Posts Tagged ‘skin conditions’

One of the common questions and misconceptions associated with laser hair removal is the difference between laser and IPL (Intense Light Therapy). Many people are unaware that there is a difference, few understand how each works and the dangers associated.

IPL was originally created as flash lamps to treat other skin conditions (such as skin rejuvenation and thread vein treatment) and doctors and patients observed hair loss as a result. Therapeutic lasers were specifically developed to deliver premium hair reduction results.

SPL is another recently released hair removal technique and stands for Square Pulsed Light – it’s from the same family of devices as IPL or Intense Pulsed Light, but an SPL pulse lasts a fraction of a second longer. The light wavelength isn’t as intense, meaning it does the same job but your skin is less likely to be overheated and results may take longer.

In theory, laser hair removal , IPL and SPL all work in very much the same way. Both emit light to target the melanin (or colour) within the hair and kill the follicle. What characterizes laser and IPL is the light source and how it is distributed.

Lasers are single wavelength devices, meaning that the light source is focused and can target individual hairs. IPL on the other hand, emits a spectrum of various wavelengths meaning that the light source is scattered and not as targeted. Unlike authentic lasers, IPL is unable to use what is known as ‘selective photothermolysis’ (precise rapid heating of a select structure and surrounding areas ).

So, what does this mean for you? The spectrum of wavelengths emitted by IPL & SPL means many clients are needlessly exposed to unnecessary and or/ineffective radiation compared with the single wavelength from laser hair removal.

IPL hair reduction, unlike laser hair removal may cause skin damage of burning and scarring if not handled by a professional who knows what they are doing. As IPL nor SPL are not pin point accurate, the margin for error is much higher. Many also see inferior results and higher levels of regrowth from IPL as compared to laser hair removal.

The levels of pain experienced when undergoing laser hair removal, IPL or SPL are all very similar. The feeling is described as similar to being flicked by a hot rubber band. However, Candela lasers (used in most reputable clinics) features a dynamic cooling device in each machine to maximise client safety and comfort.

As laser hair removal IPL and SPL all target the hairs melanin, none are effective at treating grey, red or blonde hair. In the past, only IPL was successful at treating a range of skin types. This is no longer the case; laser hair removal now uses a range of lasers to treat the full spectrum of skin types.

Including:

 
Alexandrite lasers – Used to treat fair to mid toned skin with medium to course hair
Nd Yag – Used to treat darker types with course dark hair
Diode – Used to treat fair to mid toned skin and can also treat dark fine hair

If you’re looking for a permanent hair reduction solution, chose a reputable organization who use only medical grade lasers, these are specially designed for therapeutic use. Ensure all staff are fully trained to use the machines and the highest hygiene practices are up held.

Love the fresh smell of soft baby skin.  Makes you want to eat them up they are so delicious!   However, in the first few weeks babies are born they retain some of the mothers hormones which can cause minor skin conditions.  So caring for that soft sensitive skin is so important.  Baby skin is much thinner and less oily than adults.  This make them a little more prone to skin irritation in the first few months of life.

What should we do to prevent skin irritations?  The first problem many mothers experience is heat rash.  This is a skin condition which covers areas of baby with tiny little heat bumps.  This rash condition can be prevented by not over dressing the baby.  When baby is over dressed the baby sweats causing this rash condition.  Baby powder sprinkled in areas will help absorb moisture and help keep baby skin looking pure and silky.  

Baby shampoo is gentle without  lot of chemicals and this will help with cradle cap and not cause any type of skin irruptions.  When purchasing any type of baby product check the ingredients.  Make sure they are pH balanced with healing herbs such as Soy Calendula Oil and other friendly healing herbs.  Do not purchase harsh and products with a lot of fragrances that baby can be allergic to.

Products containing Avocado oil which are easily absorbed into skin with a good source of vitamin A, D and E are highly recommended. Natural and soothing is what baby skin needs.

