#antiaging tips : check here habits to be avoided for the sake of your skin!

Excessive and chronic stress: several studies show that chronic stress triggers the release of free radicals, the unstable molecules that damage cells and are responsible for aging.

Excess of sugar in your diet: aside from adding excess pounds to your body, sugar may also be adding years to your face. Internally, sugar molecules attach themselves to protein fibers in our cells; this damaging process, known as glycation, can result in a loss of radiance, dark circles under the eyes, loss of tone, puffiness, an increase in fine lines and wrinkles and a loss of facial contours and increased pore size. 

Sleep deprivation: skimping on sleep not only results in dark bags under the eyes—it has also been linked to a shorter lifespan. Sleeping within the seven-hour range is optimal: get to bed earlier if you have the symptoms of sleep deprivation, which include a lack of daytime energy, mental sluggishness, attention problems, or weight gain.

You spend most of the day sitting or in front of the TV: In the British Journal of Sports Medicine study of about 11,000 Australians ages 25 and older, researchers found that for every hour of television watched, adults cut their life expectancy by 22 minutes. What's more, people who spent an average of six hours a day watching TV lived five years less than their non-viewing counterparts. This effect is more about sitting and being inactive than the TV watching. Whether you're watching TV or at your desk, get up every 30 minutes to walk around.

The dangers of a sedentary lifestyle are well-documented which are increased risk for kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, and cancer, not to mention obesity.

You don't use eye cream: skin around the eyes is thinner than the skin on the rest of your face and shows age faster so that keeping the eye area moisturized can take years off your face. Eye creams that are most effective contain emollients, retinol, antioxidants, hyaluronic acid and vitamin C. These ingredients promote formation of collagen and elastin to tighten the skin and reduce fine lines around the eyes.

You use sunscreen, but only on vacation: running errands, driving, and walking back and forth to the mailbox may do more damage to your skin than spending a day at the beach if you do it sans sunblock .The number-one cause of nearly every sign of premature aging on the human face is ultraviolet exposure and UV light is present even when it's cloudy or raining. We recommend an SPF between 30 and 50 for daily use. 

You wear too much makeup: wearing excessive amounts of makeup, especially oil based products, can clog your skin pores and cause outbreaks. In addition, overusing skin products with fragrances, irritating chemicals, and alcohol agents may dry out the skin by removing its natural oils, which causes premature lines and wrinkles. Consult with your dermatologist for guidance!

You sleep with your face in the pillow: sleeping on your stomach or on your side with your face smashed into the pillow can create wrinkles and accelerate aging. The connective tissue and collagen in your face becomes weaker and less supportive with age, then those crease lines from your pillow can become permanent. Sleep on your back or invest in a satin pillowcase to keep skin smooth.

You sip drinks through a straw: drinking dark-colored beverages through a straw can prevent stains on your teeth, but just as squinting can eventually cause wrinkles to form around your eyes, pursing your lips can also bring about premature wrinkles around the mouth. This also occurs when smoking cigarettes.

You cut out all fat from your diet: some fat is necessary for maintaining a youthful feeling and appearance. Omega 3 fatty acids found in oily fish (such as salmon and mackerel) and certain nuts (such as walnuts and flax seeds) keep skin supple and plump, thereby preventing wrinkles, and they boost both heart and brain health as well.

#healthyhabits #lemonwater : benefits of starting your day with warm lemon water

Starting your day off with warm lemon water is thought to have a ton of health benefits - and it's been an Ayurvedic practice for a long time. 
1. Not only does the warm water help to stimulate the GI tract, but the lemons are believed to stimulate and purify the liver. It also helps digestive acids with digestion and elimination. 
2. Citrus fruits like lemon are high in vitamin C and ascorbic acid. Vitamin C can help fight colds and and the ascorbic acid helps iron absorption which also plays a role in immune function. 
3. If your body is in a chronic pH imbalance, it's susceptible to disease. Even though lemons seem acidic, they are extremely alkalizing and a great way to ensure your pH balance is where it should be especially if your diet is heavy in meat, cheese and/or alcohol. 
4. Lemon water is a natural diuretic, which means it helps your body flush liquid and toxins along with it. The citric acid can also help maximize enzymes which stimulates the liver. 
5. The combination of water and lemon helps to hydrate and oxygenate the blood, leaving you feeling great! Chronic dehydration can leave skin looking dull, so start your day on the right foot with lemon water. Vitamin C plays a critical role in maintaining healthy skin and the antioxidants can combat aging factors. 

