Oral Care Advice

Japanese skin care has drawn a lot of interest lately.  This is no doubt in response to the noticeable fact that the men and women of Asia seem to retain their youthful looks for far longer than people in other areas of the world.  What is it exactly that they are using in order to look so young?  What are the Japanese skincare secrets?

Hidden Skin Care Secrets Revealed

Consider this:  It may not be so much what they are using on their skin that is producing such a drastic difference in their skin.  It may be more of what they are eating that is preserving their bodies for such a long time.  Let’s take a look at diet as a factor in maintaining youthful looking skin.

Japanese Skin Care Diet

One of the reason that diet plays such a big factor in Japanese skincare is that many of the essential oils and fatty acids that are necessary in order for the skin to stay healthy are in the foods that they eat.  Being an island nation a large part of these people’s lifestyles have revolved around both fish, and sea vegetation.

Secret #1 – Omega-3

Of course everyone knows about the overwhelming health benefits that come from eating foods containing omega-3 fatty acids.  We are always being told that we have to eat fish two to three times per week in order to ensure that our levels of omega-3 are where they need to be in order for us to maintain our healthy bodily functions.

Including a lot of fish in their diets probably plays a huge role in Japanese skincare, but it also plays a role throughout your other organs and tissues also.   That is why it is advised that anyone who can’t eat fish take at least some sort of natural oral omega fatty acid supplement.

Secret #2 – Phytessence Wakame

What many people away from Asia don’t realize is that there is omega-3 in many forms of plants also, green leafy vegetables especially.  The Japanese also eat a lot of these vegetables, along with kelp and seaweed.  It is simply no wonder that these people look as young as they do with all of the fatty acids that they consume.

The same wonders of Japanese skin care are also available to you through either your diet, oral supplements, or through the use of selected skin care products that contain these ingredients.  Many skin care products now contain vegetable oils that will give you high doses of both omega-3 and of antioxidants.

One such company uses a type of sea kelp in their skin care products that can only be found in the Sea of Japan, which the Japanese have for centuries touted as their number one anti aging skin care secret. For more details see author box below.  It raises the level of hyaluronic acid in your skin to levels much higher level than normal for your age group.

2  Japanese Skin Care Secrets Are Now Yours

So, if you want to follow a Japanese skin care regimen be sure to find a product line that contains Phytessence Wakame as an ingredient.  Also supplementing your diet with Omega-3 Fish Oil is a very wise move. Then you to will hold the secret to Asian beauty in your hands. – Margaret Bell

Toenail fungus is a type of skin problem that makes the toenails look dirty and embarrassing. Your feet will also end up smelling bad. Even if this skin condition is not that serious, it does not look nice if your feet are infected with fungus. You cannot wear closed sandals and shoes your entire life because of your skin problem. Besides, it will only make your feet smell even more if you do not find a treatment for toenail fungus. Most skin experts do not prescribe the use of ointments and feet creams, since these do not have much effect on the problem. On the other hand, there are several physicians that prevent their patients from taking oral medications due to side effects. Since your options are limited, the best remedies are found around your surroundings.

While you can use home remedies for nail fungus, there are no specific formulations that you can actually follow. There are also no known standards for coming up with the perfect natural treatment. Some existing treatments for toenail fungus have been formulated by some individuals and have passed their remedies to their friends and families. The following are certain all-natural treatments, which are said to be effective for curing or lessening the growth of toenail fungus.

Tea tree extract – this has been utilized to treat toenail fungus due to the anti-fungal components of its natural oils. Apply drops of the oil on your affected foot daily and rub the product on your skin and nails. You can use a combination of lavender, olive, and almond with this natural remedy.

Antiseptic mouthwash – there are some common mouthwash products that contain antiseptic formulas. Some individuals suffering from toenail fungus use this to treat their condition. If you want to use this to treat your problem, soak your toenails in a bowl of antiseptic mouthwash for several minutes everyday. If you want to make this treatment more effective, you can add in hydrogen peroxide.

