Tuesday, July 26, 2005

Sorbolene Creams

Sorbolenes are the biggest selling skin care products in Australian pharmacies.
Sorbolenes may appear to be great value-for-money, however many consumers do not realize the majority of sorbolenes are made from petrochemical by-products, such as mineral oils and paraffin, and are designed to act as barrier creams. Therefore, sorbolenes do not moisturize the skin, they only act as a barrier cream. Sorbolene creams are a mixture of oil (between 40% and 60%) and water. They have a high oil content which tends to make the cream sit longer on the skin surface. This can lead to clogged pores and pimples. Experts believe prolonged use of sorbolene may lead to the break-down of the skin’s normal barrier functions. Over time, the skin is unable to protect itself against the environment, which may lead to irritation and recurring problems. In many cases dermatologists have recommended sorbolene to people with dry, irritated and itchy skin conditions. The application of sorbolene temporarily alleviates the problem by smoothing the skin and making it feel moist. However, as sorbolene doesn’t penetrate the skin to moisturize, the problem soon returns, the skin becomes dry and once again begins to itch.

Tuesday, July 12, 2005

Skin Care Products That Can Irritate Rosacea Skin

A survey of 1,023 rosacea patients by the National Rosacea Society identified types of skin-care products and ingredients that commonly pose problems for rosacea sufferers.
For women, the biggest culprits were astringents/toners (49.5 percent), soap (40 percent), exfoliant agents (34 percent), makeup (29 percent), perfume/cologne (27 percent), moisturizer (25.5 percent) and hairsprays (20 percent). For men, over 24 percent said flare-ups had been caused by shaving lotion; nearly 24 percent were sensitive to soap; 19 percent were affected by perfume/cologne; and sunscreen aggravated 13 percent.
Topping the list as the most irritating ingredient was alcohol, affecting 66 percent of all respondents. Other frequently aggravating ingredients included witch hazel (30 percent), fragrance (29.5 percent), menthol (21 percent), peppermint (14 percent) and eucalyptus oil (13 percent).
Despite the variety of skin-care products that may aggravate rosacea, 78 percent of the women and 56 percent of the men said they are now using effective skin-care products that do not irritate their condition.

Friday, July 08, 2005

Rosacea Skin Care is Sensitive Skin Care

Highly sensitive skin is characteristic of rosacea. Rosacea sufferers have very sensitive skin that requires special care. Changing one's skin-care routine can go a long way toward relieving the unsightly symptoms of rosacea.

To properly care for your skin, keep in mind the following factors.

Cleansing the skin should remove dirt without upsetting your skin’s protective layers or natural pH balance. Everyday soaps and cleansers are often harsh, causing dryness and irritation. Because rosacea–prone skin can be easily irritated, it is important to cleanse with a non-irritating, soap-free, oil-free and fragrance-free, gentle skin cleanser. Use as small an amount of cleanser as possible and apply it gently with your fingers. Rinse with plenty of lukewarm water and blot with a soft towel.

There is no substitute for medical treatment in the effective management of rosacea. A basic rule to follow is to apply your rosacea treatment lightly across the affected areas only and allow it to dry before applying moisturizer, makeup or sunscreen. Use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher. Often you will need to experiment with several sunscreens before finding the one that suits you. Apply your sunscreen often and liberally to all exposed areas when outdoors, whether during the summer or winter. Consult your pharmacist for additional information on sunscreens.

Rosacea and other skin conditions noted for dryness can upset your facial skin’s normal protective barrier. To help restore moisture without causing irritation, apply a long-lasting water-based moisturizer in a cream or lotion formulation. Make sure you choose a product that does not contain fragrances or lanolin.

Maintain your skin’s normal healthy state by cleansing and moisturizing your face once in the morning and again before bedtime.

Avoid pulling or scratching your facial skin; do not use loofahs, brushes, hard sponges or rough towels on your face.

Keep your face well protected when outdoors in cold or windy weather; always use a scarf to cover your cheeks and nose.

Drink a lot of water.

Use a humidifier to offset the drying effects of indoor heating.

Reduce your bathing time; use lukewarm, instead of steaming-hot water.

Stay away from harsh cleansers and astringents that over-dry your skin or any substance that causes redness or stinging.

Avoid alcohol-containing shaving creams or gels; do not use after-shave lotions.

Use an electric shaver rather than a blade, which might cause further irritation. If you use a blade, replace it regularly to avoid scraping.

Avoid skin care products that contain any one of the following ingredients: witch hazel, menthol, peppermint, salicylic acid, eucalyptus oil or clove oil.

Use natural fiber fabrics, other than wool, close to your face or against the skin. Cotton, linen, silk and hemp are soft, breathable and non-irritating.

Choose light, oil-free makeup products. They are safe to use and effective in countering the impact a rosacea flare-up may have on your appearance.

Tuesday, July 05, 2005

The Role of Dimethicone in Rosacea Skin Care Products

Dimethicone is an organic silicone, used as a skin protectant and moisturizer. Well tolerated by even the most sensitive skins, dimethicone has a filming action on the skin surface which helps slow down moisture loss and further helps smooth fine, dry lines.Dimethyl Lauramine Isostearate: Conditioning and thickening agent.

Dimethicone - a silicone fluid used to give a smooth feel to a cosmetic creams or lotions. It contributes a degree of water repellence, promotes easy spreading and leaves a smooth feeling without feeling either sticky or oily. Helps in the even dispersal of other ingredients. An oil derived from silicone, a substance extracted from rocks and sand, used to facilitate smoothness to the skin.

