More than 80 percent (dry weight) of our skin is made of collagen, comments Eric F. Bernstein, clinical associate professor with the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. Collagen is the building component that builds the skins structure...
If dark spots mar your complexion, skin care specialists at Free Beauty Tips say they can be cured. Also called age or liver spots, they come in shades from light tan to dark chocolate. Dr. Kevin Berman, at the Atlanta Center for Dermatologic...
A facial treatment has many parts to it that work together to improve the appearance of your skin and the condition it is in. Since skin types are not all the same, the procedures and products used in a facial treatment may differ. Some procedures...
Dry skin is unsightly and irritating to those who have it, causing itching, flaking and bleeding when scratched too much. If you use lotion, you want the most effective treatment to stop the dryness. Knowing how and when to use lotion is helpful.
Blackheads turn into pustules (become infected) when normally harmless bacteria become aggressive, triggering an immune response in the body. White blood cells arrive at the area to destroy the bacteria, and pus is formed.
Stretch marks occur on the skin due to rapid weight gain, pregnancy and conditions such as Cushing's syndrome. The breakdown in skin elasticity and damage to underlying tissue can form red, pink, purple or blue marks that normally fade with time,...
Wrinkles and scars that form on your skin are a result of injury such as excessive sun exposure or skin lesions. Although wrinkles and scars cannot be completely eliminated, you can fade and reduce their appearance through treatment and proper...
A blackhead extractor, also called a comedone extractor, is a special tool used to easily and safely remove the plugs that cause blackheads. Estheticians, dermatologists and other skin care specialists use blackhead extractors. They can be...
Exercise helps you to maintain a healthy weight, lungs and heart. It also may offer an additional benefit--the improved appearance of your skin. In order to reap the maximum benefits of exercise, you should care for your skin before and after your...
Sun damage can wreak havoc on your skin, becoming more evident as you age. Sun damage comes in the forms of wrinkles, age spots and dry, cracked skin. Depending on the extent of the sun damage, treatments can be done at home or in a licensed skin...
Proactiv Solution is a commercial acne product sold through mail order or at shopping center kiosks. The product is named for the word proactive, meaning "taking the initiative or first step." The main product consists of a benzoyl peroxide--based...
Dull skin looks lifeless, but it is skin that can be woken up with the right treatment. Many factors contribute to dull skin, including a poor diet and unhealthy habits. Changes in the way you care for your skin can perk up the dullest complexion,...
The back is one of the most common places people have severe acne breakouts. There are four types of acne, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Acne conglobata is characterized by deep abscesses. Acne fulminans are painful lesions...
Chaparral is an herb taken from the invasive shrub Larrea tridentata, also known as creosote bush, stinkweed or greasewood. The plant is native to a small desert biome that also called chaparral. The natural growth region for the creosote bush...
Microdermabrasion is a cosmetic procedure used to minimize the effects of sun damage and aging without the use of surgery or harsh chemicals. The procedure is often referred to as a "lunch hour" procedure because it can be performed in one hour or...
Acne is a skin disorder that is often influenced by hormones and an overproduction of sebum. According to Joel Gerson's book, "Milady's Standard Textbook for Professional Estheticians," studies revealed acne to be a skin disorder that is inherited...
Many women like the idea of going to a reputable skin care specialist for a facial to improve the appearance of their skin, and some like to do their own facial at home. Doing it yourself will forfeit your right to relax while you pamper your...
Blackheads commonly develop on the face and back where oil production and irritation can lead to blocked pores. Blackheads look like specks of black dirt on the skin and can be unsightly and may lead to infected pores and redness. Blackheads can...
You can wash your face all day long and still get a bad case of acne. While keeping your face clean and oil-free is important, acne starts beneath the surface of your skin, making personal hygiene secondary to your own body processes. Dead skin...
Skin becomes more fragile as it ages, and aging skin has special requirements that need to be met in order for it to look its best. Over time, the negative effects of neglect and abuse can leave the skin looking old and dull. Taking certain steps...
The epithelial skin layer in humans is the outermost layer of skin that we can see and touch. Often called the "epidermis," this layer of skin cells does not have its own vascular system and therefore does not bleed following trauma, according to...
Refreshing feelings of purity and cleanliness describe the savory fragrance of lemon oil. A scent, often detected in commercial cleaners, the use of lemon oil has become an American favorite with documented use dating as far back as 800 B.C. ...
If your skin seems constantly dry and your nails are always brittle, it's probably not due to a serious condition. Your skin may become dry due to winter weather, dry air in your home, exposure to the sun or taking hot baths or showers, according...
Most people have had acne in at least one time in their lives. Some people experience acne that doesn't seem to stop or fade for 10 years or more. If acne is treated properly and not touched, the marks tend to fade naturally as it heals. If acne...
Skin polishing generally refers to any type of skin exfoliation. The type of exfoliation most commonly known as skin polishing is microdermabrasion, a cosmetic procedure that can improve acne, fine lines or age spots. Performed at home or in your...
An acne facial, whether performed by a skin care specialist, a dermatologist or at home, attempts to reduce the symptoms and signs of acne. Acne skin may be dehydrated (missing water) but is not dry (missing oil). Acne skin, a common problem in...
Having large pores gives your skin an uneven appearance. Large pores often mean that your pores are congested with debris such as dead skin cells, which can lead to blackheads and blemishes. Many over-the-counter (OTC) products formulated for pore...
Exfoliation can help keep your skin looking soft and fresh, but there are a number of options to exfoliate both the face and body. Scrubs for the face and body remove dead skin by suspending coarse ingredients in a moisturizing or cleansing base....
Organic apple cider vinegar looks a bit rough around the edges at first glance. Murky brown in color with deposits of sediment on the bottom of its container, the product is unrefined, unpasteurized and close to its raw state. However, its lack of...