Vinegar – has high acidic properties that are said to get rid of the fungus. In order to treat the problem, soak your toenails within a basin of vinegar. Doing this once or twice each day will get rid of your toenail fungus within one week.

Foot powder or baby powder – although these do not serve as a cure for toenail fungus, it will stop further growth of the fungus. Dry skin, brought about by the use of powder, is not a great breeding place for fungi. If you keep your feet dry by using foot powder or common baby powder, you will be able to stop the fungi from affecting the other areas of your feet.

Oil extract from Vitamin E – this antioxidant is said to treat toenail fungus. Aside from eliminating toxins from your body, vitamin E also fights fungus. Rub the oil extract on the affected nails by using a swab of cotton. You can apply the oil several times each week.

Other than these natural remedies, you can keep the fungus from affecting the other areas of your nails by keeping a dry skin. If your feet are prone to sweating, make sure that you keep them dry. Wipe your feet with dry cotton towel each time you wear your shoes. On the other hand, you can buy skin care products.

When it comes to having acne, chances are you will have one of three kinds of acne:  mild acne, moderate acne or severe acne.  Treatments for each type of acme have their own methodology and it is best to make an appointment with a licensed dermatologist rather than take advice from family and friends.  Because what worked for them won’t necessarily work for you.  And you want to be sure that the treatment you use will treat the cause of the problem and make it go away rather than just mask the symptoms. 

In the case of severe acne you should have a dermatologist provide you with a comprehensive acne skin care program that will with minimize the effects or make it go away completely.  Beacuse if not prperly taken care of, severe acne can leave scars that will remain even after the acne has subsided or gone away.

Here are some treatments a dermatologist might recommend depending on which level of acne you have:

Mild Acne Skin Care Treatments

For mild cases of acne the simple act of washing the effected area twice a day with soap and water will produce noticable results.  Some dermatologists prescribe creams containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide which will help to calm down the effected areas.

Moderate Acne Skin Care Treatments

If half your face is covered with whiteheads and blackheads you probably have what would be considered moderate acne.  For moderate forms of acne dermatologists will often prescribe retinoid creams or antimicrobial creams to help get your moderate acne under control.  Some dermatologists will also recommend using oral medications for acne skin care treatment or a combionation of treatments combining topical creams with treatments such as light therapy. It’s important to treat moderate acne promptly since moderate forms of acne can cause scarring if not properly treated by a dermatologist.

Severe Acne Skin Care Treatments

Severe acne typically resemble a cyst and is usually very red and inflamed. By the time acne gets to this stage a lot of harm has probably already been done been done to the skin with a significant amount of scarring already formed. That’s why it’s important not to let acne advance to this stage in the first place if you can avoid it.

If your acne is at the severe level you will probably be given an anti-biotic and a popular medication such as Acutane. 

Because Accutane can cause severe birth defects, including mental retardation and physical malformations, a woman must not become pregnant while taking it. If you are a woman of childbearing age, your doctor will ask you to sign a detailed consent form before you start taking Accutane. If you accidentally become pregnant while taking the medication, you should immediately consult your doctor.

With severe acne you might have to undergo what is known as acne surgery which utilizes drainage techniques. Your dermatologist might also recommend corticosteroid injections or can provide you with another acne skin care treatment that is appropriate for you.

http://www.health-wellness.biz, is a health and wellness site for men and women that offers tips on Acne Treatment Skin Care tips and more.

Yikes, a twisted symphony of horrid, discordant waves of itchy and scratchy dry skin racks my body in random waves of unstoppable irritation. I can’t sleep without a massive effort of will power to suppress the feeling until I fall into the otherwise unaware bliss of peaceful slumber.

It strikes near the beginning of every winter. Unless I find a solution, it will relentlessly attack and ultimately destroy my enjoyment of the otherwise beautiful but wickedly cold season.

How ironic to see the snow knee deep on the ground outside. So much moisture locked up in that vast vault of cold icy inaccessible water. I’m stuck inside unable to sleep because the ache of dry skin torments my very soul. The contrast is maddening.

