Dandruff is the most common scalp condition that we hear about today. What people don’t realize it that the little white flakes you are brushing off of your shoulder may not be dandruff at all, but dry skin. Confused? Let’s take a look at the differences.
True dandruff is also known as seborrheic dermatitis or seborrhea. This is a condition that is itchy, inflamed and frequently produces scales of flaky skin. Seborrhea can be found in any oily environment where malassezia furfur, a type of yeast, is known to thrive . Hormones and some chronic or autoimmune conditions are known to play a role too, but one specific cause has not been identified. Symptoms can be very mild (flaking, some itching) or quite severe (very inflamed and resulting in hair loss). Craddle cap on a baby is a good example of mild to moderate seborrhea. This condition can also affect the skin on other areas of the body. To address this condition, treatments include the active ingredients pyrithione zinc, anti-fungals, salicylic acid, sulfur and tar. Since it is difficult to pin point the cause of the symptoms it may be necessary to experiment with the active ingredients to find out which treatments have the most favorable outcome for you.
Some treatments may be labeled for “oily dandruff” since consumers frequently attribute dandruff to dry skin. If you can identify with the symptoms above, here are some products that may be able to help.
On the body use Stiefel ZNP bar. It contains pyrithione zinc.
Dry scalp is just how it sounds. It is skin lacking oil, water or both. Flaking, an itchy, tight feeling and sensitivity can be key indicators. Inflammation is not as common, but if left untreated, can occur. Exfoliation is be beneficial to remove flakes and to allow the scalp to accept hydrating treatment products. This condition is much easier to address than seborrheic dermatitis. Some products will be listed for use for “dry dandruff” due of the common misconception of the consumer. Below are some great products to get your scalp back in shape.
Recently we have had requests for products to treat a common skin condition known as Seborrheic dermatitis. This inflammatory skin condition can be categorized as dry, flaky, or white to yellow scales that can be all over the body. The most common area affected by this condition is the scalp. There may also be dry and flaky patches on your eyebrows, behind your ears, and even on your legs and groin area. In infants, Seborrheic dermatitis is called cradle cap. For babies it is most common in the newborn months and will usually clear up on its own in 12 months or so. To treat this condition on babies you can use almond or olive oil to condition the area. You would then want to use a mild shampoo such as Mustela Foam Shampoo For Newbornsand leave on for about two minutes. Seborrheic Dermatitis is thought to be caused by an over production of oil and irritation from a yeast known as malessizia. Other factors that can attribute to this condition are stress, oily skin, and use of lotions that contain certain alcohols. Something to be aware of is that this condition is not contagious and is often very embarrassing for the millions of people who suffer from Seborrheic dermatitis.
For mild conditions on the scalp area you will want to look for products that contain salicylic acid. The salicylic acid will help to exfoliate your skin and prevent excess oil production. Anytime you use a dandruff shampoo you will want to rub the shampoo in your hair thoroughly and leave it in your hair for at least 5 minutes before you rinse it out. Dandruff will cause scaling on the scalp, however if you have Seborrheic dermatitis you will notice redness and excessive oiliness as well as scaling. You can use a shampoo like DS Laboratories Dandrene as long as you do not have any open sores or severe inflamed skin. This shampoo works effectively because it contains salicylic acid, amino acids to strengthen the scalp, and ketaconazole that is used as an antifungal ingredient. For a solution you can use every day until the scaling goes away we like to suggest NeoCeuticals Treatment Scalp Solution. This solution contains a blend of alpha hydroxy and polyhydroxy acids to gently exfoliate the scalp.
If you have Seborrheic Dermatitis on your body and scalp you can use Stiefel ZNP Bar to address the areas of concern. This solution will help to relive itchy and flaking skin because it contains pyrithione zinc. Pyrithione zinc is used as an antifungal and antibacterial agent to treat dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. If you are looking for a liquid body wash for your skin that contains salicylic acid, we suggest Peter Thomas Roth Blemish Buffing Beads Body Wash.You can use this body wash daily to help with breakouts and to control oil. This body wash also contains antioxidants to improve the overall health of your skin.
With the right products this skin condition can tolerable. If you have severe Seborrheic dermatitis you may want to consult your dermatologist and they may be able to prescribe a steroid lotion that you can use in conjunction with your products.
Visit SkinStore to find more products for Seborrheic Dermatitis.
If it’s burning, it’s working! A fat-free diet will make my acne go away! I only need sunscreen in the summer! My skin is oily, I don’t need a moisturizer!
Right?! ALL WRONG!
Here are some principal skincare faux pas to avoid:
If it burns, it works.
