Labor Day is the day for rest and relaxation and who needs it the most? It’s you! After all, it’s the day where we thank our American work force. This Labor Day catch up with time exclusive for ‘You’, celebrate ‘You’, and feel great about yourself.

Here are 5 ‘Me’ time tips to make your day special:

1. Pamper thou skin- Take loving care of your skin with this extra time at hand. Besides your everyday skincare routine it’s time to get pampered with a nutrient rich mask of bananas. Mix 1 very ripe banana, 2 tablespoons of heavy cream, 1 tablespoon of oat flour and 1 tablespoon of organic honey. Leave this face mask on for twenty minutes and wash off with warm water. Dab on a bit of rose hydrosol and see your skin come alive. This nourishing fruit packs in potassium, magnesium, zinc, iodine, folic acid, Vitamin A, E and F giving you smooth, even textured skin.
2. Footsie time- Our peds bear the brunt of all our daily activities. Give them some special care with a sea salt foot bath using essential oils like neroli, lemon, tangerine or lavender. This mix of sea salt and essential oils helps in calming and relaxing both the feet and body apart from providing exfoliating and moisturizing benefits.
3. Tress buster- You’re officially saying goodbye to summer. To enliven the tresses reach out for some Olive oil. Apply on your hair for 30 minutes, and then wash off with your favorite shampoo. This treatment gives you beautiful, lustrous, shiny, and silky hair.
4. Pillow love- It’s a great time to sleep in and catch up on all the missed Zzzz’s. Enough sleep helps you in getting a refreshed look, reduces your black circles and puffy eyes.
5. Gadget goodbye’s- Do you love your computer? Do you breathe better with the i-pad/i-phone /BB? Has the mobile become your best friend? Beyond doubt, they make our life easier but being overly passionate and obsessive about them gives us stress of body and mind. Keep away from them to connect with your real self.

How do you plan spending the Labor Day? Write in and let us know.

Happy Labor Day!

Most moles do not bother us with their presence and the unsightly moles can be removed if one wishes. A mole can be surgically removed either by cryosurgery or with laser surgery. While most of the moles leave little or minimal scarring when removed, scarring almost inevitably depends on the size of the mole.

Today, the increased incidents of melanoma and other types of skin cancers warrant one to be vigilant about moles. Research has also proven that the higher the number of moles, the higher the risk of cancer.

What causes moles?

The number of moles on our body is determined both by genetic factors and the amount of sun exposure we have.  It is in the early childhood and teenage years that exposure to the sun will cause the development of moles. While some people  believe that hormonal changes such as puberty also play a role in the development of moles, no research actually authenticates that belief.

Moles – A cause for concern?

As mentioned earlier, the number of cases of melanoma and skin cancer has been on the rise. Research shows that some moles are more likely to develop into melanoma. Some of the types of moles that warrant some concern are:

• Congenital nevi- These moles appear at birth and have a high chance of developing into melanoma. These occur in one out of hundred people.
• Dysplastic nevi – These moles are larger in size than the average moles (normal moles are usually 2mm or the size of a pencil eraser), are present in large numbers and are irregular in shape. These moles are often hereditary and are uneven in color with dark brown centers and lighter more irregular borders. These moles also have a high likelihood of turning into melanoma

How do I know if my mole is cancer?

While most moles are no cause for concern, the ones to look out for are the ones that suddenly make an appearance after the age of 20 or if a mole looks different from the other existing moles. If the color, diameter, height or shape of a mole changes, one should consult with a dermatologist immediately. Also, if the mole bleeds, oozes, becomes itchy, scaly or painful and tender, take immediate action and make an appointment to see your dermatologist.

While examining moles, keep in mind the ABCDE of moles that was designed by the American Association of Dermatology.

A – Look out for Asymmetrical moles

B- Check the Border of the mole for its definition (irregular, scalloped or poorly defined)

C – Check for Color changes

D – Check the Diameter of a mole. Anything larger than 6 -7 mm needs attention

E – Look out for moles that Evolve i.e. change color, size or shape

If your mole displays any of the above ABCDE’s, then head to your dermatologist and get it examined.  Skin cancer can be cured if detected early.  So strip down to your birthday suit once a year and check out the moles on your skin to make sure it’s all in order!

The sugar impact!

