrown hairs. Regular exfoliation ensures the dead skin cells responsible for clogging pores are cleaned, which results in clearing the way for hair to grow in the right direction.
If you exfoliate at least once a week, either naturally or using an exfoliating agent, the dead skin cells that clog the skin’s pores are dissolved. This results in smoother skin that is less prone to ingrown hair when you shave. For the best outcome, strive to exfoliate before every shave. Afterward, soften your hair with warm water so that it can be removed easily.
Exfoliation also activates your lymphatic system which is responsible for ejecting toxins from your body.
2. Try a substitute for shaving
Shaving is the biggest culprit of causing ingrown hairs. If it can be avoided entirely and other hair removal methods used instead, chances of ingrown hairs developing are reduced by considerable margins.
Other alternatives to shaving include;
Use of hair removal creams
Tweezing
Threading
Sugaring
Electrolysis
Laser removal
Waxing
Hair removal creams are the best and safest substitute for shaving as they are affordable, and readily available and the process is not time-consuming. Another benefit of shaving creams is that they dissolve hair slightly below the skin’s surface compared to shaving which cuts off the hair at skin level and leaves sharp edges.
Waxing is painful but as it involves plucking out hair from the root, it takes longer for the hair to grow back and the chance of ingrown hair is almost nil.
3. Use of high-quality blades when shaving
If you must shave, then choosing a long-term quality blade is important in the prevention of ingrown hair. Often, people tend to use disposable blades for way too long, which contributes to the problem as disposable blades dull very fast.
When used in this state, they tend to leave uneven hair follicles and skin bumps which is a fertile ground for ingrown hair to develop.
To avoid the temptation of re-using a disposable blade too often, invest in a few razor heads, or a blade designed for long-term use.
Alternatively, you can use an electric shaver and despite the fact that it will not provide a clean shave, it guarantees ingrown hair will not be a problem. This is because electric shavers do not leave sharp edges and do not cut hair too close to the skin; ensuring sufficient allowance for hair to grow upwards.
4. Shave in the right direction
It is important to shave in the direction your hair grows compared to shaving against the grain. Although shaving in the opposite direction of your hair growth guarantees a closer shave, it increases the chances of ingrown hair, cuts, and nicks.
Also, always settle for an alcohol-free and sensitive formula shaving cream. This combination prevents your skin from developing dryness and as a result, prevents ingrown hair.
5. Aftershave treatment
The treatment given to your skin after shaving can be a vital factor when it comes to ingrown hair prevention. While there are numerous options in the market for after-shave products, not all of them deliver what they claim.
A good aftershave solution should complement your skin type. For example, if you have oily, dry or sensitive skin, then you should buy an aftershave specially formulated for your type of skin.
A quality aftershave solution should consist of an anti-inflammatory such as Acetylsalisic acid or Glycolic acid agents, among others. These acids help to dissolve any build-up of dead cells that may clog the skin’s pores and ingrown hairs. In addition, the aftershave should also have a pleasant scent.
Do not squeeze your ingrown hair!
If you find yourself with a painful red spot caused by ingrown hair, resist the urge to squeeze it, as this will only aggravate the situation further. Squeezing usually pushes the ingrown hair farther below the skin’s surface.
Unless you can clearly see the ingrown hair close to the surface of your skin, then you can use tweezers or a sterile needle to pluck it out. Otherwise, do not attempt to dig it out underneath the skin’s surface. If left alone, the skin remedies the situation in a few days and everything goes back to normal.
Hyperpigmentation is a harmless but common skin condition that is characterized by darker patches. Usually, parts of the skin appear darker than the standard color of the surrounding skin. It occurs when melanocytes become overactive. Melanocytes are skin cells that are responsible for the production of melanin. When melanocytes become overactive, they end up producing high amounts of melanin and result in darker skin patches. Note that skin discoloration can affect people of all ages. However, it’s more prevalent in women who are in menopause and those in post-menopause.
Types of Skin Discoloration
There are multiple types of hyperpigmentation, and they are usually categorized depending on the cause. The three common categories include:
Melasma
This hyperpigmentation is also known as chloasma. Melasma usually affects pregnant women. It’s also prevalent in women who are using birth control pills. Large patches of darkened skin characterize this type of hyperpigmentation and they usually appear on the face, stomach, and forehead.
Acne and Injury
Acne and injuries are common causes of skin pigmentation. They cause skin blemished and leave marks on the skin. Injuries such as scrapes, burns, and cuts also cause skin discoloration, and they are sometimes known as the post-inflammatory type of hyperpigmentation.
Sun Spots
They are also referred to as age spots or sometimes liver spots. Sunspots are the most common forms of hyperpigmentation. Small patches of dark spots characterize them. They usually affect the face, arms, hands, and neck.
Additionally, they also affect other areas that are regularly exposed to sun rays. They commonly appear in older adults. Besides that, they may occur after prolonged exposure to sunlight.