When I was in middle school experiencing typical teen break-outs I would use rubbing alcohol as my toner to dry up the pimples. Little did I know, the rubbing alcohol was irritating my skin and exacerbating my acne. When I was in college I used a high concentration glycolic acid peel to treat my hormonal acne, and since the recommended treatment time was ten minutes, I left the glycolic on for thirty minutes to achieve beautiful skin. Yeah, right! My skin was red, raw and peeling for many months. Less is more when it comes to active ingredients. Always follow directions when using skincare products.
Many women make a mistake of staying away from fats in their diet. While hamburgers may add extra inches to your waist line, certain fats are beneficial to your health and skin. Fish like salmon and mackerel contain beneficial omega-3 fatty acids. Flaxseed and nuts also contain omega-2 fatty acids. Avocados and olive oil are also beneficial to the skin. Beneficial fats also have anti-inflammatory ingredients which help to alleviate inflammation associated with acne, so certain fats are actually good for your skin!
Everyone needs to use sunscreen on a daily basis. The sun’s harmful rays penetrate through the clouds and through the windshield, and even on overcast days there are sun rays (why do you think it’s light out in the day? The sun is out). Even fluorescent lights emit radiation which is harmful and damaging to the skin- so wear an SPF of 15 daily to protect your skin from aging and sun damage.
Chances are, if your skin is oily, you like to use products that strip your skin of oil. You love a matte finish and hate anything that feels greasy on the skin. But when you use products that take away all of the protective oils from the skin, your skin will go into overdrive to produce more oil, so it’s a never ending fight! To keep your skin balanced and hydrated without feeling greasy, you’ll need to use an oil-free moisturizer. We love DDF Ultra Light Oil Free Moisturizing Dew.
Have the dry, frigid winter months left your skin parched and lackluster? There’s no need to fret, your skin is just in the need of some tender loving care! The buildup of dry, dead skin cells is caused by lack of exfoliation, which leads to dull, congested skin. June Jacobs Perfect Pumpkin Peeling Enzyme Masque may be the solution to your skincare woes! This pumpkin masque utilizes active fruit enzymes to attack dead skin cells and impurities. Pumpkin is rich in antioxidants and vitamin A, which helps repair and protect your skin. A quick ten minute mask once to twice a week leaves your skin vibrant and silky smooth!
Harsh cold climates can also jeopardize sensitive skin causing redness, itching, and irritation. The skin’s natural barrier function can become weak and off kilter. ATOPALM MLE Cream works wonders to repair and restore your skin’s natural lipid barrier. The cream soothes and protects, while aiding the skin to repair and renew itself. MLE Cream is a great weapon to keep handy in your skincare arsenal. It is a perfect remedy for a variety of ailments including post cosmetic procedures, microdermabrasion, facial peels, laser treatments, rosacea, eczema, rashes, and insect bites.
The warm sunny days of spring may be weeks away, but with the a little TLC winter doldrums will quickly vanish, along with your dry, rough skin!
The term “sensitive skin” can be closely linked with many different skin conditions. From rosacea to severe acne, any skin condition can cause sensitivity. In addition, sensitive skin does not discriminate against skin type, you can have combination, normal, dry, or oily skin and it can still be sensitive. Sensitive skin can also appear suddenly, resulting from a few major factors. It can be due to a cosmetic reaction to a product, climate change, stress, or even the foods we eat. It can be characterized by redness, tightness, itching, or irritation. It is important to know the proper tips and products to help protect and improve sensitive skin conditions.
First, for extremely sensitive skin, some have benefited from only cleansing their face once a day, generally in the evening. Rinse or use a lotion to cleanse in the morning. This will ensure you aren’t stripping the natural oils in your skin and possibly creating more dryness and irritation. You want to use a soap free mild cleanser. A popular favorite would be the Topix Citrix Antioxidant Cleanser. This is a mild, yet effective cleanser that contains powerful antioxidants your skin requires. One might also consider exfoliating only once or twice per week, with a gentle exfoliator. If your skin is very sensitive you will only want to exfoliate once per week. A great one to try is the PCA SKIN pHaza 4 Gentle Exfoliant. This has a light creamy texture with smooth jojoba beads to gently exfoliate your skin. Jojoba beads are spherical in shape, so they will not scratch or irritate your skin. You may also want to try a mask a few times a week to soothe and hydrate your sensitive skin. You can alternate the days you mask with the days you are exfoliating. After you exfoliate you will want to apply the mask the next day to nourish and protect your skin. We suggest the Skinceuticals Hydrating B5 Masque. This is a great skin booster containing hyaluronic acid and Vitamin B5, to hydrate and improve your skin’s tissue repair function.