#oilyskin - anti-oiliness and anti-aging solution (all together!)

It is so common in my daily practice patients over 30 years old complaining of oily or acneic skin... Patients get surprised and say: it seems as if I went back to adolescence... This problem is known as "adult acne" and it's mainly related to hormonal factors (androgens excess, or male hormones). 
Thinking on these patients, Skinceuticals launched the amazing Blemish Age Defense. Its formula is composed by the combination of 5 acids and brings the following benefits: 
* Reduces sebum production and decongests clogged pores; 
* Combats the imperfections of oily skin, unifying tone and texture; 
* Helps on prevention and correction of ageing. 

Blemish should be applied on the clean face twice daily, morning and night (3 or 4 drops are enough!). Who uses Blemish loves and recommends. Also successful amongst male patients! Tomorrow I will add tips for cleaning and sunscreens for oily skin...

#cellulite - check here the myths and facts...

Got cellulite? You're not alone: The cosmetic condition affects nearly 90% of women at some point during their lives, even women who are otherwise slender and fit. There's also a lot of misinformation out there about what it is, what causes it, and how to get rid of it. So before scheduling a cosmetic procedure or spending a fortune on cosmetics, read up on the real story behind cellulite.

Cellulite is caused by toxins in your body

Myth

Some over-the-counter cellulite products may claim to help remove impurities and toxins from the body. In fact, cellulite occurs when underlying fat deposits begin to push through layers of collagen fibers, or connective tissue, under the skin (often in the buttocks and thigh areas, but also on arms, stomachs, and other common trouble spots, as well). Connective tissue can be weakened by hormones, lack of exercise and muscle tone, excess fat, and poor circulation.

Women get more cellulite than men

Fact

Women tend to carry more fat around their hips and thighs; women also have less supportive connective tissue to keep it all in place. However, it is estimated that about 10% of men suffer from cellulite, as well.

Cellulite gets worse with age

Fact

Hormones also seem to play a role in the appearance of cellulite: As women age, their bodies produce less estrogen—a hormone that helps keep blood vessels flowing smoothly. Less estrogen can mean poorer circulation, which can also mean a decrease in new collagen production and the breakdown of older connective tissue.

Cellulite may be in your genes

Fact

It's true that cellulite runs in families; if your mother and grandmother had cellulite, you have a better chance of also developing it. But if you're not one of the lucky ones with smooth-skinned relatives, take heart: Genetics is only one small part of the cellulite puzzle; factors like diet, exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight also play a role.

Cellulite only happens to out-of-shape people

Myth

Being overweight does make the appearance of cellulite more noticeable; the more fat you have underneath your skin, the more it's likely to put stress on your connective tissue and bulge out of its weak spots. But cellulite also happens to women of all shapes and sizes, even Victoria's Secret models are affected!

Exercise can reduce the appearance of cellulite

Fact

A regular exercise practice cannot cure cellulite—but in many cases it can help prevent or reduce its appearance. Cellulite occurs when connective fibers underneath the skin become weak or lose their elasticity, but stretching and strengthening those areas (in addition to burning away excess fat overall) can help. Yoga routines that target the butt and thighs can help, as well as strength-training moves that build muscle and boost circulation. 

Cardio is best for reducing all-over jiggle

Myth

Running or other forms of cardio can help keep weight off, which may reduce the appearance of dimples and dents. But to really smooth out your skin, you've got to strength train.

Skin-firming creams can cure cellulite

Myth

Studies have found that products containing retinoids (labeled as retinol over-the-counter) may provide some temporary effects by creating a thicker skin cover that can help camouflage bumps. Evidences that creams or scrubs with stimulant ingredients, like caffeine, ginger, and green or black tea, are limited; these products are more likely to help with slimming and body contouring, which is not the same as cellulite.