Aging and the Skin
Aging is a process that naturally occurs. It involves two methods, which include changes in the setup of genetics. Besides that, it also involves changes caused by a negative environment. One of the body parts, which is generally affected by aging, is the skin. This external body organ is affected by hormonal and endogenous factors.
So, once a person starts to age, they begin to experience excessive skin dryness. Additionally, the skin layer starts to thin. Well, this is due to issues such as low production of collagen and loss of elasticin fiber. Besides that, the production of sebum is usually low. Other changes include an increase in the rate of perspiration, especially in menopausal women.
Changes in hormonal concentration may also cause menopause skin discoloration. During the menopausal transition, the skin significantly worsens because of the low production of female hormones. Generally, the skin changes considerably in adults. So, this means that their skin requires special care and treatment. This may involve lifestyle changes, the use of cosmetic products, or medical treatment options. A holistic approach is also right. This is because it’s safe and natural. Holistic techniques may make it possible for the skin to attain increased thickness and reduce fine wrinkles.
Skin Discoloration During and After Menopause
Women are heavily invested in their physical appearance. That’s why the onset of menopause usually results in lots of emotional turmoil. There is hair loss, development of fine wrinkles, loose skin, hot flushes, and other side effects. Overall, menopause results in significant physical changes. During and post-menopause, some women may even end up experiencing pronounced skin pigmentation. This condition is also called melasma when it affects the face. The modeled type of pigmentation affects the forehead, cheeks, and upper lip typically.
Menopausal and post-menopausal skin changes are inevitable. Any woman at this stage in life is bound to experience drastic changes in terms of appearance. At the onset of menopause, the ovary normally stops producing female hormones. This means that many parts of the body, including the skin, will get affected.
The ovary is a crucial organ in a woman’s life. And once the production of the female hormone stops, menopausal skin discoloration starts. This skin complication can also be experienced post-menopause. Biologically, the ovary affects the production of estrogen. So, the lack of estrogen means that the receptors will be significantly affected. They include organs such as the brain, the reproductive organ, breasts, heart, urinary tract, and of course, the skin.
It’s worth noting the estrogen plays a crucial role in the reproductive system. This hormone is responsible for ovulation and implantation. In addition to that, it maintains the pregnancy, and it’s critical to breastfeeding.
Nature of the Skin
This is indeed the largest organ in the body. Generally, the skin acts as a protective barrier. It protects the internal organs from damage. It’s made of three layers which are:
The Epidermis
It’s the thin outer layer. The epidermis consists of three cells which are the squamous cells, basal cells, & melanocytes. Squamous cells are found in the outermost layer and they are usually shed continuously. Basal cells are located below the squamous cells, while the melanocytes are responsible for making melanin. It’s the high production of melanin, which usually leads to hyperpigmentation.
Dermis
It’s the middle skin layer, which consists of the blood vessels, sweat glands, nerves, lymph vessels, collagen bundles, and hair follicles. The dermis provides the skin with tensile strength. This is because it has connective tissues such as elastin and collagen. Besides that, it also contains receptors that feel touch and pain.
The Subcutaneous Fat Layer
It’s the deepest layer of the skin. This fat layer has an extensive network of fat cells and collagen. It’s responsible for protecting the body against injuries thanks to the fat, which acts as a shock absorber. Additionally, it helps to conserve heat in the body. The overall nature of the skin is to act as a protector. It’s the primary barrier that protects the body against micro-organisms invasion, dehydration, and environmental pollution.
Common Causes of Hyperpigmentation during and After Menopause
Naturally, the way the skin functions changes with age. This is because its structure also changes due to hormonal factors. During and after menopause, the difference in metabolism and hormonal deficiency results in significant deterioration of the skin’s quality. The leading causes of hyperpigmentation during and after menopause are:
Hormone Fluctuations
During the young reproductive years, estrogen hormone keeps the skin healthy and supple. In addition to that, it also helps to regulate the male hormone. However, during these two phases in a woman’s life, the level of estrogen usually drops. The low production of estrogen leads to atrophy, a condition that is characterized by skin thinning. Besides that, it may lead to decreased production of sebaceous secretions and collagen production. Note that estrogen deficiency may also hasten the aging process of your skin. All these complications may result in skin discoloration.
Hormone and Stress
During menopause and post-menopause, the body changes, and most women are stressed. This may be caused by emotional, psychological, and physical changes. So, the body ends up producing high levels of cortisol, which helps to manage stress. A high level of cortisol in the body leads to estrogen imbalance, which leads to hyperpigmentation. So, avoiding stress is one of the key ways to prevent skin discoloration.
Sunlight Exposure
This is the most common cause of hyperpigmentation in older women. The skin usually thins during and after menopause. This means that it cannot adequately handle exposure to intense sun rays. Constant exposure to sunlight is also one of the main reasons why many women have recurrences of hyperpigmentation.
Understanding Hyperpigmentation During and After Menopause
Estrogen moderates the production of melanin. The hormone helps to balance the production of this skin pigment by keeping everything under control. But as menopause begins, the skin becomes sensitive. This is because of the low production of estrogen, which affects the production of collagen fiber and oil by the sebaceous glands.
