South Beach Skin Lab

South Beach Repair and Release Cream

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.

For more information about South Beach Skin Lab Repair, please click here.

Hairstyles Of Celebrities Who Are Over 50

Can you believe that Courteney Cox and Jennifer Aniston are now celebrities that are over 50?!

In our mind they are still trendsetters, but yet they are way above the age of what many magazines would usually consider as young.

As we get older, everything about us changes. What that means is that we need to start also arranging our hair so that it suits the rest of us.

So, here is inspiration from celebrities who are over 50 that still look absolutely stunning (why wouldn’t they?!) when we take a look at their hair.

Jennifer Aniston

It’s pretty difficult to find a photo of Jennifer Aniston where she is definitely over 50, but here are two that she has recently posted to her Instagram page:

This photo of Jennifer Aniston was taken from a video so she is forgiven for looking down her nose!

Jennifer Aniston was born on February 11th 1969 so is pretty new to the over-50s club. However, she is known to always have ridiculously perfect hair.

Courteney Cox

Once again, not so easy to find photos of Courteney when she is definitely over 50, but we did pretty well.

Courteney Cox was born on June 15th 1964 so is 5 years older than her costar at 55 years old.

Elizabeth Hurley

When researching for this article, it soon became clear that Liz doesn’t actually ever age and looks the same in all her photos!

Liz Hurley has not aged a day. Always had exquisite hair.

Liz Hurley doesn’t seem to have aged at all since she wore “the dress”, yet she weighs in at 54 years old in this photo being born June 10th 1965.

Elle Macpherson

Yes, she is a model and yes she is only just past 50. This Australian is 55 years old having been born on March 29th 1964.

Cindy Crawford

One of the first ‘super models’, Cindy Crawford still has her beauty mark that made her famous. She was born February 20th 1966 so is still in her early 50s, but qualifies for this list.

Menopause And Hair Loss

Hair Loss During Menopause

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.

Causes Of Hair Loss

Hormones

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.

Barium Sulfide – Benefits And Dangers To The Body

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.

5 Ways to Avoid Ingrown Hair

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.

[Solution] Dull Or Sallow Complexion?

Have you noticed that your complexion appears dull, tired or sallow? You’re certainly not alone as it is estimated that over 30% of women have this problem.

Here are 7 reasons why that may happen:

1. Dehydration

To put it simply, you’re not drinking enough water or your skin is not able to retain moisture. The water content of the skin is quickly lost, especially in warmer weather. Skin absorbs water from bathing and also drinking adequate fluid. However, when the humidity in the air is below 85%, it quickly loses moisture to the environment, causing your complexion to look dull.

The best way to stay hydrated is by using products that hold in moisture.

Dehydration can be a major cause of a sallow complexion

2. Lack of Exfoliation

Skin that has been freshly exfoliated appears sallow and dull. Once you get rid of the top layers of dead skin cells, the complexion of the new cells underneath appears fresh and polished. This is a common problem and dead skin cells have a flaky appearance that blocks light. By removing this extra layer, you’ll be revealing skin that is smooth and reflective as well as younger-looking.

Exfoliating Skin For A Fresher Complexion

You can use either a physical exfoliator or a chemical method or a combination of both. Physically exfoliation is the simplest method. With this, you will polish the dead skin cells away using a scrub or a textured surface. A chemical exfoliator is one that breaks down dead skin tissue so that it can be easily washed away. The most common active ingredients in chemical exfoliators include glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and retinoids. You can find these products over-the-counter although they are also available through a dermatologist.

Exfoliation is extremely important for keeping your skin fresh and bright

3. Not Moisturizing Well

When your skin is dry, it’s going to look dull. Dry skin compromises its ability to act as a natural barrier. The skin has a layer known as the stratum corneum that acts to keep moisture in but it can be compromised over time. Any cracks in your skin also contribute to a dull skin tone. This can happen to anyone but usually tends to be more of a problem when you reach the age of 55 or older. Making sure that skin stays moisturized, especially as you age will help to protect this layer and keep in moisture.