Skin fillers can even out dimply skin

Fact

Injectable dermal fillers like Restylane and Radiesse, used primarily to plump up sagging cheekbones and remove facial wrinkles, have also shown to be beneficial—at least temporarily—for cellulite-plagued sections of skin. If someone is really skinny with a few really deep divots, a filler can plump that up and even it out really well. However, the procedure can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars per leg, and the results tend to only last a few months.

Non-invasive procedures for cellulite really do work

Fact

Laser, radio-frequency, and massage techniques have been used for several years to reduce the appearance of cellulite—and while their results are not permanent, they are effective in the short-term. Radio-frequency treatment Thermage CL and Vela Shape are more expensive but results seem to last six months to a year.

Liposuction will make your legs (or arms, or tummy) look better

Myth

If cellulite is your problem, liposuction should not be your solution. In fact, the cosmetic procedure could even make fat distribution more uneven, making its outward appearance even worse. Another vacuum-like (but non-surgical) procedure, however, known as Endermologie, has been shown to help: a technician runs a suctioning device surrounded by rollers over a patient's skin, pulling and squeezing trouble spots for about 30 minutes. Results are visible after about 10 visits (two per week).

Certain foods can help fight cellulite

Fact

Your diet alone can't determine whether you will or will not get cellulite, but eating a well-balanced, plant-heavy diet can reduce inflammation throughout your body and help you maintain a healthy weight. Staying hydrated—both by drinking water and by eating plenty of foods with high water content—will also keep your connective tissue strong and supple, and may even help you slim down. Aim to eat more cucumbers, radishes, tomatoes, and bell peppers, which (along with many other fruits and veggies) are all more than 90% water.

Only a dermatologist should perform cellulite treatments

Myth

A skin doc is a good place to start, and many dermatologists do perform treatments in their clinics. However, medi-spas can also perform treatments such as Endermologie and non-invasive laser procedures—make sure your technician is licensed and has received proper training on whatever device you choose. 

The clothing you wear can make an impact

Myth

For any clothing that claims to actually have lasting results, it's just a marketing gimmick and it's not true. In fact, for some tight clothes, the opposite may be true: Elastic bands on underwear, for example, can actually contribute to the appearance of cellulite if they cut off circulation and limit blood flow.

Smoking can affect the appearance of cellulite

Fact

Cigarette smoke has been shown to reduce blood vessel flow and to weaken and disrupt the formation of collagen, allowing for the connective tissue to become stretched and damaged more easily and for underlying fat to show through. Plus, smoking can make you look bad (literally) in lots of other ways, like producing premature wrinkles and aging.

There's no permanent cellulite solution

Fact (for now)

The most recent and promising procedure is a surgery called Cellulaze, approved by the FDA in 2012, in which an optic laser melts fat, breaks up fibrous connective tissue and stimulates the growth of new collagen, all through a pinhole-sized incision in the skin. Recovery is quick: you can have it done on a Friday and be back to work by Monday. The treatment starts at about $3,500 per leg, but results seem to last at least a year or two.

#womenhealth - things you must tell your gynecologist

Unusual discharge and/or pain

You could have a sexually transmited disease (STD), like chlamydia, herpes, or gonorrhea.

Unexpected or heavy bleeding

You could have fibroids or hormonal issues that need to be discussed.

You think you're pregnant

You'll need extra tests and a prenatal-vitamin prescription, or to discuss your options.

You've had unprotected sex

You need to be checked for STDs or possible pregnancy.

Persistent bloating, with pelvic pressure and pain

Individually, these can be symptoms of many things, such as endometriosis. But when they occur together consistently for two weeks or more and feel worse than routine tummy trouble, they may be signs of ovarian cancer. 

If sex hurts

You may have vulvodynia, which is pain in the vulva or entrance to the vagina.