Tossing and turning, trying to get two seconds of reprieve, is a test of one’s mettle. The onslaught is seemingly eternal. I’ve had enough.

It’s time to get up and take action. This is the first time this winter that I needed to tap into my ultimate weapon.

I walk with great purpose toward the anticipated demise of dry skin. Standing on newspaper, I rub oil onto my skin and let it soak in for about 10 minutes. The oil penetrates, soothes and protects the skin. When it’s over I step into the shower and rinse off the excess.

At the end, I’m free. The freedom to sleep peacefully and with abandon empowers me. Dry skin no longer plagues me.

I first learned this little trick at a yoga seminar. The instructor suggested using sesame seed oil. I’ve found that olive oil works far better. I don’t need that really expensive fancy olive oil that is from the pre-virginal first press either. No. The cheap stuff will do just fine. Save the good stuff for cooking.

I’ve experimented with other kinds of oils. But olive oil has worked the best so far. Never mind that this play must be staged every other night. It is worth the price of admission.

Sleeping without dry, itchy skin is better than a lot of things. It even beats being the victim of severe arm twisting, if you can believe that.

All kidding aside, this little ritual has put an end to dry, itchy skin for me year after year, ever since I learned this secret. It would be nice if we never had to put up with dry, itchy skin, but at least I know what to do about it now.

Some soaps are very drying to the skin and switching soaps can be helpful. Overall, there is little aside from an oil ‘bath’ that has been able to put a stop to the side effects of dry skin for me.

I’ve found that some lotions can have a temporary effect. However, after the second day of an rubbing oil into my skin, I seldom have to worry about dry skin again – so long as I repeat the ritual every other day or so.

Sometimes dry skin is a sign of a more serious condition, so be sure to check with your doctor or dermatologist if you are suffering from dry skin or any other health condition.

David Snape is the author of What You Should Know about Gum Disease – an important book considering that the majority of adults suffer from some form of gum disease. David also answers questions on any health, fitness or wellness topic at his blog: http://tobeinformed.com . David believes in oral irrigation to help fight against gum disease and that the premiere oral irrigation device on the market is the Hydro Floss Oral Irrigator

Disclaimer: This article is for information purposes. It does not intend to provide advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you have or think you have an oral health problem, visit a periodontist for advice, diagnosis and treatment. The USFDA has not evaluated any statements about products in this article.

     Men skin care products are very much available in the market with a wide range to choose from. There are expensive natural skin care for men, and there are reasonably priced. Moreover, you should not limit yourself with the prices alone. Sometimes, even the expensive ones cannot really give all the answers to the issues involved.

     The best way to pick the right men skin care product is to know the most effective skin care ingredients found in men skin care products. In this way, you will not have a hard time. Another important thing to remember is to know what your primary skin problem is. By that, you can distinguish which men skin care products and men skin care ingredients you really need. For example, if your problem is acne, you should look for a men skin care product that is specifically designed for acne treatment.

       During adolescence, sebaceous glands start discharging huge quantities of sebum and carry on all the way through life. Diet and environment also play a major part of acne problem. What you eat and where you are tends to facilitate the cause of acne. Most of all, it is all in the genes. Genetic predisposition is the major reason.

     You can treat acne by using a kind of skin cleansers, which removes skin cells or exfoliates, maintaining follicles open. Glycolic acids or peroxide is the main ingredient of over the counter men skin care products. It helps avoid clog formation. Furthermore, exfoliating the skin assists in peeling away dead skin cells. A number of non-prescription gels, lotions, creams, and other acne products, which help cleanse and exfoliate the skin, have two familiar ingredients:

     Benzoyl peroxide. It wipes out bacteria, which can get into follicles and generate infection.

     Salicylic acid. Another name for salicylic acid is glycolic acid, which helps unclog pores. It is recommended for everyday use for better results. While benzoyl sounds like a very chemical ingredient it does play an important role in natural skin care for men as it helps to achieve healthy skin that is free from harmful bacteria.

     A dermatologist prescribes other treatment if these products do not help:

     Antibiotics. It helps manage bacteria. You can take it orally or you can rub it onto your skin.