4. Poorly Cleaning Skin

If you’re not doing a good job of cleaning your skin every day, then it can become dull over time. You may have a buildup of makeup, cleanser or other substances on your skin which cause dullness. This often happens when the skin is not cleaned thoroughly or with a good cleanser.

5. Poor Sleep Habits

A good night’s sleep can be restorative for many reasons. However, a bad night’s sleep will show up in your skin. The department of psychology at Stockholm University performed a study involving skin quality and sleep habits. They found that both a lack of sleep and inadequate exercise led to skin that appears dull and tired. Rejuvenated skin starts with good sleep patterns.

Sleeping well will make your skin appear much brighter

6. Poor Quality Diet

The link between your diet and aging skin is becoming better known. Many people find that they learn this fact intuitively without even needing to be told. You are what you eat and your appearance also is affected by the foods that you eat. You can’t rely on good genes alone to maintain a healthy complexion while still eating bad food every day. Most people find that they have to work on their diet as well. Make sure to eat a variety of fruits and vegetables which contain essential nutrients for skin health. Paying more attention to your diet can naturally boost your skin health without having to make any other changes.

Eating junk food will have a huge negative effect on your skin

7. Sun Damage

Your skin will respond to sun exposure by trying to protect itself. This is why you develop a tan when you get too much sun. You may also get a burn which is even more damage to the skin. Although you may ideally want a tan, this damage will cause a leathery and sallow complexion over time. The reaction of the skin is to use this method to protect itself, however, it causes the skin to look old and tired even if you’re still young.

Without protection, sun will be really bad for your skin.

Best Self Tanners for Fair Skin [2020]

Self Tanners And Sunless Tanners

We all love that vibrant, warm brown color on the skin after a long day basking in the sun. However, not everyone has the time or money to spend their days lying on a tropical beach. If you have fair skin, then you are unlikely to want to spend a day in the sun, as you’d end up sunburned.

You can use a tanning bed to get the perfect tan, but just like the sun, sunbeds can also be harmful to your skin and health. Luckily, there is a more comfortable, safer, and faster way to get that perfect tan without even leaving your home.

Self-tanners and sunless tanners are growing increasingly popular for people who want a quick and easy way to get a perfect tan. However, there are many knockoff self-tanners out there, some of which can leave a horrible orange color on the skin, and some smell terrible. We have tested various self-tanners to compile the following list of the best self-tanners available to buy;

1. L’Oreal Sublime Bronze (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.0 stars)

When it comes to cosmetics and beauty products, L’Oreal is one of the top brands that is associated with quality for every product they make. The L’Oreal Sublime Bronze tinted self-tanning lotion gives you a quick-drying instant bronze glow and a deep natural tan that won’t rub off your clothes. The L’Oreal Sublime Bronze formula is designed to deliver a streak-free sunless tan. It also has Vitamin E to keep your skin smooth and soft as you get your desired level of tan.

People who use the L’Oreal Sublime Bronze love its natural look and its pleasant smell. This self-tanner retails at about $11.

2. Skinerals Self Tanner Sunless Bronzer (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️4.5 stars)

If you are always on the go, the Skinerals Self Tanner Sunless Bronzer is the self-tanner for you. This self-tanner uses a foam formula that is light and dries quickly, leaving no streaks or stains on your clothes. The Skinerals Self Tanner Sunless Bronzer is a chemical-free blend of natural ingredients that will give you a natural-looking, sun-kissed tan in no time. It has a light, pleasant scent. With ingredients like Aloe Barbadensis, Glycerin, Vitamin E, and Shea butter included in the formula, you can be sure your skin is also getting the nutrients it needs to stay soft and glowing.

Most people who have used the Skinerals Self Tanner Sunless Bronzer have loved its ease of application and quick results. However, the $25 price tag is a turnoff for many.

3. NKD Pre-Shower Gradual Tan Lotion (⭐️⭐️⭐️3.9 stars)

This hydrating Pre-Shower gradual tan lotion will nourish and condition your skin while leaving you with a subtle glow that you can deepen with regular use. You get a natural-looking, buildable, sunless tan without smells, streaks, or transferring stains to clothes. It is made with Ecocert DHA infused with organic ingredients such as Aloe Vera, argan, and Marula to nourish your skin. Once applied, your tan will last for up to 7 days, after which it will fade perfectly without patching. You can use it daily to build a deeper tan more gradually.

