Black Skin Care » Laser Therapy

Skin Care Techniques For the Elderly

admin — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 05:45:39 +0000

No one likes getting old, and some people who have not been genetically fortunate really hate it. Things like arthritis and osteoporosis all can affect the elderly. However, one of the most noticeable problems that elderly people with is problems with their skin.

The only way to fix these problems is with the proper skin care. Some of the skin care techniques can be done at home, while others require the expertise of a dermatologist. One of the most prevalent problems that the elderly have to deal with is wrinkles. Some particularly proactive people will do what they can to get rid of them.

Now, there are some skin care remedies for wrinkles that can be found in a local drugstore, but they take a long time for results to manifest. Of course, it doesn’t hurt to pair these skin care techniques with some cosmetic surgery like Botox. This procedure is especially favored by aging people because the results are immediate, although not permanent.

Another option is for the elderly person to have laser therapy for their wrinkles. The cause of wrinkles is because the skin loses some of its natural elasticity. Wrinkles are also sometimes caused by bad habits, such as smoking, wherein the circulation becomes hampered and thus depletes skin tissue. The laser therapy stimulates the blood flow, which in turn helps to build new tissue and get rid of the wrinkles. Thanks to all of the remedies available, old people are now looking younger than ever, and are feeling younger because of their improved appearance.

By: Bandina Harris

Skin Care Post Laser Treatment

admin — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 13:25:45 +0000

Vascular lesion laser therapy

Purpuria accompanied by hyperemia is the immediate effect after the application of a 585-nm pulsed dye laser to treat vascular lesions. Intermittent wave (CW) lasers for instance copper vapor, krypton, KTP and argon-driven dye lasers, result in reddening of the skin with widening of the tiny blood vessels near its surface and extra fluid accumulation in tissue cells.

Restorative measures typically include:

o Safeguard skin from the sun.

o Use a topical antibiotic ointment 7 to 10 days after the laser application.

o Use only gentle, soothing soap e.g. Catrix Correction Cream Wash, BiOz azulene cleanser, Cetaphil or Aquanil, twice daily on the healing spots.

Pigmented lesion and tatoo laser treatment

The pigment or tattoo becomes ash-white or purpuric after the laser therapy.

Restorative measures typically include:

o Rinse the corrected spots with gentle soap and water twice daily, 1 to 2 weeks after the laser application.

o Use antibiotic ointment after each wash and continue this regimen till the spot is restored.

o Use sunscreens and bandages to safeguard the treated areas from the sun.

Laser treatment for vascular lesions, lentigines, tattoos, hypertrophic scars, or keloids

Here the corrected skin is highly sensitive and requires great care 7 to 10 days after the therapy. The post treatment blemishes take weeks to fade out.

Restorative measures typically include:

o Use bacitracin, polysporin, or Bactroban ointment and apply a protective Telfa pad with adhesive. This should be done once to twice daily for 7 to 10 days. Avoid Neosporin on corrected spots.

o Take short showers but avoid longs baths. After a bath, gently pat dry the corrected areas with a soft cloth. Never wipe hard with a towel.

o Apply acetaminophen (Tylenol) when there is any kind of short-term irritation. In case of long-term irritation, consult the physician.

o Do not take aspirin or aspirin-based drugs during the restorative period, which is generally 1 to 2 weeks after therapy.

o Use an ice pack for 10 to 15 minutes every hour (for 4 hours) on corrected area to soothe swelling.

o Use a sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 15 to prevent sunburn during and after therapy.

o Do not swim and undertake any contact sports during the healing time.

o Never prick the blisters or scabs that may occur.

Cutaneous laser resurfacing

The skin turns light pink and slightly inflamed right after the therapy. After a day or two there is intense reddening, fluid buildup, accompanied by inflammation, oozing and crusting of the corrected spots. Take rest and avoid socializing in the first 7 to 10 days after therapy.

By: John Sam

Achieving That Radiant Glow Through Rosacea Skin Care

admin — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:33:40 +0000

Although physical beauty is not everything, more and more people are becoming conscious, and open-minded about enhancing their physical appearances in order to achieve their goals in life. Today, one of the most common problems of people is suffering from different skin disorders like rosacea.

Rosacea-a chronic and lifelong skin condition, which usually affects the face-has become one of the most common skin diseases that Americans with 1:20 ratio. It is said that women are more affected especially in the or earlier years compared to men. But more men progress to the advanced stages when they reach 40 and above.