#thermalwater - benefits, brands and indications of each one

Thermal waters are widely used and prescribed products in dermatology due to their various qualities: moisturize, rebuild the protective barrier of the skin, reduce the production of free radicals, relieve pain and inflammation of the skin, help on keeping the makeup, reduce oiliness and if used cold, they also close the pores. Several brands are found in the market with different compositions and indications. Have a look at what best suits your needs: 

Aspelle Facial Water Spray, Aspa. Highlights for the so fine spray, that refreshes and moisturizes the face without ruining your makeup. 

Eau Thermale, Vichy. Composed of 15 different minerals, the most complete of the market, so it is indicated as after-sun, after-shave and for dry skins. 

Eau Thermale, Avène. It's the favorite of the experts when talking sensitive skin, because it contains silicon and a lower concentration of minerals than the others. 

Eau Thermale, La Roche-Posay. Rich in selenium, it is world renowned  due to antioxidant, soothing and decongestant actions. 

Oleum Thermae SPA, Milano Alfaparf. In contact with the skin, the gel turns into an oil which promotes hydration, elasticity and luminosity; thanks to the thermal water obtained from the source of Chianciano, Tuscany region, Italy. 

Body Cream Acqua, Ada Tina. The thermal water is extracted from a souce in the central part of Brazil that exists for about 300 million years! According to the manufacturer, this cream is rich in sulfur, magnesium, boron, selenium and silicon, so it has the ability to soothe and regenerate the skin. It is also a powerful moisturizer due to the addition of hyaluronic acid.

 
 

#skinproblems #infections in the summer: how to avoid them?

Summer is "officially" almost there but with the luxuriously warm days comes something a little less pleasant… summer skin conditions or, as they are known to specialists, "summer dermatoses." Of course, the most common summer skin ailment is sunburn, which can be highly avoided with the correct use sun blockers. Here we list five other summer conditions:

Yeast Infection

Tinea versicolor is a superficial yeast infection on the skin, particularly prevalent in places that are humid all year round like the tropics, but in the summer can be seen across the globe. This condition presents itself as white, pink or tan scaly patches on the back, chest and neck. We also know that with more sweating comes more favorable conditions for yeast growth.

The best preventative measure is to rinse off after a particularly sweaty day. Soaps with pyrithione zinc, such as Noble Formula, can be used in the shower to prevent yeast overgrowth. If tinea versicolor is a recurring issue talk to your doctor or dermatologist about more intense treatments.

Poison Rash 

Contact dermatitis refers to any condition that occurs when touching something leads to a rash or allergic reaction on the skin’s surface; in this specific case, we are talking about poison ivy or poison oak. Contact dermatitis can cause itchiness and redness sometimes with some flaking of the skin). More severe cases can cause blisters, hives or swelling.

The best way to prevent contact dermatitis is to be hyper aware of your surrounds, particularly when camping. Get to know what poison ivy and poison oak look like. These contact issues are treated with topical steroids ointments; if the rash is more severe you may need a prescription from your own dermatologist or doctor. 

Bug Bites

They are downright annoying but can also lead to some more serious health issues like Lyme disease or West Nile virus. Scratching a bug bite until it bleeds can also lead to infection. The summer months mean fewer clothes and more bug bites. There are two major reasons why people get bitten by bugs,: Carbon dioxide production and the lipid mix on the surface of the skin. This is why it is common for some people to get bitten more than others.

Unfortunately, your skin’s lipid mix is based on genetics you can’t change . The CDC recommends using bug repellents that contain DEET, picardin or oil of lemon eucalyptus. It is important, especially in the summer to sleep inside or in a screened in area (like a tent). If you have a bug bite that is unusually itchy or feels painful, contact your doctor or dermatologist.

Folliculitis

It is particularly easy to contract this bacterial infection in the summer months. Bacteria, like yeast, love the warmth. They thrive in “warm, moist dark conditions”. Folliculitis tends to look like red bumps or pustules and is commonly found on shoulders, thighs and bottoms; it can be itchy or burn. Wearing tight clothes like spandex in warm weather causes folliculitis. Folliculitis can also be contracted in hot tubs. It is important to be sure that every hot tub you spend time in is properly chlorinated.

It is important to change out of tight clothes after working out and try not to wear spandex all day in the summer months. Do your best to shower right after a work out. Antibacterial cleansers can prevent and treat folliculitis. More severe cases require an oral antibacterial.