The NKD Pre-Shower Gradual Tan Lotion retails at $20.

4. Rodan & Fields Essential Foaming Sunless Tan (⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3.7 stars)

This self-tanner will give you an even, natural-looking tan without forcing you to expose yourself to harmful UVA and UVB rays. It is made using a lightweight, oil-free formula that is easy to use and dries quickly. Once dry, the Rodan & Fields Essential Foaming Sunless Tan leaves no streaks and won’t transfer to clothing or fabric.

People who use this sunless tan foam love that it is not messy, and it gives an even, natural tan. However, at $27, this self-tanner is quite pricey.

5. Neutrogena micro-mist airbrush sunless tanner (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️4 stars)

This self-tanner comes in spray form and delivers a fast, easy, and even self tab that is two shades darker than your skin tone. The spray delivers a quick-drying ultra-fine mist for a simple, even coverage with no streaks. Designed for hands-free application, the Neutrogena micro-mist airbrush sunless tanner works at any angle, ensuring you tan every inch of your body.

People who use the Neutrogena micro-mist airbrush sunless tanner love the even natural-looking tan it delivers. However, it can be challenging knowing how to spray evenly. This self-tanner retails at $15.

6. Bondi Sands Aerated Self Tanning Foam (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️4.2 stars)

This is a lightweight, dual tanning, aerosol foam that leaves your skin with a deep bronzed glow that lasts long. It is light as air and dries quickly, leaving you with an even, streak-free tan. It is also infused with Aloe Vera to take care of your skin and coconut for a pleasant scent.

The Bondi Sands Aerated Self Tanning Foam retails at $22.

13 Essential Oils that Relieve Stress and Anxiety

essential oils often used in aromatherapy, can be applied directly to the skin or sprayed in the air through a diffuser. Some oils are even safe to eat and as an additive to beverages or foods. These oils have become famous for their benefits. They are also studied for their effects on mood and mental performance.

One area where essential oils have proven as very useful is relieving anxiety and stress. Research has supported their use for these purposes.

Here are 13 essential oils that can fight against anxiety and stress and leave you feeling calm and refreshed:

Coriander Oil

Research using animals has successfully proven that coriander oil helps stress and creates a calmness. In a 2005 study in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, scientists analyzed the effects of coriander on mice. They found that the coriander reduced anxiety and also seemed to relax the muscles. Coriander oil can be useful for treating symptoms of anxiety.

Rosemary Oil

Rosemary oil has been shown to energize the body when you are feeling stressed. A 2009 study in the journal Scientia Pharmaceutica found that people massaged with rosemary oil reported feeling more alert, energetic, and cheerful.

Based on this research, rosemary oil could help relieve tiredness that has been caused by stress.

Chamomile Oil

Chamomile oil is thought to be able to treatclinical anxiety. A 2009 study in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology compared the effect of chamomile on a group of patients with generalized anxiety disorder. After eight weeks of treatment, the improvement in anxiety was greater among individuals taking the chamomile compared to those receiving a placebo.

Clary Sage Oil

Clary sage oil can be very effective for stress. A 2014 study in Phytotherapy Research found that when people inhaled clary sage oil, their levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, dropped significantly. Clary sage oil seems to be great for your body when it is dealing with stress.

Sweet Orange Oil

Sweet orange oil is useful for reducing anxiety. A 2012 study in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found people exposed to sweet orange oil before a stressful situation felt less anxiety and tension. Sweet orange oil could help people to remain calm during stressful situations.

Eucalyptus Oil

Researchers have studied eucalyptus oil to determine its effects on anxiety. A 2014 study in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine looked at the impact of eucalyptus oil on patients undergoing a medical procedure. Study results showed that cineole, which is a chemical that is found in eucalyptus oil, lowered pre-treatment anxiety levels. This suggests that eucalyptus oil is useful in stressful situations.

