A Blog to Help Busy Moms be Moms. This Blog has been Created for Moms by Moms. Enjoy!

Time for Mom



OTC and Rx Products for Acne 0

Posted on September 04, 2009 by Richard Simeon

The sheer number of products available for acne today is astounding. If you walk into your local store and head to the appropriate aisle, your eyes will widen at the sight of hundreds of acne cleansers, creams, and other products formulated for acne-prone skin. As some who has just started suffering from acne, the feat of choosing a product can be overwhelming. It can even be difficult for acne veterans to distinguish quality products from more ineffective ones. The situation gets no less complicated when you schedule an appointment at your local dermatologist’s office. Those who’ve attended at least several visits know that these doctors stock their own toolkit of various acne medications, each designed to serve one or more purposes. To somewhat obliterate the cloud of confusion that looms over acne products, this article will describe some of them as well as what they are intended for.

We are first going to start with over the counter products. A large portion of OTC acne creams and gels contain benzoyl peroxide, either by itself or with a number of other additives. This additive accomplishes two primary functions in the treatment of acne. First, it targets the p. acnes bacteria which allow inflamed lesions to form. Second, it helps the skin eliminate the main cause of acne, which is dead cells plugging pores.

Benzoyl peroxide is just as effective in low concentrations as it is in higher ones. You will experience more irritation with the 10% cream than you will with its 5% cousin, without any added benefits. This is fine if you use moisturizer, however, it doesn’t make much sense to up the concentrations. Bottom-line: stick to the 2.5% form. Some other popular products in acne treatments are sulfur and salicylic acid. These act in much the same way as benzoyl peroxide and are also good choices.

Dermatologists prescribe nearly all of their patients more than a single medication. After all, acne is the result of multiple influences. Topical medications prescribed by dermatologists focus on improving the turnover cycle and killing the bacteria that are responsible for acne. Erythromycin and Benzoyl peroxide are choice medications for bacteria control. Dead skin cell turnover can be normalized with topical retinoids including Tretinoin, the generic form of Retin-A. Retinoids are derived from Vitamin-A. Added bacteria control can be established through oral antibiotics, such as tetracycline. Accutane is a last-resort oral medication designed to temporarily end sebum production in acne-prone individuals. The treatment prolongs for six months and requires that the patient receives regular blood work. Due to some of the negative effects associated with Accutane, it is rarely prescribed on an initial visit.

When it comes to what specific treatment you should use, it all depends on the type of acne you are suffering from. If you have some whiteheads and blackheads, or a more mild case of acne, you may respond well to OTC treatments. Those with more inflamed lesions than anything else such as cysts and pustules should consider visiting a dermatologist. Prescription medications are often required in these circumstances.

More on topical retinoids acne treatment and how to get rid of acne scars is contained on our website.

How To Treat As Well As Stop Sunburn In It’s Tracks 0

Posted on August 28, 2009 by Joseph Tanner
by Bill Stafford

So, you took a nap at the beach, in July, and toasted right there in the scorching sun for well over 4 hours. You cannot sit, stand or lie down comfortably. Catching your body in a mirror it’s a shade of bright red. You’re nursing a severe case of sunburn. Now, your only recourse is to baby your torched skin back to normal.

Here are a few methods to treating and preventing that horrible sunburn in order to preserve your healthy skin. How bad is the sunburn? The very first step in soothing seared skin is to assess your level of damage. Even though any burned skin is damaged skin, burns happen in various degrees. Is your skin hot while touching it and a pinkish or reddish shade?

You might be dealing with only a mild burn that will most likely respond to any at-home treatment. Has any blistering come up on your skin? If the burn is quite serious you will most likely discover blisters showing up on the sunburned skin. Chills, nausea, and headaches could follow soon after.

If this is your case, seek medical attention as this will likely get worse without intervention by professionals. Soothe the sunburn. Time is all that can heal sunburn completely. Badly damaged skin needs to be replaced by healthy, new skin that lies underneath.

Waiting is the only thing that can be done by you at this point. However, certain treatment can get rid of most of the pain. If a doctor’s office visit was necessary, you’ll be written a prescription of NSAIDS. It will relieve swelling and pain with greater effectiveness than that of an over the counter drug.

Cold compresses and Aspirin will assist with inflammation for cases that are less serious. Stay hydrated. Hot temperature exposure makes your body lose fluids from sweating. Sun burn elevates the temperature of skin and acts in the same way. Make sure you drink down plenty of water so that you do not dehydrate and your body has plenty fluid to carry out its usual functions.