You also want to wear an SPF of at least 15 to condition and protect your sensitive skin. Yes, you will need to wear sunscreen even on those cloudy and dreary days. By wearing sunscreen it allows your skin time to heal and your immune system the chance to repair existing damage. For those of who think that tanning clears up your skin that is just a myth. Tanning and sun exposure can often lead to Actinic Keratosis. This is a horrifying skin condition that people with sensitive skin, and who have severe sun damage, could be more susceptible to getting. Wearing your sunscreen will also help protect your delicate skin from the possible effects of skin cancer. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, so please don’t forget the sunscreen!
If you haven’t already, give Colorscience brush-on sunscreen a try. They are suitable for all skin types, even on the most sensitive of skin types. The Colorscience Sunforgettable Brush in All Clear has an SPF of 30, and is completely translucent. It is also water resistant, with a non greasy feel. Lotion based or chemical sunscreens can often irritate and clog your pores if you have sensitive skin. If your skin is on the oily side you will probably prefer a light oil free sunscreen and moisturizer. A good one to try is DDF Ultra Lite Oil Free Moisturizing Dew with SPF15. This works well for all skin types, absorbs quickly, and is fragrance free. It contains aloe and grape seed to soothe and protect the skin.
You also want to make sure you are drinking plenty of water, and taking vitamin supplements such as flax seed oil to hydrate and condition your skin. Also, make sure you are getting plenty of rest! This may be the hardest tip to follow but your skin really does need time to repair itself. It will be the best gift you can give your skin this holiday season!
For more great products formulated for sensitive skin, click here!
Eczema is a common inflammatory skin condition which is characterized by dryness, flaking, blistering, crusting, swelling, and cracking of the skin. Eczema is typically caused by factors such as skin over-sensitivity, allergies, stress, and genetic factors. Those with asthma are more likely to develop eczema. Typically eczema is treated with a topical corticosteroid cream. Eczema skin types that are prone to infections will often be treated by a mild course of antibiotics. Antihistamines (topical and oral) may often be prescribed for the treatment of eczema as well. Antihistamines reduce swelling thus reducing the irritation and itchiness associated with eczema-prone skin. Eczema can be frustrating and embarrassing, and the doctor route can get costly and is quite unpleasant (why take antibiotics and slather on smelly prescription cream when most eczema outbreaks can be treated by appropriate over the counter products) Here are some great product choices that will help to treat, calm, and prevent eczema outbreaks:
Cleansing:
Stiefel Sarna Sensitive Antibacterial Cleanser is a gentle cleansing wash that is excellent for eczema-prone skin. This mild non-drying formula contains triclosan to help reduce bacteria on the skin.
If you prefer a bar cleanser we suggest PCA SKIN Dry Skin Relief Bar, which is a mild cleansing bar that contains a bit of salicylic acid to gently exfoliate and reduce inflammation, in addition to moisturizing honey and vitamin E to hydrate the skin.
Toning:
La Roche Posay is a small French province that’s well known for its therapeutic spring water. Until recently, healing spring water treatments have been available through thermal baths, but now we are able to attain thermal spring water in the States through the well-known company La Roche Posay. La Roche Posay Thermal Spring Water contains healing properties which help to restore the skin’s barrier while providing antioxidant benefits and removing traces of hard water (which contain heavy minerals that are irritating to the skin). And the best thing about this water is that it can be used throughout the day when your skin craves moisture or feels dry and irritated. The fine mist will not disturb your make up but will make your skin look fresh and hydrated.
Moisture:
Skin prone to eczema can often feel taut and dry no matter how much moisturizer is slathered on. We recommend therapeutic moisturizers with skin-building properties that not only hydrate the skin but also strengthen the skin’s barrier. Using a serum under a cream can be beneficial to drawing moisture deeper into the skin. The Topix Citrix CRS 15% Serum with Growth Factor is a great serum to use under your cream as it contains Growth Factor TGF- beta-1 which can play a significant role in stimulating collagen growth and strong tissue structure. It also contains a bit of vitamin C to provide antioxidant protection. After applying a serum layer a cream for additional hydration. ATOPALM MLE Cream is a great choice as it helps to restore the skin’s barrier function while soothing and hydrating. If your skin is extremely dry, try using a balm like the Osmotics Cream Extreme Barrier Repair, it looks like butter in the jar, but emulsifies into a fine balm once you warm it up in the palm of your hand. This product will last and last, and a tiny bit goes a long way to restore your skin’s compromised barrier.