So, when the skin gets exposed to the UV rays, a woman is more likely to experience brown and dark age spots. They are more prevalent in exposed areas such as the face, hands, chest, neck, and arms. The lack of sufficient estrogen production increases the synthesis of melanin as a counteractive effect. This is a protective type of response as the skin tries to protect the inner layers. Note that skin discoloration may also be accelerated by using tanning beds.
Most women entering their 40s and 50s will experience menopausal skin changes. New patches of dark pigmentation will start to appear on the skin. They are usually known as age or liver spots.
Managing Hyperpigmentation During and After Menopause
Menopause usually causes a significant shift in a woman’s life. It completely changes the way you appear. So, how do you manage hyperpigmentation during and after menopause? Well, the first step is by implementing dietary and lifestyle changes.
You can no longer eat junk, processed foods. Your diet needs to contain high amounts of vitamins such as B, E, and D. Besides that, you should take high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids and proteins. These are important for the development of collagen and the regulation of hormones in the body. In addition to those, ensure that you drink lots of water. This is because menopause makes the skin thin and susceptible to dehydration.
Other lifestyle changes that you should implement includes getting enough sleep and avoiding excessive consumption of alcohol. Note that menopause comes with a lot of emotional changes. So, you may want to indulge in alcoholism to deal with these new changes. However, this will only make the condition of your skin worse. Besides that, avoid tobacco smoking and your exposure to second-hand smoke. All these will help to reduce your chances of developing hyperpigmentation.
Note that lack of sleep may also make your skin weak. So, make sure that you get at least 8 hours of sleep. To improve your skin’s elasticity, opt for cold showers. They increase the flow of blood under the skin. Besides that, they help to minimize hot flushes, which are common during menopause.
Conventional Treatment of Hyperpigmentation During and After Menopause
There are various multiple treatment alternatives to address hyperpigmentation. Menopausal and post-menopausal women are prone to this condition because the skin is weak at this point. Additionally, their bodies don’t produce the desired amount of estrogen, which regulates various functions of the skin. Some of the conventional treatment options include:
Contraceptive Pills
There are contraceptive pills which help to treat various skin problems. Contraceptives which contain drospirenone can help to suppress the level of male hormone in the body. This is particularly beneficial in women who are transitioning to menopause. These drugs help to increase the production of collagen, restore the moisture content in the skin, and increase the skin’s thickness. Note that the enhanced estrogen production can also reduce fine lines and wrinkles, which is prevalent post-menopause.
General Menopause and Post-Menopause Skin Care Tips and Techniques
• Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol excessively: Alcohol and tobacco can significantly affect your skin’s appearance.
• Avoid stress: although menopause comes with lots of emotional changes, ensure that you avoid stress at all costs. A high level of stress can decrease the level of estrogen further and your skin discoloration may even get worse.
• Engage in facial exercises: These are activities which help to exercise your facial muscles.
• Change your diet: Eat more fruits and vegetables. They contain fiber and protein which help to nourish the skin.
On the other hand, avoid processed foods and those with high sugar content. Besides that, ensure that you drink water frequently on a daily basis.
• Limit your skin’s exposure to sunlight: Although your skin needs vitamin D, limit your exposure to sunlight. If you want to bask, do so early in the morning or late in the evening.
Additionally, make sure that you use an SPF day cream whenever you are going out.
• Take supplements: note that menopausal skin is usually dry because of lack of nutrients and oil. So, take supplements which have high amounts of omega 3 and 6. They help to increase the production of collagen and regulate hormonal production. All these have significant effects on the pigmentation of the skin.
• Avoid showering with hot water and harsh cleansers: hot water will strip your skin of natural oils. So, use warm water and a mild cleanser to wash your skin. It’s also important to not shower more than two times a day.
• Use moisturizer and gentle serum: moisturizing the skin helps to keep it hydrated. It also helps to slow down the effects of aging. Besides that, use serums that have beta hydroxyl acids. This is because they help to brighten the skin without aggressiveness. Besides that, they promote the production of collagen.
Conclusion
Hyperpigmentation is a skin condition which women in and post-menopause commonly experience. The hormonal changes usually make the skin lose its elasticity. Besides that, the production of melanin is ordinarily low. Although this is a harmless skin condition, the undesirable patches may make women lose their self-confidence. Note that during and after menopause, women naturally undergo a lot of physical changes. So, the presence of a hyper-pigmented skin can wreck their esteem even further.
However, it’s possible to deal with this skin condition and minimize its effects. The best and first treatment option for skin discoloration is prevention. Avoid overexposing your skin to sunlight. If you must go out, wear sunscreen. Besides that, it’s also vital to implement new lifestyle changes. Eat healthy meals, avoid processed foods, and drink lots of water.
Additionally, make sure that you work out and get enough sleep. In case your hyperpigmentation is severe, you can choose to seek medical attention. Your doctor will sample your skin, and after that, recommend the best type of treatment.