Recent research and studies indicate that sugars in the form of added carbohydrates or refined sugars can lead to premature aging, sagging skin and more wrinkles. When we consume simple sugars in the form of starches such as rice, bread, potatoes and sweets, there is a rapid rise in blood sugar levels. This blood sugar then combines with the protein molecules and gives birth to the new AGE molecule. Apart from the usual sugar-related health impact, AGEs also affect the skin in the following ways:

• Damages elastin and skin protein collagen, which are responsible for maintaining the skin’s elasticity and firmness.
• Restricts the body’s ability to utilize and produce anti-oxidants, making the body more vulnerable to damage by free radicals.
• Makes your skin more vulnerable and prone to sun damage (which is one of the leading causes of skin aging) by deactivating the body’s natural antioxidant enzymes.

The math here is simple. The more sugar you consume, the more vulnerable you are to the damaging effects of glycation and skin aging. The sugar impact is felt mostly after the age of 35, as tissue regeneration slows down and glycation increases.

Prevention is better than cure

To prevent the damage caused by sugar you need to cut down on the added sugars from your diet. Though it is not possible to completely eliminate sugars (such as sugars in the form of fructose and sucrose, which are unavoidable and produce end products such as glucose and galactose, which can be easily digested so eliminating these natural sugars is not required), here is what you need to do to avoid damage from high consumption of sugar:

• Avoid foods with added and high sugar content such as sweets, chocolates, carbonated beverages
• Limit the consumption of simple carbohydrates such as potato, pasta, white bread and white rice
• Increase protein intake to control carb cravings

To counteract the damage caused by sugar you need to:

• Replace processed sugars with natural sugars found in fruits and vegetables
• Limit refined sugar consumption to less than 10% of your total calorie intake
• Supplement your diet with essential vitamins such as a daily dose of 1mg of Vitamin B1 and B6
• Fight the detrimental effect of AGEs by reducing/avoiding sun exposure especially between 10 A.M and 4 P.M when UV rays are at their strongest by using a high SPF broad spectrum sunscreen
• Increase the intake of vitamins and omega 3 fatty acids by eating brightly colored vegetables, fruits and cold water fish such as salmon and sardines. Add a handful of nuts to your diet and sip on antioxidant-rich green tea instead of coffee or regular black tea
• Use an antioxidant rich anti-aging cream and follow a meticulous beauty and skin care routine

If a slimmer waistline isn’t motivation enough, think about your skin and cut out the sugar!

Tell us about your relationship with sugar and your skin.

But just like any other season, skin care during the summer is also very important. Summer makes the oil glands go into overdrive and makes the skin a breeding ground for skin problems such as dullness, acne and excess oil production. Also, the harsh rays of the sun can cause the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Then when you add in the high humidity and heat, you’ve got break-outs, rashes and clogged pores. If you hit the pool to cool off, then remember that the chlorine in the water can cause the skin and hair to dry out.

While these may  seem like potential dampeners for your summer fun, they can be tackled with ease while you are at home.  But, when you’re travelling in the summer months, you will need to be a little more careful.  Follow these skin care tips during your summer travel and you’ll be good to “glow!”

Pack in a mild cleanser: Since your oil glands tend to go into overdrive in the summer months, your face will attract more dirt and grime. Carry around a small bottle of your favorite cleanser and wash your face with it at least three times  a day.

Toner: A small bottle of toner comes in handy to get that instant glow and get rid of  any unwanted shine. Use an alcohol-free toner after you cleanse your face to tighten your pores. If you find it awkward to carry a toner around with you throughout the day then swap that for some alcohol-free wipes.  Wipes will help you to cleanse and tone your skin while on the go and will definitely take up less space in your handbag.

Moisturizer and sunscreen: For those who have dry skin, apply a light water-based moisturizer after the cleansing and toning  steps.  Never step outside of your home without using a sunscreen. A water-resistant sunscreen with SPF is your best friend during summer travel.  Typically use a sunscreen of SPF 20 or higher and make sure that you apply the sunscreen at least 15-minutes prior to setting out.  Do not forget to carry your  sunscreen around with you and re-apply each time you wash your face. Also use a medicated SPF 15 lip balm to keep your lips happy and sunburn-free!

Topical medications: A long day in the sun can trigger cold sores and ruin your summer fun. Make sure you carry some topical medication to combat these unexpected break outs. An aloe vera gel can also come in handy, helping to soothe sun burns, skin redness and itching as it cools the skin immediately, providing instant relief.