Lavender Oil

The effectiveness of lavender oil has been shown clearly in research. A 2015 study in the International Journal of Nursing Practice analyzed the impact of lavender oil on a group of nurses experiencing stress when they were working. One group of nurses in the study had small bottles of lavender oil pinned to their chests, whereas another group carried an oil that did not contain lavender.

Results indicated that stress levels were lower among the nurses who had the lavender oil.

Bergamot Oil

Research with animals has shown that bergamot oil can relieve anxiety. A 2017 study in the journal Molecules looked at the effect of bergamot oil on rats completing tasks. Results found that the bergamot oil relaxed and reduced anxiety in the rats in the study.

Geranium Oil

Research with geranium oil has shown promising results. A 1995 study in the International Journal of Aromatherapy found that when people inhaled steam containing geranium oil, they experienced a decrease in anxiety. Geranium appears to be useful for providing fast relief from stress during tense situations.

Lemon Oil

Research has indicated that lemon oil can reduce stress. A 2006 study in Behavioural Brain Research studied the effects of lemon oil on mice completing stressful tasks, and results found that it was useful for lowering stress. The lemon oil was also shown to serve as an anti-depressant.

Ylang-Ylang Oil

Placing ylang-ylang oil on the skin can create a relaxing effect. In a 2006 study in Phytotherapy Research, ylang-ylang oil, when applied to participants’ skin, decreased their blood pressure levels. Subjects also reported feeling more calm and relaxed after applying ylang-ylang oil.

Rose Oil

Research has shown that rose oil reduces anxiety in animals. Scientists completed a study for a 2004 edition of Pharmacology, Biochemistry and Behavior, in which they compared the effects of rose oil to those of an anxiety medication on rats completing a stressful task. Results showed that the rose oil reduced anxiety similarly to the anxiety medication.

Neroli Oil

Neroli oil appears to be useful for reducing stress. A study in a 2014 publication of Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine compared the impact of neroli oil to that of a control oil on women experiencing menopause symptoms.

Results showed that compared to the control group, women who inhaled neroli oil experienced significant decreases in blood pressure. The neroli oil also showed to reduce heart rate and cortisol levels. These physiological responses to neroli oil suggest a calming effect.

Neroli oil is just one of many essential oils that have been found to have a beneficial impact.

Researchers have studied the effects of numerous essential oils and discovered that they are helpful for reducing stress and anxiety levels. Many of the essential oils discussed in this post have been found to have a calming effect and can serve as a natural treatment for symptoms of anxiety and stress.

Gluten Intolerance Could Affect Your Skin

In recent years, many people with gluten intolerance have opted to go on a gluten-free diet in the hope of trying to eat healthily. While some sources say that gluten can only cause health-related issues to those with Celiac disease, other sources say it can also be a problem for other people.

What is Gluten?

Gluten is a class of proteins found in wheat, rye, and barley. They are called prolamins. It contains two primary proteins called glutenin and gliadin. These proteins are highly elastic and are what makes dough suitable for making baked products. However, a gluten allergy or wheat allergy can be worsened if the person has gluten intolerance or wheat intolerance.

Gluten intolerance can be responsible for causing or worsening several skin conditions. Some gluten proteins, such as gliadin, can cause increased production of intestinal proteins known as Zonulin. This causes gaps to open in the intestinal cells called enterocytes, which are usually tightly bonded. This results in the body producing antibodies against the gliadin.

In 25 percent of the people with Celiac disease (a condition brought about by severe gluten intolerance), a rash calledis herpetiformis may appear. Bandnot the only skin condition caused by gluten intolerance. It can cause various skin conditions to people with Celiac disease and a larger group of people who have Non-celiac Gluten Sensitivity. Some hyperpigmentation and inflammatory skin conditions have also been linked to gluten intolerance. Below are some skin conditions that can be brought about or worsened by gluten consumption.

Dermatitis Herpetiformis

As mentioned earlier, this is an inflammation of the skin that causes itchy rashes that appear on the elbows, buttocks, knees, scalp, and back in about 25 percent of the people with Celiac disease. While medication can be prescribed for this rash, mostly in the form of over the counter creams, reports indicate that maintaining a gluten-free diet can effectively clear this skin condition.