Research says that rosacea, commonly characterized by various skin disorders like skin flushing, appearance of reddish or purplish discoloration, permanent enlargements of small blood vessels, and enlarged, red, swollen nose, has become one of the most difficult to manage because of its sporadic nature.

CURING THE DISEASE

Dermatologists, despite having the knowledge in managing the skin disease, still cannot pinpoint the exact cause of rosacea. Theories explain that overexposure to the sun, skin mites, infection with common bacteria, and genetic defects in the arrangement of blood vessels in the skin are some of suspected causes of rosacea.

Although these signs and symptoms are not health hazards, they can be a cause of great discomfort that will eventually lead to loss of self-esteem.

There is no definite cure for rosacea yet, more and more products are created to manage the disease. In fact, dermatologists now recognize a prelude to rosacea called “pre-rosacea” where treatment can be done even before the skin disease is full blown.

Several topical and oral medications like antibiotic creams and gels can help tame bumps and pimples while laser therapy can fade redness and blood vessels are be used and performed to control flushing while lessening skin discoloration and swollen blood vessels. Other prescribed rosacea skin care treatments include steroids, retnoids, and accutane.

Aside from taking these topical and laser treatments, most dermatologists agree that the ultimate rosacea skin care treatment lies on the person’s lifestyles especially on their eating habits.

To avoid the occurrence of rosacea, refrain from eating foods high in B6 and B12 doses, chocolates, tomatoes, garlic, wine, citrus fruits, eggplants, avocadoes, spinach, raisins, figs, bananas, hot beverages, hard liquor, beer, cheeses, yogurts, sour creams, milk, hot sausages, red, black and white peppers, vinegar, paprika, and marinated meats. Reduction of stress levels and direct exposure to sunlight must also be avoided.

For people who suffer from rosacea, it is very important to learn the current and future physiological and psychological effects of apart from focusing too much on the aesthetic aspect. It is also equally important for the rosacea patient to get support and advice from family members and relatives in combating this skin disease.

By: Low Jeremy

Beauty – Common Skin Conditions

admin — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 23:01:52 +0000

Freckles, scars, spots, strange moles, skin cancer – unfortunately, unexpected things happen. And yes, they can happen right on your face, and when they do, they may make you feel embarrassed, unattractive, or self-conscious. Often what plagues you is painfully obvious. Yet sometimes, you may not recognize what’s developing there at the bottom of your right cheek or above your left nostril. Where did it come from? Why did it target you? What can you do about it?

Discoloration

Discoloration is a kind of catchall word referring to any kind of dark spots, splotches, or patches on your skin. Hyperpigmentation is another term and is used interchangeably. Freckles qualify as discoloration, as do melasma and age spots.

Discoloration is caused by an excess of melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. In some people, ultraviolet light, female hormones, and even age can trigger cells to overproduce melanin in odd spots. To avoid creating more discoloration, discontinue birth control pills or estrogen-replacement pills (if you’re on them) and begin using sunscreens. Bleaching products, alpha hydroxy products, retinoids, microbrasion, chemical peels, and laser therapy can also lighten marks.

Cystic acne

The word “acne” is often used as a general term to describe any group of recurring blemishes. Yet a few whiteheads on the chin around your period is a very different thing from a scattering of scarlet nodular blemishes on your face, neck, shoulders, or back. Dermatologists call this cystic, severe, or nodular acne, and if you suffer from it, you know it is not only painful, but deeply embarrassing.

Stress appears to play a significant role in the development of cystic acne. Deep breathing, meditation, and other tension-busting activities can help prevent it.

An acne cyst begins as a pimple deep in the sebaceous gland, where excess sebum and bacteria combine to create an infected nodule. Because this disease (yes, it’s considered a disease) is disfiguring and difficult to treat with over-the-counter products, it is important to see a dermatologist, who may suggest a combination of oral and topical antibiotics, or even Accutane. This is an oral drug that suppresses sebum production: Because Accutane causes severe facial and ear deformities in fetuses, your dermatologist will require you to sign a document stating you will not get pregnant while undergoing treatment with this drug.

Large pores

Large pores are created in two ways. The first is through aggressive squeezing of blackheads and whiteheads, which stretches the pore. The second is heavy sebum production. When the sebaceous gland produces large volumes of sebum, the pore is forced to expand to release the oil and is therefore enlarged.

Unlike normal pores, large pores are visible to people around us. They are also easily clogged with sebum and dead skin cells. At the moment, there is no product or treatment available that can close these pores up to normal size. The best you can do is keep pores debris-free with thorough cleansing, exfoliation, masks, and professional facials – all will help make pores appear slightly smaller.

By: Robin Brain