     Vitamin A derivatives. It is also known as retinoid, which unclog pores, and helps maintain the pores free from dirt and bacteria.  When it comes to natural skin care for men there is nothing better than good old vitamins!

     Anti-inflammatory medication. Known as corticosteroid, this can be injected directly into an inflamed pustule to control severe outbreaks.

     There are also ingredients in natural skin care for men. These products contain only the natural ingredients that were proven effective.

     Phytessence Wakame. An extract of kelp from the Japanese Sea is an antioxidant. This also prevents the collapse of hyaluronic acid in our skin. The elasticity of your skin will be restored with regular use. It also helps repair and calm irritated and dry skin.  

     Nano-Lipobelle H EQ10. This removes free radicals from the skin and has an anti-wrinkle effect because of its antioxidant property called coenzyme Q10, which penetrates through all the layers of the skin. Antioxidants are found in products used in natural skin care for men as well as in several fruits we should eat on a daily basis.   

     Kaolin. An extract of clay from the foothills of the New Zealand Alps pulls dirt gently and removes excess oil. It has disinfectant properties that heal imperfections and inflammation and at the same time, it prevents new blemishes to appear.  This ingredient is also found in quality products used in natural skin care for men.

Some people believe that if a skin care product or cosmetic is on the shelf, it must have been approved for use. This is not the case. There are many products that have potentially hazardous ingredients.

I have to admit, until recently I did not realize just how harmful some cosmetics are. In addition to it being the largest organ in our body, the skin readily absorbs whatever we put on it, so therefore it only makes sense to use products that do not have harmful chemicals.

Are you wondering if the skin care products or cosmetics you have are potentially hazardous? Well there is a way to find out, and if what you are using is unacceptable, you can find products that are harmless.

There is a web site called cosmetics data base that lists over 30,000 skin care products. You can do a search by either product or company name. You can do searches on skin care, baby products, oral care, eye and nail products and hair care as well.

The ingredients in the products are listed, as well as rated on how potentially hazardous they are. The ratings are 0-2 which is low, then 3-6 is medium, and 7-10 is very high.

If you find a product or products you are using rates high and you would like to replace it, the site gives you safe alternatives that you can choose from.

This is an absolutely great resource for those who are concerned about skin care, and want to use products that are totally safe. Although you will find many products right quite high on the hazardous scale, it’s great to see the increase of safer ones, as consumers become more educated to this.

To check out your skin care or cosmetics you can visit this site at http://cosmeticsdatabase.org

Since acne is most visible as blackheads, whiteheads, redness and swelling around the lesions or skin pores where the bacteria known as P. acnes is congregated, appropriate acne care must be targeted to eliminating the physical signs.  Perhaps just as importantly, the best way to treat the lesions associated with acne is to prevent them from occurring.  A combination of treatment methods is often the most successful practice, but your dermatologist should be consulted to determine your best treatment regimen. It is important to take action and to follow the instructions of the medical professional rather than hoping that you will outgrow the problem.

Importance of Action

Regardless of the type of acne that you have diagnosed, taking action to begin the process of healing is important.  Prompt and aggressive acne care is more likely to provide positive results.  The big guns don’t have to be brought to bear against a mild outbreak of acne, but you should take note of it and use appropriate measures to limit its severity and spread. In this way, you are less likely to find the need of more extensive treatment in the future. Acne doesn’t have to be a nightmare of embarrassment and discomfort.

Daily Cleansing Routine

No matter what type of acne you have developed, a daily cleansing routine should be part of your acne care practices. A mild product that will gently remove oil, dirt and dead skin cells from the surface of the skin will help to improve skin health.  The cleansing agent should not contain abrasives.  A product that contains salicylic acid is a good direction to go for positive results. Salicylic acid helps to reduce excess secretions from the sebaceous glands so that blockage of the follicle is eliminated. This occurs without excess drying of the skin.