Psoriasis

This condition causes a red, scaly, nd dry rash on the skin. Accorandorted cases, there is a link between this condition and gluten intolerance in people with Celiac disease and gluten sensitivity. The condition has been linked with gliadin, one of the main proteins in gluten. Once they go on and maintain a gluten-free diet, many people with Psoriasis report dramatic improvements in their skin condition.

Eczema

Eczema causes a white, scaly rash on the skin. While this condition mostly affects children, it can also appear in adults. According to some reported cases, Eczema has been linked to gluten intolerance. In cases where the patients went on a gluten-free diet, there was an improvement in their skin conditions.

Acne

80 percent of the people in western culture between ages 11 and 30 suffer from acne. This hyperpigmentation condition causes red, pus-filled pimples to appear on the skin. While there are no medical reports linking acne to gluten, many people have reported considerable improvements after adopting a gluten-free diet combined with low-carb intake.

Alopecia Areata

This skin condition causes hair loss and has been linked with Celiac disease. A reported 0.7 percent to 3.8 percent of the people with Celiac disease are said to have Alopecia Areata. Some reports in the past seemed to indicate that it affects male adults more than females, but new studies show that it can affect both. Most people with this condition experience hair regrowth after going on a gluten-free diet. Even in some cases where people don’t have Celiac disease, hair growth has been attributed to a gluten-free diet.

Many other skin conditions apart from Celiac disease have been linked to gluten intolerance, including chronic urticaria, Keratosis pilaris, cutaneous vasculitis,, and many others.

Diet recommendations

A paleo diet (or gluten free diet) is recommended if you have the skin conditions mentioned above,, including:

• Fish – Mackerel, Salmon, and Herring are some of the fish that are great for skin health. They are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids,, which reduce inflammations and keep your skin moisturized and thick.

• Fruits – fruits such as Avocados, tomatoes are good for your skin. They are also good for weight loss.

• Vegetables – Spinach, Broccoli, walnuts, sunflower seeds, red or yellow bell peppers, and sweet potatoes are also good for your skin

Conclusion

There have been significant and considerable reports to ascertain the relationship between gluten intolerance and skin conditions. While there are many non-Celiac people with gluten sensitivity or a food allergy, a large number of people don’t suffer from any gluten effects. It’s important to mind what you eat to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

17 Ways To Prevent Hyperpigmentation during Menopause

Melasma, or hyperpigmentation of the skin, is a common condition that affects women about nine times more often than it affects men. Hyperpigmentation during menopause can be caused by genetic predisposition, inflammation or damage and hormonal changes, and is most often attributed to ultraviolet exposure from sunlight. First we’ll explain the what happens to the skin to cause hyperpigmenation during menopause, then we’ll give you 17 things you can start doing to combat it.

An accumulation of sun-damage in women’s skin becomes more visible around the same time as menopausal hormone-related melasma. Menopause affects women in several ways, but one of the most outward signs a woman has reached the end of her child-bearing years, is hyperpigmentation.

Hypermigmentation: There Are Ways To Prevent It

The upkeep of the cells that make melanin (protective skin pigment), is controlled by estrogen, which goes into a natural decline as a woman moves toward menopause causing these melanin-making cells, or melanocytes, to degenerate as women age. Menopausal skin with fewer melanocytes leads to less protective melanin, causing a woman’s skin to lighten and make it more prone to sun damage.

Because estrogen’s control of melanin production reduces as a woman goes into menopause, melanin synthesis increases, as it’s no longer regulated, and this can also result in hyperpigmentation, or, “age spots” as they’re commonly called. So if you’re menopausal, and you’ve noticed darkening patches of skin showing up across your forehead, your cheeks, the bridge of your nose, and especially your chin and jawline, you’re probably noticing the effects of both hormonal melasma, and photoaging.