Molluscum Virus

The molluscum virus is seen most often in children. It causes whitish translucent tan bumps anywhere on the body; these bumps can last for up to four years. The virus can be passed from skin-to-skin contact. The reason why kids get it so commonly and adults don’t is because the immune system mounts a permanent reaction to the virus. 

To prevent moluscum check with the pool owner to make sure that they are properly chlorinating it. It is also important to wash off as soon as you get out of the pool. Maintaining good hygiene is a way to prevent molluscum (as well as many other viruses.)

#fatburning - increase your metabolism!

Every cell in our body plays a role in energy metabolism—the process of turning the food you eat into energy that keeps heart beating, lungs pumping, and muscles moving. The faster our metabolism, the more calories we burn. And just like there are ways to speed it up—by working out, for instance—certain habits can hit the brakes on our natural calorie-churning engine:

1) KEEP A REGULAR EATING SCHEDULE: In a 2012 Hebrew University study, mice fed high fat foods sporadically gained more weight than mice that ate a similar diet on a regular schedule. 

2) PREFER ORGANIC VEGETABLES: Chemicals in pesticides can interfere with our body's energy-burning process and make it harder to lose weight, according to a Canadian study. 

3) SLEEP MORE: A 2012 study found that people who sleep less move less the next day, which means they burn fewer calories. But it gets worse: sleep deprivation actually reduces the amount of energy our body uses at rest, according to the German and Swedish researchers.

4) STOCK UP ON IRON-FORTIFIED FOODS (cereals, beans, and dark leafy greens like spinach, bok choy, and broccoli): We lose iron during our period every month, and iron helps carry oxygen to our muscles. If our iron levels run too low, our muscles don't get enough O2, our energy plummets, and our metabolism sputters.

5) EAT CALORIES ENOUGH: When we skimp on calories, our body switches into starvation mode, slowing our metabolic rate to conserve the fuel it's got.

6) MOVE YOUR BODY! It takes only 20 minutes in any fixed position to inhibit our metabolism, according to ergonomic researchs.

7) JET LAG: When we disrupt our so-called circadian rhythm—by crossing time zones, for instance—our cells don't function the way they should and our metabolism suffers.

8) DRINK MILK: Calcium plays a key role in regulating our fat metabolism, which determines whether we burn calories or store them as fat. A diet that's high in calcium could help on fat burning.

9) HYDRATE WELL: All of our body's cellular processes, including metabolism, depend on water. If we're dehydrated, we could burn up to 2 percent fewer calories.

10) DON'T SKIP BREAKFAST: When we miss breakfast, we don't just set ourselves up to overeat at lunch. We actually tell our body to conserve energy—which means it burns calories more slowly. That's one reason a study from the American Journal of Epidemiology found that people who skip a morning meal were 4.5 times more likely to be obese.

#largepores - 3 makeup products that can make your pores look smaller

Large pores? Unfortunately research has found a devastating answer: once a pore gets stretched out, the structure of the skin surrounding it has changed irreversibly, developing a raised edge that exaggerates the cavernous look you despise, according to a new study in Skin Research and Technology.

Follow the steps described below to smooth things over cosmetically...

GET EVEN. Fill dips on your skin's surface by applying a clear silicone primer like Dr. Jart + Pore Medic Pore Minish Primer

COVER. Cream foundation creates a smooth finish. Try Clinique Moisture Surge CC Cream Compact Hydrating Colour Corrector Broad Spectrum SPF 25

SOFTEN UP. Blur any edges with a translucent powder like Tarte Smooth Operator Amazonian Clay Pressed Finishing Powder

#hairloss - why is my hair falling out?!

 

It's true that men are more likely to lose their hair than women, mostly due to male pattern baldness (more on that later). But thinning hair and hair loss are also common in women! Reasons can range from the simple and temporary—a vitamin deficiency—to the more complex, like an underlying health condition.