Medications

Acne care that works is improved by various types of medications.  There are oral medications and topical medications that are given quite commonly to reduce the population of acne related bacteria. Usually, topical medications are prescribed for many types of acne that are mild to moderate in severity or that are sporadic in appearance.  On the other hand, oral antibiotics may be necessary when the acne symptoms are severe or long lasting so that they are resistant to less aggressive treatments. The purpose of most medical and light treatments is to deal with the bacteria level to make the acne outbreaks less likely.

Surgical Intervention

Finally, if there are still residual effects such as scars or thickened skin as a result of acne, you can expand the acne care to remove scars with the use of surgical techniques.  These methods can include dermabrasion or cosmetic surgery.  The procedures are usually done on an outpatient basis by qualified dermatologists or cosmetic surgeons. The cost and the complexity of the procedure will depend upon the severity of the acne condition and type of procedure selected. This type of procedure is usually chosen to help improve the appearance, which in turn is a boost to the self esteem.

Looking for some all natural healthy skin care recipes? The effective ones depend on your overall goal. Let’s start with cleansing.

Orange oil is an effective cleanser, although it is not possible to extract the oil from the peel, at home. Colloidal oatmeal is a good and soothing cleanser, but that’s not what’s found in your box of Quaker oats.

Tea tree oil, witch hazel and manuka honey have antibacterial and antioxidant activity. But, you can’t make any of those at home, either. You can order active manuka honey from New Zealand, but it is intended to be taken orally or applied to injuries and covered with a band-aid. In order for it to work as a general cleanser, it must be dehydrated and then added to emollients. Again, that’s something that you can’t do at home.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m a fan of safe skincare solutions, it’s just that most of the all natural healthy skin care recipes that you see on the internet are unlikely to be beneficial or effective. I believe in avoiding artificial preservatives, added fragrances and dyes, as well as petrochemicals, because many of them contribute to our cancer risk.

I also believe in letting the experts develop my skincare solutions. I just don’t rely on the cosmetic industry, anymore. They are experts in making big profits, but not taking care of the skin’s health.

I found a company, located in beautiful New Zealand that is an expert on caring for the skin’s health and delaying or reducing the signs of advancing age. They have the best all natural healthy skin care recipes.

The ingredients that they use include active manuka honey, witch hazel, avocado oil, Shea butter, coenzyme Q10, vitamin E, wakame kelp, olive oil, capuacu butter, vitamin B5, grape seed oil, jojoba oil and a bio-active form of keratin.

All of these provide unique benefits for the skin’s health and some are best designed for use during the day, others at night. Some are important only for men, while others are important for both sexes. But, if they are not properly formulated, they will not provide any benefit at all.

For example, coenzyme Q10 and vitamin E solutions are effective antioxidants, but if they are not specifically emulsified for use on the skin, they won’t penetrate. I have seen all natural healthy skin care recipes that promote the use of orange juice, because of its antioxidant activity. Orange juice won’t penetrate, either.

The skin is practically waterproof. If an ingredient is to be beneficial to the skin’s cells, it must be able to get through that waterproof barrier. You and I simply do not have the technology in our kitchens to prepare these solutions.

Bottom line, it would be hard to find something beneficial that has not been modified in some way. If you want something effective, look for a company that has their own all natural healthy skin care recipes and use their products. That’s your best bet.

To learn more about vitamins for healthy skin, and other incredible natural substances for natural healthy skin care, visit my website today.

The Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline for neonatal skin care, including a Neonatal Skin Condition Scale (NSCS), has been validated by the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) and the National Association of Neonatal Nurses (NANN). Within the Guidelines, the use of emollients is recommended for infants less than 32 weeks during the first 2-4 weeks. For infants younger than 30 weeks, gestational age emollient use is recommended to reduce excessive transepidermal water loss (e-TEWL).

Over a period spanning three decades, the handling of neonates has radically changed and the new guidelines highlight this growth and development. However, this area of skin care has lagged behind. One concern that remains is the issue of the toxic effects of ingredients found in water-based products like preservatives and fragrances. While it is possible that these may be toxic, this article will present evidence that the current skin care products that contain petrolatum and lanolin may be more toxic and potentially harmful. Further, using a product that is not preserved, yet occlusive, may in fact allow for microorganisms in colony forming units to multiply, thereby yielding systemic implications. The purpose of this article is to further illuminate these issues and to allow for greater understanding and discussion.