Extra-facial melasma affects areas of skin on the arms, the neck, and the chest, and is much less common, however, it is the hyperpigmentation often associated with menopause.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH), in their up-to-date comprehensive review of melasma, found that combination treatments including oral, topical, and procedural therapies that target different mechanisms of the condition, were the most effective at reducing hyperpigmentation. Not re-exposing your skin to UV-rays (re-triggering) after treatment, led to a longer-lasting result.

PREVENTION IS MOST IMPORTANT

1. foundation or a moisturizing product that includes sunscreen, you’ll be protecting your skin from both the harm of UV-rays and the cumulative effect of sun damage. Re-applying sunscreen every two hours when outdoors is also important, even on cloudy days, and especially when swimming or sweating. But sunscreen by itself isn’t the best option.

2.Wearing protective clothing such as a wide-brimmed hat, or a long-sleeved shirt with a tight weave, in addition to sunscreen, will keep you fully protected. Some clothing even comes impregnated with UV-ray protection. Garments with UPF-rated clothing labels signify that the fabric has been tested in a laboratory. The level of sun protection listed on the label is based on the fabric’s construction, materials, weight, and even the color of the fabric, and it shows how much UV can penetrate it.

3. A healthy diet can also help combat hyperpigmentation in menopause. By consuming lots of Omega 3s you can help protect the skin from sun damage. A healthy diet full of vitamins will also help restore and refresh your skin.

PRODUCTS ARE A SECOND LINE OF DEFENSE

After protection, the best treatment for menopausal skin with melasma is the use of medication in the form of topical creams or gels containing agents that either disrupt or inhibit melanin production.

Topical Medications

1. Hydroquinone

Skin correcting products can contain a percentage of hydroquinone at 2% for over the counter, and 4% for prescription. Hydroquinone works by disrupting the production of melanin and lightens the skin when applied.

2. Retinols and Tazorac

Another few ingredients in topical creams that help combat melasma and the effects of photoaging are Retinol (Vitamin A) and other retinoids like Retin A and tretinoin, and Tazorac (Tazarotene). These compounds lighten the skin and exfoliate combat the effects of photoaging.

3. Natural Compounds

In the last few years, naturally occurring compounds have been studied for their therapeutic usefulness against hyperpigmentation.

Niacinamide, ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), kojic acid, azelaic acid, azelaic acid, beta-carotene, and Bearberry extract have all shown promise. When used in combination with another therapy that worked on a different mechanism, the result was even better.

There have also been a few other topical natural compounds tested in small studies to treat hyperpigmentation. Lignin peroxidase, arbutin, and soy have all shown favorable results.

4. Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids can be a helpful addition to a skin care regimen for hyperpigmentation because the work to both suppress the production of melanin and calm inflammation.

5. Alpha hydroxy and glycolic acids. Using these acids exfoliate the skin which allows skin lightening products to penetrate the skin more effectively.

Product Recommendations

Some skin care products that include a combination of these ingredients and work well are:

Meladerm by Civant Skin Care
Tommy Timmy Intensive Skin Corrector
Peter Thomas Roth’s 10% Glycolic Solutions Moisturizer
C-12 Pure Bright Serum from Dermalogica

Oral Medications

One of the newer treatments for melasma is the off-label use of oral Tranexamic acid, which is an anti-plasmin agent. There is limited investigation as to the efficacy of this drug, but new possibilities are on the horizon.

Procedures Can Be Added

Micro needling

Microdermabrasion

Chemical peels

Light therapies, including laser therapy

These are all good options for treatment of melasma in conjunction with topicals. These therapies, however, should only be performed by a trained professional or a dermatologist, so see a licensed esthetician or a dermatologist if you’re considering one of these processes.

It’s important to note that the combination of more than one of these therapies is the best way to prevent hyperpigmentation during menopause. Hormonal hyperpigmentation plus accumulated sun damage is difficult to correct once estrogen levels during menopause drop precipitously and the body can no longer control melanin production.

The best way to keep your skin looking even is with prevention through diet, and limiting sun exposure, but later in life when hormones affect the way our skin looks, there are several products available to help fade and reduce age spots. Procedures can even be added in as a third line of action to reduce the visibility of aging skin.