But most importantly, during your day out in the sun, make sure you drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated and your skin replenished. Once you get back, use a mild face scrub to get rid of grime and remove dead cells and unveil brighter looking skin. If you use a hydrating gel-based mask to calm the skin,  follow up with a skin serum to lock in the moisture.

Happy travelling…

Tell us your summer travel skincare story.  Do you change your skin care products when you travel?

Soap has been used since 3,000 BC, when the Babylonians first started making soap. Initially, soap was made from natural ingredients using either animal or vegetable fat, extracts from plants such as soapwort, and fragrances, such as cinnamon, lavender, and rose water. But as time passed, soap also evolved and along with so many other things, additional additives such as detergents and petrochemicals were added to it.

At one time, soap was unarguably the best way to cleanse the skin. But, some people tend to suffer from soap allergies. Soap allergies can occur because of a number of reasons. Since many soaps contain formaldehyde, phthalates, phenol or glycerin and fragrances, people allergic to one or any of these ingredients can develop skin problems such as:

• Skin rashes
• Itchy bumps
• Eczema
• Skin redness, scaling

Certain chemicals present in soaps can also trigger:

• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Itchy eyes or blurred vision
• Diarrhea
• Acne

Also, we all are waking up to the reality that what we put on our skin will get absorbed into our bloodstream. Here are some of the widely used chemicals in soaps that one must avoid:

Diethanolamine (DEA):  A wetting and thickening agent that has been linked to cancer, reproductive toxicity, immunotoxicity, etc.

Ureas: Can release formaldehyde and cause contact dermatitis, weakened immune system, and joint pain.

Synthetic Colors: These are derived from coal tar and contain heavy metal salts, which cause toxin deposition on the skin and leads to skin irritation and allergies.

Synthetic Fragrance: These contain phthalates that have been known to tamper with the endocrine system.  Avoid soaps that have fragrances that are not derived from natural and essential oils. Going fragrance-free is also a safe bet.

You need to be label smart even when you are picking up a “natural” or “organic” soap off the shelf.  You need to be absolutely sure that none of these potentially dangerous agents are lurking in disguise. Do thorough ingredient searches and carefully read labels before you pick your soap.  Go green when buying soap and look for organic, natural, and non-toxic products.  Be good to your skin and stay safe.

What’s your soap story? Write in and tell us.

What is Propylene Glycol?

When you talk about Propylene Glycol, the immediate reaction is that it’s a toxin. And why wouldn’t people think that since it is used in everything from brake fluids to fast food.  But, the truth is that Propylene Glycol or PG is an organic compound which is derived from the fermentation of yeast and carbohydrates. It comes in several grades and hence, has multiple uses. From coolants, to antifreeze, paints, enamels, skin care, all these products use Propylene Glycol. Sounds scary, doesn’t it?

Propylene Glycol in skin care

Propylene Glycol is found in a variety of skin care and cosmetic products such as make-up, shampoos, cleansing creams, deodorants, etc.  Now before you rush to your medicine cabinet and throw out all the products which contain Propylene Glycol, read on for a bit more.

Propylene Glycol is used in cosmetic and beauty products because of its ability to act as a humectant, i.e. it helps the skin absorb and retain moisture and makes your beauty product more efficient.

Because it is used as an anti-freeze, this ingredient gets a lot of bad press. But you can abate your fears. When Propylene Glycol is used as an anti- freeze, it is only in a 100% concentration. When it is used in cosmetics, the amount is very minimal to act as a humectant and to keep products from melting or freezing at various temperatures.

The verdict

A number of people speculate that contact with Propylene Glycol can lead to liver and kidney damage, increase the risk of skin cancer, cause skin and eye irritation, and dry skin. But these are merely speculations according to the US Food and Drug Association.  According to the FDA, Propylene Glycol has been determined as GRAS, which stands for “Generally Recognized as Safe  (GRAS) for use in food, cosmetics, and medicines.” The World Health Organization currently backs their judgment.

Propylene Glycol metabolizes into lactic acid by the body, which is naturally occurring and non-toxic. When used in cosmetics, Propylene Glycol is known as a non-toxic anti-freeze.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, within the Public Health Services Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, “studies have not shown these chemicals (propylene or the other glycols as used in cosmetics) to be carcinogens.”

It has been difficult to substantiate and prove that Propylene Glycol in cosmetic products has negative side effects, including stripping the skin of natural moisture and leaving the immune system vulnerable.