Exfoliation:
Get rid of dead, flaky skin by exfoliating regularly with a non-irritating enzyme mask. Enzymes eat dead skin cells without compromising your skin’s barrier. The Tracie Martyn Enzyme Exfoliant is a great choice as it contains enzymes as well as skin brighteners and gently resurfaces the skin without irritating.
Body:
If you experience eczema break-outs on your body, we recommend using La Roche Posay body products to address your concerns. The La Roche Posay Lipikar Syndet is an outstanding non-drying foaming body wash that cleanses without irritation and neutralizes drying effects of hard water. The La Roche Posay Lipikar Balm is a rich hydrator that soothes the skin while providing dry-skin relief and hydration to last all day.
I hope these suggestions help! While eczema can not be cured you can often easily control it with soothing over-the-counter skin care products. And as always, if your skin condition worsens or becomes intolerant to over-the-counter products, consult your doctor for other treatment alternatives.
Don’t scratch it! Grab ATOPALM MLE Cream instead. This wonder potion works fantastic on dry skin, itchiness, redness, bites, scratches, etcetera. This is a must have for every medicine cabinet. It is a multi-functional product that the whole family can benefit from.
The ATOPALM MLE Face Cream is also super soothing to dry irritated skin facial skin. Perfect for sensitive skin types including those with Rosacea and Eczema. Plus, ATOPALM MLE Face Cream contains antioxidants and Vitamins B and E to help protect your skin from free radical damage.
Visit SkinStore.com for all of your skin care needs. Be sure to check out the ATOPALM!
Many people who have rosacea don’t know that they have it. To understand what rosacea is and how it affects our skin we need to be able to recognize it first. Many people show early signs of rosacea with flushing or blushing. Fair skin tones are prone to show these signs more than dark complexions, so if you’re medium or dark skinned, early-onset rosacea can be hard to recognize. Rosacea-prone skin can look sunburned, especially around the nose and cheek areas. This redness can also be accompanied by a sunburned feeling, tightness and burning of the affected area. Rosacea skin also tends to be bumpy with seed-like bumps that are often persistent and can ooze, like a hormonal pimple and can be quite painful as well. Broken capillaries and blood vessels can also be persistent on rosacea skin. Rosacea symptoms can be segmented into four categories: erythematotelangiectatic, papulopustular, phymatous and ocular. It is recommended that all of the above mentioned rosacea types receive attention from a dermatologist; it is significant that phymatous and ocular patients seek dermatological treatment.
Rosacea is an inflammatory condition; both internal and external inflammation factors can cause great distress to Rosacea-prone skin, thus triggering a flare-up. In addition to using quality topical products, treat your rosacea from the inside out: don’t stress out! Stress is the number one cause of a rosacea flare-up. Avoid spicy food, excess dairy and alcohol consumption. Anything that’s too stimulating for the body will be stimulating for the skin, so abstain from super-duty exercise, high heat (sauna, spa or hot bath), or excessively cold climates.
Treat your skin with extra care, don’t wash your skin in extremely hot or cold water, and do not use abrasive products such as scrubs with particles (especially ones with nut shells or sand particles). Do use gentle cleansers, foaming can be ok- but a mild gel version is recommended if your skin is oily to combination, B. Kamins Vegetable Skin Cleanser is a great choice, or a cream cleanser if your skin is normal to dry, Pevonia RS2 Gentle Cleanser is an outstanding option.
Stay away from acidic chemical exfoliants and fruit acids. While fruit acids may be great for most skin types, rosacea isn’t one of those skin types that tolerate fruit acids. Instead- use a gentle milk acid called lactic acid. Lactic acid can be found in a product-specific formulation, or as one of the ingredients in a moisturizer, cleanser, toner or masque. Estheticians recommend exfoliating on a regular basis with a lactic formulation to rid skin of residue, dead skin cells, clear your pores and provide anti-aging benefits. B. Kamins Lactic 8 is a great choice; it contains 8% lactic acid in addition to salicylic acid- which is an anti-inflammatory. In fact, salicylic acid is great for all acne-prone skin types and clogged pores.
After cleansing and exfoliating the skin- it is recommended that your skin receives a layer of barrier protection and soothing ingredients before a moisturizer is applied. Serum products rich in humectants, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory ingredients are typically desired in treating redness, oxidative stress and inflammation. Applying Pevonia RS2 Concentrate to a slightly damp, clean face can be helpful. It is rich in phyto-estrogens, flavonoids, antioxidants and polysaccharides and provides an immediate feeling of relief and coolness.