Baby lotions with the powerful Vitamin E helps and protects against UV-induced inflammation of the skin.  This vitamin is a derivative from soy.  Check all the labels of skin and hair care products for baby to be sure they are natural and mild.  Baby skin is much more sensitive than adult skin.  Take precaution when taking baby outside.

Use hats to protect the baby’s face and use sunblock especially for infants and toddlers.  Do not use adult sun block.  Watch soaps, lotions, sun screens to be sure they are made only for baby.  A little reading will help prevent skin irritations.  Eliminate purchasing products that contain synthetic fragrances, artificial colors which can be highly irritating to baby.  

Try and let mother nature do her job and use mild products for baby skin care.  Botanical extracts and essential vitamins such as A, C & E are safe but only use in small amounts when caring for baby’s skin.  Baby products containing natural and herbal extracts maybe a little more expensive, but they are safer and healthy for baby. 

The skin is the body’s largest organ. And because it’s on the outside of your body for everyone to see, you want it to not only be healthy, but to look great as well. Women of any age want skin that is clear, smooth and radiant. However, the biggest mistake I see women make when it comes to their skin is failure to customize their skin-care routines. Your skin-care routine needs to change and adapt according to the season, your age and your lifestyle. Also, what works for your friend or your sister won’t necessary work well for you when it comes to your skin.

That said, customizing a skin-care routine doesn’t require a lot of time and effort. With just a few easy steps you can create a routine that works for you and simply tweak it over time as your lifestyle or skin-care needs change.

1. Consult a professional. If possible, the best way to start is with a visit to a dermatologist, especially if you feel that you have particularly problematic skin (ex: acne, sun damage, unusual dryness or other skin conditions). Not everyone can afford this step, but keep in mind that the visit may be covered by your insurance plan. Explain your skin care concerns to your dermatologist and ask for product recommendations. They can help get you on track to customizing a routine and can help you narrow down your focus when it comes to product so that you don’t waste your hard-earned money on products that aren’t right for you.

2. Start with the basics. Wash your face every morning when you wake up and again before you go to bed. Never, under any circumstances go to bed without removing your makeup. Clogged pores will lead to unsightly blemishes. Eat well, exercise and get plenty of rest. What you put into your body will show in your complexion, so make sure to drink lots of water (to flush out toxins and hydrate) and eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Stay away from cigarettes; they cause premature aging of the skin. If you do one thing for your skin each day (besides your daily cleansing), apply a sunscreen each morning (don’t forget to cover your neck as well), to avoid premature wrinkles, sunspots and skin cancer risks.

3. Customize a skin-care routine. Now that you’ve consulted with a professional and are taking care of your body from the inside out, it’s time to create a routine that will optimize all of your healthy habits. While everyone is different, most people benefit from a gentle cleanser (Cetaphil or Purpose come highly recommended by most dermatologists), a pore-cleansing toner (I prefer SeaBreeze for sensitive skin) and a good moisturizer (again I prefer Purpose, which also has added sunscreen).

I beef up my daily routine according to the season and my skin care needs. During the winter, when my skin gets dry, I like to use a moisturizing mask once a week. During the summer, when my pores tend to get clogged with dirt and sweat, I will add a once-a-week exfoliator or deep-cleansing mask. I also like to use Biore pores strips about once a week for blackheads on my nose and chin. Unfortunately, I am at that in-between age where I still need to worry about breakouts and blemishes, but am beginning to see the early signs of aging (no doubt accelerated by my frequent visits to tanning salons in my youth).

As you can see, taking care of your skin doesn’t have to be a huge commitment of your time or your money. If you take a little time to set up a routine, it will become a healthy habit that your skin will thank you for. Once you’ve taken the time to find out what works for you, making small changes here and there will be a breeze.

Love the fresh smell of soft baby skin.  Makes you want to eat them up they are so delicious!   However, in the first few weeks babies are born they retain some of the mothers hormones which can cause minor skin conditions.  So caring for that soft sensitive skin is so important.  Baby skin is much thinner and less oily than adults.  This make them a little more prone to skin irritation in the first few months of life.