The only time Propylene Glycol was seen to produce a negative side effect was when it was fed orally to lab rats in large amounts. This caused their cells to mutate and cause tumors.

Propylene Glycol is one of those unfortunate ingredients that has received a lot of bad press despite its natural origins much like lanolin (but that’s a topic for another day). There appears to be no reason for you to worry and throw out your products because of Propylene Glycol. But if you do, look for a number of products that claim to be 100% natural minus Propylene Glycol.

What are your thoughts on Propylene Glycol?  Write in and tell us.

What is Formaldehyde?

Formaldehyde is a colorless liquid or gas with a strong and distinctive odor.  It is used in the manufacturing of synthetic resins that make adhesives, coatings for paper and textiles water-proof and increase their color-fastness. Formaldehyde is also used in disinfectants and as a laboratory chemical in embalming fluids. Incidentally, formaldehyde has found its way into many of our skin care products as a preservative.

The Formaldehyde effect

Formaldehyde is used much like parabens in skin care products. Their main aim is to prevent products such as shampoos, bubble baths, liquid hand soap,  baby shampoo and other cleansing products from spoiling. Formaldehyde prevents bacteria formation in the skin care product but also has other potential health risks, including:

• Eye, nose and throat irritation
• Respiratory problems
• Increased risk of cancer
• Lead to or increase existing skin irritations such as eczema
• Cause skin blistering and cracking

Countries, such as Sweden and Japan, have woken up to the potential dangers of formaldehyde and have banned its use in toiletries and cosmetics. While acceptable amounts of Formaldehyde in skin care products have been stated by the Cosmetic Toiletry and Fragrance Association, the permissible amount of formaldehyde found in shampoos and other skin care products is almost five times this level.

On the other hand, according to the British Journal of Dermatology, “there is no higher level of skin reaction to formaldehyde-releasing preservatives than to other preservatives.”  In fact, health risks from a skin care product that doesn’t contain a preservative may be substantially higher because of growth of bacteria and fungus and mold in preservative-free products.

But a study in the Fundamentals and Applied Toxicology Journal rests the main concern regarding Formaldehyde in Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives that are used in formulations that also contain amines, such as TEA (triethanolamine), DEA (diethanolamine) or MEA (monoethanolamine). Such a combination in a single product can lead to the formation of nitrosamines, which have been labeled as carcinogenic substances that have the ability to penetrate the skin.

The Verdict

Although there are thousands of things that can potentially expose one to the risk of cancer and other health issues, avoiding a particular substance that can expose us to these risks is a wise decision. Since we do not know what the safe levels for these contaminants are, it would be definitely safer to use Formaldehyde-free skin care products.

Share your experiences with ingredients, preservatives, and chemicals, including formaldehyde, in your skin care products.  Do you read labels for skin care products before you buy?

At a recent seminar conducted by the American Association of Dermatology, the impact of hormones on skin, hair and nails was discussed. From puberty to pregnancy to menopause, hormones can make a major impact on your skin.

Hormones, puberty and your skin

Puberty ushers in a new and complicated yet exciting phase of our lives. But this excitement is generally marred by the advent of acne and zits. Your once baby-soft and clear skin becomes a hot bed of angry flare-ups. The acne that occurs during puberty is linked to androgynous hormones that send the sebaceous glands into overdrive and leads to acne, zits and flare-ups. In some cases, excessive androgen fluctuation can also lead to hirsutism, which causes excessive hair growth on the face, arms, legs, chest and groin.

Hormones, pregnancy and skin

During pregnancy, the changes in estrogen levels can lead to melasma, also known as ‘the mask of pregnancy.’ How many of us have battled with this condition, which are patches of dark discoloration on the face, forehead, nose, or checks caused by the over-production of melanin. Thankfully, melasma goes away post-pregnancy once the hormones regain their normal levels. Also, your dermatologist can start topical and laser treatments once the baby is born.

Hormones, menopause and skin

When someone told me that hormones bring about all the skin changes during menopause, I laughed it off.  Aging was a natural process, right? We are all supposed to grow old.  But then I realized that these skin changes occur because of the many hormonal changes taking place inside of us. Suddenly, menopause wasn’t only about hot flashes anymore.  The lowered levels of estrogen levels during menopause could also be blamed for thinning of the skin and loss of elasticity.

What I realized was this, hormones and skin will always be inter-related. All we have to do is make suitable changes as we age. Talking to a dermatologist and making informed decisions regarding changes in skin care as we age can work wonders in improving the quality of your skin and improvements in your appearance.