Start the process of healing. Applying a low-dose hydrocortisone cream or lotion with aloe to the area that is affected can minimize time to heal significantly. However, do not apply to broken or blistered skin as this may further aggravate the area. Once peeling of your skin starts, continue with applying moisturizing cream as this will help new skin to remain healthy also. Be sure to know your skin type. Everyone under the sun is affected by its rays.

Some feel the burn stronger than others. People posessing fair skin are more succeptible to burning whenever they step outside. The fairer the skin the less you should venture into the sun’s rays. Carry along a hat or umbrella to the beach so that you can enjoy yourself while at the beach and keep your skin healthy.

However, even those with skin that is darker can sunburn from time to time and some types of medications can increase the risks. Reliable staples. Too much sunscreen is never a problem when it comes to applying sunscreen. The first application should go on 30 minutes before going out the door and then reapply every two hours.

It’s the best to get a separate formula that’s made for tend to to have break outs. Do not be fooled by cover from clouds, the sun is still up above the clouds and sunscreen is a necessity even then.

About the Author:

Face Care Cleansing – Tips for a Fresh Look 0

Posted on August 26, 2009 by Tami Kingster
by Frelli Subar

A lot of women wear makeup everyday. In fact, most women do. And if that describes you, then hopefully you are already doing the face care cleansing tips I will outline in this article. A good rule of thumb is to cleanse your face once in the morning and once at night. And if that isn’t possible, never go to bed without first washing your face. No matter how tired you might be!

Making a habit of cleansing your face will definitely keep the wrinkles at bay, plus your skin will always be the best that it can be – glowing from the inside out. By establishing a good cleansing regime, you will end up with soft, bright skin as well as a clean, healthy look.

I believe the most important thing to remember about good face care cleansing is this tip: understand why you MUST do it! Our air is full of garbage that can build up on the skin’s surface. Weather causes a lot of stress on our faces if not protected correctly. Even someone (or yourself) touching your face can leave dirt behind. Build up on the facial skin is not good. Not good at all.

Before you start cleansing, pull your hair away from your face and if possible, pin it up or put it in a pony tail. One of the most important parts of cleansing your face is making sure you clean all the way up to your hairline. Dirt and grime gets lodged right at the hairline and it’s important to keep this area clean to avoid breakouts.

Next thing to do is remove your mascara and other eye makeup. Here’s the thing to keep in mind; the skin around and under your eyes is much more sensitive than the skin on the rest of your face. If you pull it or stretch it too much, it can cause premature aging and wrinkles. And who wants that?

You are going to get wrinkles regardless – so why make the process faster by not being careful when you cleanse around your eyes? Use a cotton ball or cotton pad soaked with your favorite eye makeup remover and gently wipe the mascara away.

Next, apply your favorite cleansing lotion over your whole face and gently massage it into your skin – especially the areas where you might have some blemishes or blackheads. Massaging helps to loosen the dirt and makeup, making removal from the pores much easier. It also helps to reduce any potential skin problems – like acne. Some cleansers also act as moisturizers.

Once you have finished massaging it into your face, just remove the excess with a washcloth or tissue.

Next, if you use toner, this would be the time to apply it – right after the face is freshly cleansed. And of course, follow up with your favorite night cream.

One last thing to think about: you’ve done a beautiful job cleansing and caring for your face each night. Don’t stop there. When you wake up in the morning, wash your face and be ready for a brand new day. Your face will love you for it and you’ll see a noticeable difference in how your skin reacts to the everyday wear and tear of pollutants, makeup, dirt, etc… Treat your face kindly. It’s the only one you’ve got!

About the Author:

How To Treat Eczema In Children – 3 Tips To Treating Eczema In Babies 0

Posted on August 25, 2009 by Paul Mahon
by Angela Owen

Eczema is a skin condition which inflicts millions of children around the world and can cause irritation. Scratching the affected areas is very tempting for children to do but it will only worsen symptoms and may cause an infection. The following are 3 effective natural remedies to treating eczema in children that will also help to reduce itching and irritation.

1. Use moisturizers throughout the day

Dry skin will cause even more irritation which will lead to scratching so keeping the skin moisturized regular is essential to reducing symptoms. In order to keep the moisture from escaping, be sure to apply ointments or creams on your child’s skin after a bath. Moisturizers that contain herbal ingredients such as aloe vera and witch hazel are recommended in order to reduce itching and swelling.

2. Identify the trigger and stay away from it

While some cases of eczema is influenced by genetics, often times there are external allergens which trigger such outbreaks so it’s important to avoid them. Each person is unique so these triggers can range from certain kinds of foods and even to some kinds of soaps. Irritants such as harsh weather and even wool clothing can also be uncomfortable for your child so steer clear of them.