What should we do to prevent skin irritations?  The first problem many mothers experience is heat rash.  This is a skin condition which covers areas of baby with tiny little heat bumps.  This rash condition can be prevented by not over dressing the baby.  When baby is over dressed the baby sweats causing this rash condition.  Baby powder sprinkled in areas will help absorb moisture and help keep baby skin looking pure and silky.  

Baby shampoo is gentle without  lot of chemicals and this will help with cradle cap and not cause any type of skin irruptions.  When purchasing any type of baby product check the ingredients.  Make sure they are pH balanced with healing herbs such as Soy Calendula Oil and other friendly healing herbs.  Do not purchase harsh and products with a lot of fragrances that baby can be allergic to.

Products containing Avocado oil which are easily absorbed into skin with a good source of vitamin A, D and E are highly recommended. Natural and soothing is what baby skin needs.

Baby lotions with the powerful Vitamin E helps and protects against UV-induced inflammation of the skin.  This vitamin is a derivative from soy.  Check all the labels of skin and hair care products for baby to be sure they are natural and mild.  Baby skin is much more sensitive than adult skin.  Take precaution when taking baby outside.

Use hats to protect the baby’s face and use sunblock especially for infants and toddlers.  Do not use adult sun block.  Watch soaps, lotions, sun screens to be sure they are made only for baby.  A little reading will help prevent skin irritations.  Eliminate purchasing products that contain synthetic fragrances, artificial colors which can be highly irritating to baby.  

Try and let mother nature do her job and use mild products for baby skin care.  Botanical extracts and essential vitamins such as A, C & E are safe but only use in small amounts when caring for baby’s skin.  Baby products containing natural and herbal extracts maybe a little more expensive, but they are safer and healthy for baby. 

Love the fresh smell of soft baby skin.  Makes you want to eat them up they are so delicious!   However, in the first few weeks babies are born they retain some of the mothers hormones which can cause minor skin conditions.  So caring for that soft sensitive skin is so important.  Baby skin is much thinner and less oily than adults.  This make them a little more prone to skin irritation in the first few months of life.

What should we do to prevent skin irritations?  The first problem many mothers experience is heat rash.  This is a skin condition which covers areas of baby with tiny little heat bumps.  This rash condition can be prevented by not over dressing the baby.  When baby is over dressed the baby sweats causing this rash condition.  Baby powder sprinkled in areas will help absorb moisture and help keep baby skin looking pure and silky.  

Baby shampoo is gentle without  lot of chemicals and this will help with cradle cap and not cause any type of skin irruptions.  When purchasing any type of baby product check the ingredients.  Make sure they are pH balanced with healing herbs such as Soy Calendula Oil and other friendly healing herbs.  Do not purchase harsh and products with a lot of fragrances that baby can be allergic to.

Products containing Avocado oil which are easily absorbed into skin with a good source of vitamin A, D and E are highly recommended. Natural and soothing is what baby skin needs.

Baby lotions with the powerful Vitamin E helps and protects against UV-induced inflammation of the skin.  This vitamin is a derivative from soy.  Check all the labels of skin and hair care products for baby to be sure they are natural and mild.  Baby skin is much more sensitive than adult skin.  Take precaution when taking baby outside.

Use hats to protect the baby’s face and use sunblock especially for infants and toddlers.  Do not use adult sun block.  Watch soaps, lotions, sun screens to be sure they are made only for baby.  A little reading will help prevent skin irritations.  Eliminate purchasing products that contain synthetic fragrances, artificial colors which can be highly irritating to baby.  

Try and let mother nature do her job and use mild products for baby skin care.  Botanical extracts and essential vitamins such as A, C & E are safe but only use in small amounts when caring for baby’s skin.  Baby products containing natural and herbal extracts maybe a little more expensive, but they are safer and healthy for baby.