For rosacea skin in need of rapid healing and a boost of radiance, iS Clinical Pro-Heal Serum Advance Plus is a great product. It contains Vitamin C, Olive Leaf Extract, Vitamin E and Vitamin A for excellent antioxidant, brightening and healing properties. It also has Zinc Sulfate to enhance wound healing and decrease inflammation; these are beneficial factors when treating your rosacea topically.
After layering a treatment serum on the skin, apply a moisturizer, this provides hydration and prevents topical dehydration. Even if your skin is oily or combination, it is still very important to moisturize (moisturizers impart hydration into your skin- not oil, so contrary to popular belief- moisturizers will not make you break out)! Oily and combination skin should use a light, gentle hydrator such as ATOPALM MLE Face Cream. ATOPALM MLE Face Cream contains a barrier-repair lipid formula which helps to restore the barrier of compromised skin, such as skin that has been affected by rosacea, or other conditions such as dermatitis or eczema. Normal to dry skin types require quite a bit more moisture therefore, using a dense, lipid-rich formula as a daily hydrator is preferred. Osmotics Anti Radical Age Defense Barrier Longevity Complex is an outstanding choice for barrier-repair and antioxidant protection benefits.
Of course, don’t forget your sunscreen on a daily basis! The sun is a no-go when you are rosacea-prone, so make sure to thoroughly protect your skin year-round to prevent a flare-up. Sunscreens containing zinc oxide and titanium dioxide provide a physical sunscreen barrier on the top of your skin- without any chemical absorption. Oily and combination skin types prefer a powder version such as the iS Clinical SPF 20 Powder Sunscreen and normal to dry skin types prefer a light cream formulation, such as the Avene Very High Protection Cream SPF 50.
Remember, with proper care, your rosacea-prone skin, can be healthy and luminous!
For information about the products featured in this article:
Dandruff is the most common scalp condition that we hear about today. What people don’t realize it that the little white flakes you are brushing off of your shoulder may not be dandruff at all, but dry skin. Confused? Let’s take a look at the differences.
Have the dry, frigid winter months left your skin parched and lackluster? There’s no need to fret, your skin is just in the need of some tender loving care! The buildup of dry, dead skin cells is caused by lack of exfoliation, which leads to dull, congested skin. 
The term “sensitive skin” can be closely linked with many different skin conditions. From rosacea to severe acne, any skin condition can cause sensitivity. In addition, sensitive skin does not discriminate against skin type, you can have combination, normal, dry, or oily skin and it can still be sensitive. Sensitive skin can also appear suddenly, resulting from a few major factors. It can be due to a cosmetic reaction to a product, climate change, stress, or even the foods we eat. It can be characterized by redness, tightness, itching, or irritation. It is important to know the proper tips and products to help protect and improve sensitive skin conditions.
Eczema is a common inflammatory skin condition which is characterized by dryness, flaking, blistering, crusting, swelling, and cracking of the skin. Eczema is typically caused by factors such as skin over-sensitivity, allergies, stress, and genetic factors. Those with asthma are more likely to develop eczema. Typically eczema is treated with a topical corticosteroid cream. Eczema skin types that are prone to infections will often be treated by a mild course of antibiotics. Antihistamines (topical and oral) may often be prescribed for the treatment of eczema as well. Antihistamines reduce swelling thus reducing the irritation and itchiness associated with eczema-prone skin. Eczema can be frustrating and embarrassing, and the doctor route can get costly and is quite unpleasant (why take antibiotics and slather on smelly prescription cream when most eczema outbreaks can be treated by appropriate over the counter products) Here are some great product choices that will help to treat, calm, and prevent eczema outbreaks:
Many people who have rosacea don’t know that they have it. To understand what rosacea is and how it affects our skin we need to be able to recognize it first. Many people show early signs of rosacea with flushing or blushing. Fair skin tones are prone to show these signs more than dark complexions, so if you’re medium or dark skinned, early-onset rosacea can be hard to recognize. Rosacea-prone skin can look sunburned, especially around the nose and cheek areas. This redness can also be accompanied by a sunburned feeling, tightness and burning of the affected area. Rosacea skin also tends to be bumpy with seed-like bumps that are often persistent and can ooze, like a hormonal pimple and can be quite painful as well. Broken capillaries and blood vessels can also be persistent on rosacea skin. Rosacea symptoms can be segmented into four categories: erythematotelangiectatic, papulopustular, phymatous and ocular. It is recommended that all of the above mentioned rosacea types receive attention from a dermatologist; it is significant that phymatous and ocular patients seek dermatological treatment. 
Pevonia RS2 Concentrate to a slightly damp, clean face can be helpful. It is rich in phyto-estrogens, flavonoids, antioxidants and polysaccharides and provides an immediate feeling of relief and coolness. 
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