3. Use over the counter treatments

You will need to take a more aggressive approach if symptoms continue to worsen so be sure to use over the counter treatments. Those creams or ointments that contain cortisone are often recommended but should be used in moderation. If your child is still experiencing intense itching sensations, then antihistamine tablets will help a great deal to reduce itching.

One thing to note if your child has eczema is that most cases will disappear before the child reaches their teenage years. Be sure to implement these methods as described above and to keep your child’s skin regularly moisturized in order to provide relief and to avoid those external allergens and irritants.

About the Author:

A Few Face Care Cleansing Tips Everyone Should Know 0

Posted on August 25, 2009 by Tami Kingster
by Annie Tusca

A lot of women were makeup everyday. In fact, most women do. And if that describes you, then hopefully you are already doing the face care cleansing tips I will outline in this article. A good rule of thumb is to cleanse your face once in the morning and once at night. And if that isn’t possible, never go to bed without first washing your face. No matter how tired you might be!

Making a habit of cleansing your face will definitely keep the wrinkles at bay, plus your skin will always be the best that it can be – glowing from the inside out. By establishing a good cleansing regime, you will end up with soft, bright skin as well as a clean, healthy look.

I believe the most important thing to remember about good face care cleansing is this tip: understand why you MUST do it! Our air is full of garbage that can build up on the skin’s surface. Weather causes a lot of stress on our faces if not protected correctly. Even someone (or yourself) touching your face can leave dirt behind. Build up on the facial skin is not good. Not good at all.

First thing to do is to pull your hair back off your face so that when you cleanse, you can get your facial skin cleaned all the way up to your hairline. Dirt really loves to dig in and stay put around your hairline. You might not see the dirt, but trust me, it’s there.

Number 2 on the list of good face care cleansing tips is to gently remove your eye make up and mascara. Be patient and don’t stretch or rub the skin too much around your eyes. This area of your face has much more delicate skin than any other place. Too much stretching of the skin around your eyes can lead to wrinkles showing up before you want them to. (Not that we EVER want them too!) So, take care when removing your mascara.

Wrinkles are a part of life. We all get them eventually, but with a little more care and attention to your face – especially when removing eye makeup, you can have a younger looking face for longer. Simply, use a Q-tip or cotton ball dipped in the eye makeup remover of your choice to wipe off the day’s mascara. Try not to go to bed with it still on your lashes. It tends to break them.

Next, apply your favorite cleansing lotion over your whole face and gently massage it into your skin – especially the areas where you might have some blemishes or blackheads. Massaging helps to loosen the dirt and makeup, making removal from the pores much easier. It also helps to reduce any potential skin problems – like acne. Some cleansers also act as moisturizers.

Now that you have covered your face with the cleansing cream or lotion, you can gently remove it with a soft washcloth, cotton ball or pad or tissue.

Now, if you like to use toner on your skin like I do, then this would be the time to apply it. Your face is freshly scrubbed and washed and ready for the benefits of a good skin toner product. Then, follow this up with an appropriate night cream or wrinkle treatment cream.

One last thing to think about: you’ve done a beautiful job cleansing and caring for your face each night. Don’t stop there. When you wake up in the morning, wash your face and be ready for a brand new day. Your face will love you for it and you’ll see a noticeable difference in how your skin reacts to the everyday wear and tear of pollutants, makeup, dirt, etc… Treat your face kindly. It’s the only one you’ve got!

About the Author:

Natural Body Creams With Non Toxic Ingredients 0

Posted on August 23, 2009 by Kathleen Walsh
by Kathleen P. Walsh

There are plenty of very effective body lotions and creams that won’t cost hundreds of dollars, but they will very likely cost more than Unilever of Dove. The less costly creams and lotions are formulated using paraffin wax, petrolatum, and mineral oils.

Creams containing petroleum derivatives are only effective if the moisture level of the skin is already high. Not only do they prevent moisture loss, but they also repel moisture, making them very effective for diaper rash. Since they do not penetrate and are not similar to the oils on the skin, they won’t provide any new moisture. However, the best body creams are entirely different.

There are several plant oils that are similar in composition to the skin’s sebum. Body creams and lotions that are formulated with these plant oils can effectively treat everything from wrinkles, stretch marks, age spots, acne, psoriasis, eczema, sagging necklines, and rough elbows. Here’s a quick look at a few of these plant oils

Jojoba has been used for generations to treat various skin conditions. Since Jojoba oil is similar to sebum, the skin cells readily accept it, without the threat of breakouts or any adverse reactions. Body creams and lotions that contain jojoba help balance the production of sebum. They effectively moisturize dry skin and slow the production oil in oily skin. In addition to moisturizing and softening, jojoba products help fade wrinkles, stretch marks, and scars, and relieve psoriasis and acne.

