More Causes and Cures for Acne in Winter

hats and acne in winter

Winter Acne – Zits and Make-Up

Winter acne is sometimes related to the use of heavier make-up to mimic the bright, rosy glow of summer, especially in those with pale skin. Unfortunately, this can mean that pores become blocked with creams, powder, blush and bronzers, causing whiteheads and blackheads as sebum, melanin, and make-up all combine to increase the risk of swelling, inflammation and infection. Continue reading

Natural Treatments for Hyperpigmentation

flaxseed oil hyperpigmenation natural treatmentSun exposure, other types of skin damage, and hormonal disruption can all result in hyperpigmentation of the skin, i.e. darker patches of skin caused by excess melanin production and/or build-up.

Hyperpigmentary disorders such as melasma, café au lait spot and solar lentigo are typically treated through the use of topical agents that disrupt the activity of tyrosinase, a key enzyme in the production of melanin (melanogenesis), but natural treatments for hyperpigmentation are also gaining attention. Continue reading

Prebiotics and Probiotics Protect Against Childhood Eczema

prebiotics infant preventing eczemaInfant eczema is a common skin condition, affecting around 1 in 5 young children. Eczema is linked to childhood asthma and food allergies and many theories have been proposed to explain the development of atopic eczema.

One of these theories suggests that the microflora in the gastrointestinal system of infants influences immune system activity, thereby triggering or contributing to skin reactions and allergy symptoms. A significant amount of research backs up this theory, including a recent review that adds weight to the idea that prebiotic supplementation of infant formula or breast milk can help in preventing eczema in infants up to 2 years old. Continue reading

Are Lots of Orgasms the Secret to Healthy Skin?

orgasms and skin health
A post-orgasm bloom – can you fake it?

A little while ago Lady Gaga suggested that the secret to healthy skin was plenty of orgasms. While this raised chortles from some, others noted that there could be an element of truth in the flamboyant singer’s claim for a link between orgasms and skin health. How can good sex improve your skin? Does the effect last after the first bloom of love is over? And, is the effect the same across genders? Continue reading

Childhood Eczema – Why Man’s Best Friend May Reduce Your Child’s Risk of Eczema (While Cats Increase The Risk)

dogs and childhood eczema in infancyCan growing up with a dog or cat affect your baby’s risk of developing eczema? According to a study published in the Journal of Pediatrics, living the first four years of life in a dog-free zone can make a big difference to childhood eczema risk! Man’s best friend could help protect your baby in ways you’d never even imagined.

Cats, it seems, couldn’t care less about your kids’ health.(Just kidding!) Continue reading