How have you dealt with the impact of hormones on your skin? Write in and tell us.

Where are calluses formed?

Calluses are formed because of poor circulation. Most commonly, calluses are formed on the hands and feet. The ball of the foot, the inside of the toe and the heel are the likeliest places for calluses to develop on the foot. Similarly, calluses form on the hands because of constant and continuous friction and pressure such as in the hands of rowers or farmers. These calluses actually prevent the formation of painful blisters.

Symptoms

The symptoms of calluses are:

• Thick and hardened skin without distinctive borders
• Dry and flaky skin around the thickened area
• They may be brown, red or grey-yellow in color
• May or may not be painful

Your health care provider can see and determine the condition of the calluses and no tests are required.

Corns  vs. Calluses

A callus and a corn are often confused as one and the same.  A callus is a thickened area of dead skin cells.  But when a callus develops a mass of dead cells in its center, it then forms a corn.  Corns look waxier but can be dry and transparent and are painful and have distinct borders. While calluses do not really require any treatment and go away when the friction stops, corns may require medical attention as they may signal poor circulation, diabetes etc.

Treatment

Prevention is always better than the cure.  So the first step for you to treat your calluses is to prevent them from happening. Here are a few simple ways to prevent calluses:

• Skip high heels
• Wear thick socks for additional cushioning
• Avoid wearing narrow toed shoes
• Wear gloves when doing heavy work, such as lifting benches, gardening or lifting weights

There are several treatments available for taking care of your calluses:

• Try a more uniform distribution of weight with the use of an orthotic cushion in your shoes
• Use a medicated solution such as a softening lotion that softens the calluses and peels them away
• File away emerging calluses, using  an emery board or pumice stone
• Use a heavy moisturizer on dry calluses 
• Surgical removal can also be possible with the help of keratolytic agents that thin the skin and causes the outer layer to shed

Make sure that you never cut or trim calluses to alleviate pain. This can often worsen your calluses because of injuries to the callus.  It also may be too hard to give up your favorite pair of high heels.  If your calluses refuse to go away, consult  your dermatologist or podiatrist and get the right  treatment your feet or hands need. 

Have you suffered from calluses? Write in and tell us how you dealt with them.

While the downsides of having oily skin are many, and who would know that better than us, sufferers, there is an upside too.  Oily skin is less prone to wrinkles since the natural oils in your skin delay the aging process. The reward is long-term but at least now our glass is half full!  Now let’s look at a few ways to deal with oily skin.

Why do I have oily skin?

You can blame your oily skin on oil glands that work overtime to produce excess oil or sebum. This condition is mostly hereditary but can also be the result of hormonal changes in the body, such as during puberty, pregnancy or menopause. Some studies suggest that birth control pills may worsen this skin condition although sometimes certain birth control pills can also help control oily skin.

How do I care for oily skin?

To give your oily skin, the TLC (read tender, loving, care) it deserves, follow these simple steps.

• Cleansing: One of the common myths associated with oily skin is that it needs frequent washing. Reality check! It’s oily skin we are talking about and not a hygiene issue.  Frequent washing will strip the skin of the essential oils that it needs in order to be healthy. Washing your face once in the morning and once before bedtime with a gentle cleanser containing salicylic acid is enough. Also, stay away from cleansing milks that contain lipids as this may aggravate your skin.
• Toning:  If you have oily skin, a high quality alcohol-free toner will be your best friend. A toner helps to tighten your pores and makes pores appear smaller.  It also blocks out dirt and controls the oily shine that often, appears by midday. Splashing some cold water or rubbing an ice cube on your face will also help to tighten enlarged pores which often go with  oily skin.
• Moisturizing: Yes, people with oily skin still need to use moisturizers. But, use a light oil-free, gel-based product to prevent breakouts. Follow up with a water-based sunscreen of at least SPF 15.
• Cosmetics: You will have to change your favorite cosmetic product if it is not oil-free as oil is the last thing that your skin needs. Choose products that are fragrance-free as fragrances tend to irritate oily skin that can be sensitive too.

Speak to your dermatologist if you are considering retinoids as these topical solutions can help control oil production. Also, if you are suffering from acne because of oily skin, consult your dermatologist about acne treatments (such as acne peels) and ask for a specific skin care regime.

How do you deal with oily skin?  Write in and tell us.