Dimethicone Copolyol - A silicone derived emollient used in conditioner preparations for hair and skin. DL -Alpha Tocopheryl Acetate - See vitamin E. DMDM (Dimethylol Dimethyl) - Used with hydantoin to form a preservative. Slowly releases formaldehyde to give bactericidal properties to lotions.

Dimethicone - Used for its superior spreadability, excellent emolliency, and water repellency. Dimethicone Copolyol - A silicone derived emollient used in conditioner preparations for hair and skin.Dimethyl Lauramine Isostearate - Conditioning and emulsifying agent.DL-Alpha Tocopheryl Acetat. Used with hydantoin to form a preservative. Slowly releases formaldehyde to give bactericidal properties to lotions.

Dimethicone-An oil derived from Silicone (which is derived from Silica, a substance that occurs naturally in rocks and sand). Dimethicone is used to facilitate smooth application of a product and helps to soften the skin. Dimethicone CopolyolA more waterproof form of Dimethicone that adheres better to skin and hair.

Dimethicone Moisturizing silicone skin and hair conditioner and anti-foam ingredient. Dimethicone Copolyol Complex of natural silica, acts as a spreading agent for easy application of product; also functions as a moisturizer. DMDM hydantoin Preservative, antimicrobial to fight bacteria.

Dimethicone - Derived from silica, this white powder occurs abundantly in nature and is used as a skin protectant, emollient, and moisturizer. It provides silkiness, and is well tolerated by even the most sensitive skins.

DIMETHICONE - Silicone polymer used to modify a product's feel or contribute water resistance. Silicone polymers used in breast implants caused serious health problems and were subsequently banned by the Food & Drug Administration.

dimethicone. See silicone. dimethicone copolyol. See silicone. dimethicone fluoroalcohol dilinoleic acid. A film-forming agent that has water-binding properties due to its linoleic acid component. dimethiconol. See silicone.

Dimethicone - a silicone oil used in hair and skin care products. Adds shine to the hair and a slippery feeling to skin products.DMDM hydantoin - a preservative used in shampoos, conditioners, and creams that can irritate the skin and may release formaldehyde.

Dimethicone: Used for its superior spreadability, excellent emolliency, and water repellency.DNA Enzyme Complex - bioengineered to supply the body with moisturization. and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.Dong Quai: traditional Chinese herb used to treat menopausal symptoms and menstrual irregularity.

Reacts with amino acids in skin to provide a natural looking suntanned appearance. Usually derived from sugar cane, it causes the surface layer of the skin to oxidize. DimethiconeAn organic silicone, used as a skin protectant and moisturizer. Well tolerated by even the most sensitive skins,

Dehydroacetic Acid: used as a preservativeDimethicone: (derived from silica, a naturally occurring component of sand & quartz) adds thickness, shine, and manageability, protectsDisodium EDTA: salt-derived chelating agent to top E

Silicones - inert, nonreactive substances derived from silica or sand, they are popular in hair styling aids and, at one time, were used in breast implants. They are the words with a "-cone" ending on ingredients labels; examples are dimethicone and cyclomethicone.Silk amino acids - used in hair sprays and as a hair and skin conditioner.

Pump up your moisturizer. The aim of moisturizing in the winter is to lock in the water naturally found in your skin. Use a lotion or cream with ingredients such as dimethicone, petrolatum or mineral oil; these form an occlusive barrier on your skin so natural moisture can't get out. Or pick a product that contains glycerin, which actually helps draw moisture into the skin.

Friday, July 01, 2005

Rosacea Skin Care Begins With What You Eat

Our skin's health is directly dependent on the amount of vitamin A in our diet. Vitamin A acts as an antioxidant to neutralize harmful elements in our skin, helping to prevent wrinkles, resist infection and keep our skin youthful.
Two-thirds of the vitamin A in the typical American diet comes from beta-carotene, which is the pigment that gives yellow and orange produce their color. Our bodies convert carotene into vitamin A, making it crucial to healthy skin. Think sweet potatoes, carrots and apricots.
Vitamin A is a potent fat-soluble vitamin, easily stored in our body tissue, that is not found in any plant. It is known to be toxic at levels above the RDA, so it's not wise to supplement your diet with vitamin A pills. Instead, focus on the delicious tastes of those fruits and vegetables high in carotene for a safe way to healthy skin.

Begin with our 10 easy ways to add more beta-carotene to your diet.
1. Add grated carrots to spaghetti sauce. You won't notice their presence and their carotene will feed your skin.
2. Add fresh spinach leaves to salad greens. Spinach contains more carotene than other types of lettuce.
3. Enjoy a daily fruit smoothie made of vanilla yogurt and fresh fruit. Include apricots, peaches, mango or papaya as your fruit choices to boost carotene in your diet.
4. For a special dessert that's good for your skin, place chilled melon balls in a wine glass; splash with champagne and add mint for garnish.
5. Keep fresh broccoli florets on hand in the fridge for a pre-dinner snack. Serve with your favorite low-fat dip for a treat everyone will love.
6. Make fruit a part of every dinner meal. Keep canned, fresh or frozen peaches and apricots on hand to add to the nightly fruit salad.
7. Choose tropical fruit such as papaya or mango for a delicious new taste. Tired of the same old fruit? Go tropical!
8. Add broccoli and fresh spinach to pasta or tomato salads. They fit into just about every recipe.
9. Substitute papaya for tomato in salsa recipes. Not only will your taste buds tango, you'll also get plenty of carotene!
10. Look for juices made from fruits high in carotene. Instead of the same old orange or apple juice, broaden your horizons!