10 QUESTIONSFOR YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT YOUR SKINOur skin is the biggest organ on our body. Here are 10 questions that you would want to ask to help you keep your skin glowing? While we take care of our other organs such as the heart, liver and kidneys, our skin is often neglected, dehydrated and sun-damaged. 1ST OF 10 QUESTIONS : WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT SKIN TYPES? There are different ways of looking at this question. We could look at it in terms of how oily the skin is or the chronological age of the person or even the race of the person. Oil on the skin depends on the distribution and activity of the sebaceous glands. Sebaceous glands are found in abundance on the face and scalp. They become active during and after puberty, and decrease again as we age. Genes also influence how active the glands are, and so do hormones – male hormones or androgens, which increase sebum production of the sebaceous glands. So depending on the age, genetic make-up, and underlying hormone profile, as well as local factors like distribution of sebaceous glands on the face, people have dry skin, oily skin or combination skin – oily T-zone, dry cheeks and chin. Another classification widely used by dermatologists is based on the underlying skin colour and ability to tan or sunburn with sun exposure. One can have Skin Type 1 (fair skin, always burns and never tans) to Skin Type 5 (dark skin, always tans and never burns). This classification is useful in treating pigmentary disorders or facial pigmentation. CAN I MAINTAIN A HEALTHY SKIN BY EATING THE RIGHT KINDS OF FOOD? Good lifestyle habits like a balanced diet, plenty of sleep and fluids, no smoking, protection from the sun and a stress-free lifestyle are important for good skin. If you have nutritional or vitamin deficiency, you definitely do not have good skin. There is however no evidence that any particular food or vitamins or nutrients are good for the skin. The key is a balanced diet. 3RD OF 10 QUESTIONS : ARE THERE ANY SUPPLEMENTS THAT I CAN TAKE TO MAINTAIN THE HEALTH OF MY SKIN? As long as you have enough of nutrients, eating more does not make it any better. If you are lacking in vitamins, your skin may be dry, discoloured and fragile. It does not mean that if you consume more vitamins, your skin will become beautiful. But problems like dry skin and discoloured skin do have causes other than lack of certain foods. 4TH OF 10 QUESTIONS : WHAT ABOUT STAYING AWAY FROM THE SUN? DOESN’T SUNLIGHT PROVIDE THE VITAMIN D THAT WE NEED? Sunlight is one of the major factors in skin aging and in susceptible individuals, a cause of skin cancer. Sunlight is not the only source of vitamin D. As long as you maintain a balanced food intake, it is difficult to get vitamin D deficiency. Even staying indoors or walking under shade can give you enough exposure to sunlight indirectly. You do not have to sunbath to have more sun exposure. If you want to stay outdoors, be sure to use a good sunscreen with SPF30
I HAVE SUFFERED FROM ACNE AND PIMPLES AS A TEENAGER AND I WAS TOLD IT WILL PASS AS I AGE. I STILL HAVE THE OCCASSIONAL OUTBREAK? WHY Adult acne – acne in the late 20s, 30s or even 40s – is not uncommon, especially among females. Again, this depends on underlying sebaceous glands activity which is genetic, and the influence of the androgens. 6TH OF 10 QUESTIONS : HOW CAN I PREVENT THIS? Basic things are important:
7TH OF 10 QUESTIONS : DOES WASHING MY FACE OFTEN HELP TO PREVENT OILINESS OR DOES IT STIMULATE THE PRODUCTION OF SEBUM? Face washing does not influence the activity of the sebaceous glands. It simply physically remove the oils on the skin. A gentle facial cleanser 8TH OF 10 QUESTIONS : CAN TREATMENTS SUCH AS THERMAGE OR BOTOX HELP TO KEEP MY SKIN HEALTHY, YOUNG AND SUPPLE? There are many anti-aging skin care Thermage is specifically designed to treat sagging skin, or tissue laxity, and is a non-surgical alternative to facelifts. Botox is useful for reducing skin wrinkles. There are also anti wrinkle skin care products They are other features of skin aging such as pigmentation and loss of volume, that will not benefit as much from these treatments. One should have a realistic expectation of how much skin aging can be reversed. Prevention of aging is always easier and better than reversing skin aging. 9TH OF 10 QUESTIONS : HOW CAN I KNOW IF I HAVE SKIN CANCER? WHAT CAN I DO TO REDUCE THE RISK OF SKIN CANCER? There are different types of skin cancers. If you have a skin growth or mole that increases in size, or its characteristics change such as it becomes darker, changes shape, becomes itchy or bleeds, a visit to a dermatologist or doctor is advisable. Sun exposure is the most important factor in causing skin cancer. Sun protection is a long-term commitment and should start from childhood. 10TH OF 10 QUESTIONS : WHAT ARE THE TREATMENT OPTIONS AVAILABLE? For skin cancer, early detection and surgical excision is the treatment of choice. Learn how to analyze your skin type Your diet and your skin - how are they related The damaging effects of the sun and how to protect your skin Acne and pimples - how do I control outbreaks and what are the acne treatments available How to formulate a good and easy skin care routine for myself Learn some anti aging skin care tips Besides these 10 questions, there are other interesting skin care articles Anti Aging Skin Care Tips |Natural Skin Care |Facial Skin Care Routine | Body Care Tips |Free Skin Care Tips |Skin Care Articles | |