Male pattern baldness: about two out of three men experience hair loss by age 60, and most of the time it's due to male pattern baldness. This type of hair loss, caused by a combo of genes and male sex hormones, usually follows a classic pattern in which the hair recedes at the temples, leaving an M-shaped hairline. What to do: there are topical creams like minoxidil (Rogaine) and oral medications such as finasteride (Propecia) that can halt hair loss or even cause some to grow; surgery to transplant or graft hair is also an option.

Physical stress: Any kind of physical trauma—surgery, a car accident, or a severe illness can cause temporary hair loss. This can trigger a type of hair loss called telogen effluvium. Hair loss often becomes noticeable three-to-six months after the trauma. What to do: hair will start growing back as your body recovers.

Pregnancy: Hormone-related hair loss is seen more commonly after delivery than actually during pregnancy. What to do: rest assured that your hair will grow back in a couple of months. 

Lack of protein: if you don't get enough protein in your diet, your body may ration protein by shutting down hair growth. What to do: find sources of protein, including fish, meat, and eggs.

Female hormones: birth-control pills can also cause telogen effluvium, and it may be more likely if you have a family history of hair loss. The change in the hormonal balance that occurs at menopause may also have the same result. What to do: talk to your doctor about other birth control types. 

Emotional stress: it can happen, for instance, in the case of divorce or after the death of a loved one. More often, emotional stress won't actually precipitate the hair loss. It will exacerbate a problem that's already there.What to do: take steps to combat stress and anxiety, like getting more exercise and psychotherapy.

Anemia: almost one in 10 women aged 20 through 49 suffers from anemia due to an iron deficiency, which is an easily fixable cause of hair loss. You doctor will have to do a blood test to determine for sure if you have this type of anemia. What to do: a simple iron supplement should correct the problem. In addition to hair loss, other symptoms of anemia include fatigue, headache, dizziness, pale skin, and cold hands and feet.

Hypothyroidism: hypothyroidism is the medical term for having an underactive thyroid gland, which is diagnosed by blood tests.What to do: synthetic thyroid medication will take care of the problem. 

Vitamin B deficiency: another correctible cause of hair loss. What to do: like anemia, simple supplementation should help the problem. Find natural vitamin B in fish, meat, starchy vegetables, and non-citrus fruits. 

Autoimmune-related hair loss: also called alopecia areata, it is basically a result of an overactive immune system. What to do: steroid topical injections in the bald patches. The course of the condition is unpredictable.

Dramatic weight loss: weight loss itself can stressing your body or not eating right can result in vitamin or mineral deficiencies. Loss of hair along with noticeable weight loss may also be a sign of an eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia. What to do: after a six-month period of hair loss, it corrects itself.

Chemotherapy: some of the drugs used to beat back cancer unfortunately can also cause your hair to fall out. What to do: once chemotherapy is stopped, your hair will grow back although often it will come back with a different texture (perhaps curly when before it was straight) or a different color. 

Polycystic ovary syndrome: an excess of androgens can lead to ovarian cysts, weight gain, a higher risk of diabetes, changes in your menstrual period, infertility, hair thinning and more hair on the face and body. What to do: gynecologist can treat well the hormone imbalance.

Overstyling: vigorous styling and hair treatments over the years can cause your hair to fall out. Examples of extreme styling include tight braids, hair weaves or corn rows as well as chemical relaxers to straighten your hair, hot-oil treatments or any kind of harsh chemical or high heat. Because these practices can actually affect the hair root, your hair might not grow back. What to do: In addition to avoiding these styles and treatments, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends using conditioner after every shampoo, letting your hair air dry, limiting the amount of time the curling iron comes in contact with your hair and using heat-driven products no more than once a week.

Trichotillomania: this disorder causes people to compulsively pull their hair out. It often begins before the age of 17 and is four times as common in women as in men. What to do: some antidepressants may be effective, but behavioral modification therapy is another option.

Aging: in women in their 50s and 60s. Experts aren’t sure why this happens. 

Anabolic steroids: these hormones have the same impact on the body as polycystic ovary disease (PCOS), as the mechanism is the same.What to do: go off the drug.

#hairstyle #braids

I am simply fascinated with braided hair, from the simplest to the most exotic... My friend Ivana always commands this "game"! In the photos, the braid we invented yesterday...