Grape seed oil can repair damage caused by free radicals and prevent further damage because of it high antioxidant activity. Grape seed oil will be found in the finest creams and lotions. It can also help fade stretch marks. The most effective skin care products focus on giving the skin the nutrients it needs to stay healthy. The skin needs nutrients like essential fatty acids to stay healthy, and grape seed oil provides these nutrients.

Olive oil shows the closest compatibility to human skin of all of the natural plant oils. It is also rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids.

Vitamin B5 can help repair damaged skin tissue and also works as a natural moisturizer. It also provides natural protection against sunburn and effectively relieves existing sunburns.

When the skin is exposed to the sun’s UV radiation, its levels of Coenzyme Q10 are quickly depleted. This is one of the most effective supplements and antioxidants on the hands and arms and is very important. HEQ10 is a patented compound that contains both vitamin E and coenzyme Q10 in a nano-particle formulation that is absorbed by the skin with ease.

Body lotion and creams should contain kelp extract, as well, because this extract protects protein levels in the skin that are naturally reduced with age. Wakame kelp is the best variety to look for, but only a few products contain it. Supplementation of the keratin protein is also important, as it is necessary to build new cells. If you want to look younger, longer, you have to support the bodys natural ability to grow new skin.

The best body creams on the market provide all of these beneficial nutrients and contain nothing artificial. Now, you know what to look for.

About the Author:

Make Your Skin Look Younger With Anti Wrinkle Skin Care 0

Posted on August 20, 2009 by Kathleen P. Walsh
by Kathleen P. Walsh

Have you ever wondered what components are used to make the best anti wrinkle product? What should you look for when comparing the different skin care systems? This article will talk about the most effective and safest ingredients. One thing to remember though, a high price tag doesn’t necessarily mean high quality.

The most effective ingredients are more expensive, but the best anti wrinkle products do not cost hundreds of dollars per tube. A price like that is largely due to advertising, mark-up, celebrity or designer endorsementsor all of those. Some of the most expensive creams on the market contain the least effective ingredients.

The most common ingredients in many anti aging skin care products and often the only “active” ingredients are sun screening compounds. While it is a good idea to use common sense regarding the sun throughout your lifetime, using sunscreens daily is not necessary and does nothing to reduce wrinkles.

The common belief is that the sun is responsible for 90% of all signs of aging, but it’s actually the damage from free radicals that occur when the skin is exposed to the suns UV rays. The only compounds that are known to repair and prevent damage from free radicals are antioxidants. The first thing you should look for in an anti wrinkle treatment are natural antioxidants like vitamins A and E and coenzyme Q10.

The manufacturers of anti wrinkle skin care systems will try to mislead you. Technically, artificial preservatives are antioxidants, because they prevent oxidation of the oils and other ingredients in the bottle. But, artificial preservatives do nothing to preserve ones beauty. If there were any health benefits associated with the application or intake of artificial preservatives, then everyone would be in excellent health. Since, the use of these ingredients is so rampant in our society.

Manufacturers will even use a synthetic form of vitamin E, which also has no proven health benefits. The best anti wrinkle products contain natural vitamin E, known to provide anti-aging benefits.

As well as the antioxidants the skin needs amino acids in order to produce the proteins that make up the body’s fiber, tissues, and cells. The amino acid complex with the most clinically proven results is a proprietary ingredient known as CYNERGY TK. The anti wrinkle creams that contain CYNERGY TK have shown an increase in the production of new skin cells by more than 100% in just a few days.

As we age, the collagen production and cell proliferation begins to slow down, causing the skin’s layers to become thin. However, if the cells are provided with the nutrients they need, they will continue to produce pro-collagens that bind with other amino acids, forming fibers that give the skin its strength and elasticity. Plenty of cells will result in increased thickness, which smoothes out any fine lines and wrinkles. When looking for the best anti wrinkle treatment, look for one that contains CYNERGY TK and natural antioxidants.

Those anti wrinkle skin care products that contain extracts from wakame kelp inhibit the production of an enzyme that destroys hyaluronic acid. This is an amino acid/glucose complex that resembles glue and helps to bind the skin cells together. Now that you know what to look for in an anti wrinkle product you can enjoy their benefits.

About the Author:

Bumpy Dry Skin – Natural Treatements 0

Posted on August 15, 2009 by Linda Robison
by Linda Robison

Home remedies for dry skin have been around forever and some are pretty effective. Here Ill list a few easy to use and safe dry skin remedies. While a treatment for dry skin is not necessarily a cure for dry skin, many people found relief from extremely dry skin conditions using one or all of the home remedies outlined on this page.

Read the rest of this entry →



↑ Top