Keratosis Pilaris (ker-uh-TO-sis pil-AIR-is) or KP is a very common skin condition that mainly occurs on the back and outer sides of the upper arms, however, it can occur on other parts of the body such as the thighs, cheeks, back and/or buttocks. This skin condition affects 50% of the entire world’s population, most commonly found in adolescents.
KP causes small, acne-like bumps that are painless and normally have a reddish coloring. KP has also been referred to as “chicken skin” or “permanent goose bumps”. Though this skin condition is not so attractive, it is harmless. KP is normally worse in the winter months when the climate is drier. It has also been noted that KP may worsen during pregnancy or after childbirth.
Though treatment is not medically necessary, most people seek treatment for cosmetic reasons. The most common treatments to lessen the appearance of KP are exfoliators and moisturizers that are targeted to hydrate dry skin types. Some common ingredients and products that help to treat KP are Lactic Acid, Urea, Vitamin A treatments, microdermabrasion products, Salicylic Acid and Glycolic acid. Since KP is a chronic condition, treatments are recommended to be done continuously.
Most of us are now diligently caring for our facial skin with the help of daily regimens…but what about the neck? Often we forget to treat our neck the same as we do our face. The skin on our necks is actually thinner and can show aging faster than our facial skin. You can use facial products on the neck, though there are treatments out there specifically for the issues of the neck; sagging skin, thinning skin, horizontal creasing and crepiness.
Why do our necks age faster? The muscles in the neck are not connected to any bone structure, and therefore the skin on your neck loses elasticity faster with age, making it more prone to wrinkles and sagging. The neck also has fewer sebaceous glands, making it more prone to dryness and premature aging. To help diminish and prevent the signs of turkey neck, make sure to treat, exfoliate and protect the neck area daily. It is recommended to use facial exfoliants on the neck area as body exfoliators can be too harsh. Don’t forget the sunscreen since this area needs daily protection just as much as the rest of your body!
When applying a cream or serum to your neck, it is very important that you apply in an upward motion. Always go in the opposite direction of gravity so you are not contributing to sagging.
One of the most dreaded body issues is cellulite, and the difficulty to banish it. Cellulite can create unsightly dimpling that usually forms on the upper part of the legs. It is caused by irregular fatty deposits below the skin’s surface. Unfortunately cellulite can affect anyone; it does not discriminate by age or by weight. Cellulite has more to do with the composition of fat cells, our level of collagen and the surrounding tissues.
There are several known treatments for cellulite. One of the most common ingredients used in topical products is caffeine, which helps to stimulate the skin, increasing blood flow and reducing the fatty deposits. When applying a cellulite treatment, such as Bliss Fat Girl Slim, be sure to massage it into the skin for 30 seconds to a few minutes. This will stimulate blood flow in the area and promote even more circulation. Another form of treatment is Endermologie which uses rollers to help stretch out the fibrous bands of tissues and helps to release localized fat cells. For this form of treatment, take a look at the Wellbox Machine.
Photo therapy, is an application of light in specific wavelengths, red and blue. This type of therapy has been proven effective in treating Acne, Psoriasis, Eczema, wound healing, and aging. There is also no down time when using light therapy devices.
When treating acne, blue light therapy waves are absorbed into the skin and the P.acne bacteria absorbs the rays causing them to self-destruct. Once the acne causing bacteria is removed, inflammation and pustules clear up.
Red photo light therapy penetrates deeper into the skin and stimulates collagen to create new, healthier cells. In addition, red light therapy also slows down inflammation, what some dermatologists think causes wrinkling of the skin.
Vitamin A (also known as retinol, Retin-A, renova, retinyl palmitate, tretinoin, ETC) is not only an excellent antioxidant, it is also cell-communicating (talks to your skin cells). When an antioxidant is cell-communicating, such as Vitamin A, it means that it helps your cells create healthier skin cells and increase the amount of support tissues like collagen and/or elastin. The body lacks the ability to produce Vitamin A, so it is important to gain Vitamin A through foods and skin care products. Vitamin A products are most recommended to individuals that have damaged skin. It is very important to make sure that Vitamin A is packaged correctly; otherwise, the product could be no good. The product should be in a closed, dark colored container. If sunlight penetrates the product it can promote problems with its efficacy. When using Vitamin A based products it is very important that you use a sunscreen daily. When using exfoliating products it makes your skin more susceptible to sun damage. Also, the sun depletes the skin of Vitamin A, which can cause sunbathers to age faster.
Some people will experience irritation from using Vitamin A products for the first time, which is completely normal. To make the best experience, start out using a Vitamin A based product 1 to 2 times weekly and gradually work your way up to 5 to 7 days a week.
Here are a few recommendations of Vitamin A based products:
Keratosis Pilaris (ker-uh-TO-sis pil-AIR-is) or KP is a very common skin condition that mainly occurs on the back and outer sides of the upper arms, however, it can occur on other parts of the body such as the thighs, cheeks, back and/or buttocks. This skin condition affects 50% of the entire world’s population, most commonly found in adolescents.
Most of us are now diligently caring for our facial skin with the help of daily regimens…but what about the neck? Often we forget to treat our neck the same as we do our face. The skin on our necks is actually thinner and can show aging faster than our facial skin. You can use facial products on the neck, though there are treatments out there specifically for the issues of the neck; sagging skin, thinning skin, horizontal creasing and crepiness.
One of the most dreaded body issues is cellulite, and the difficulty to banish it. Cellulite can create unsightly dimpling that usually forms on the upper part of the legs. It is caused by irregular fatty deposits below the skin’s surface. Unfortunately cellulite can affect anyone; it does not discriminate by age or by weight. Cellulite has more to do with the composition of fat cells, our level of collagen and the surrounding tissues.
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