Skin is the largest organ of the body and provides protection between the body and its environment. In term babies, while there may be issues related to skin breakdown and infection, the stratum corneum is fully developed and protects the newborn. In contrast, the skin and skin barrier of a preterm neonate is not fully developed.

The skin of a premature neonate accounts for approximately thirteen (13) percent of its body weight. This compares to three (3) percent of body weight for adult skin. The body weight to skin ratio is four (4) times greater in the neonate when compared to an adult. As related specifically to skin care, these characteristics in neonate skin call into account:

• Fluid imbalances

• Percutaneous absorption of toxins

• Tissue injury

• Infection

The structure of adult skin is understood, while embryonic and neonate skin is not fully appreciated. Development of the skin within the uterus is complex and still under investigation. In utero, the skin undergoes two-dimensional growth to cover the surface area of the developing embryo and fetus. Premature neonate’s skin has not gone through full epidermal and dermal epidermal development.

In neonatal intensive care units (NICU) skin care product selection is carefully reviewed. With the risks outlined above, great care must be taken to ensure the wellbeing of the neonate within the first hours and days of life. Care of the skin is one of the most important areas of care for these at risk infants. Currently, NANN and AWHONN recommended a Aquaphor?, a petrolatum-based product as neonate skin care emollient.

In earlier work done at Stanford University, it was concluded that emollient cream moisturizer therapy of premature neonates decreases dermatitis without changing the microbiological flora. An emollient is an agent that softens or soothes skin. This definition is important because just as the standard-of-care has changed in NICUs over the past three decades, the selection of emollients has changed in the pharmaceutical industry.

High-tech silicone excipients have displaced petrolatum as companies have sought ways to improve treatment compliance traced to poor aesthetics associated with petrolatum-based formulations. Silicones are not new to the pharmaceutical industry. They are used in transdermal delivery systems, catheters and specialized medical devices, including pacemakers.

In a test to determine aesthetic benefits of silicone formulas over petrolatum-based formulas, 18 untrained volunteers were impaneled. They were asked to evaluate whether two products present any differences on individual sensory properties. The evaluation was conducted on the panelist’s forearms. Each panelist was asked to evaluate wetness, spreadability, speed of absorbance (not biologically, just feel), gloss, film residue, greasiness, silkiness and slip after perceived absorbance.

Figure I shows the silicone-containing formulation was perceived to be easier to spread and was clearly less tacky before and after absorption. A perceptible film was present on the skin for both formulations but the silicone-containing formulation was less greasy, silkier and more slippery (better lubrication) than petrolatum. The panelist’ perception of higher wetness for the silicone-containing formulation was attributed to its lower oiliness.

In a study conducted at a 48-bed NICU private hospital in Houston, Texas, to evaluate why the rate of systemic candidiasis (SC) per 1000 NICU patient-days increased from 5.1% in 1996 to17.4% in 1997 (a three-fold increase), it was determined that the increase in SC incidences was linked to the use of topical petrolatum ointment (TPO). In this well designed study, the investigators went on to hypothesize that TPO enhanced the adherence of C albicans to mucocutaneous surfaces. Also referenced in the study was a finding by Law S, et al, that unlike petrolatum, skin surface lipids inhibit adherence of candida albicans to stratum corneum.

By way of further examination, let’s more closely examine these two hypotheses. As observed in the Houston study, petrolatum enhanced adherence of C albicans to mucocutaneous surfaces. Petrolatum is known as an occlusive barrier. Occlusion is problematic because while it blocks TEWL, it also blocks cellular respiration necessary for barrier repair. Further, occlusion traps microorganisms under the petrolatum where they can breed in the moisture trapped therein. On the other hand, natural skin lipids, like omega 3-6 fatty acids, inhibit adherence of microorganisms to the stratum corneum.

Studies linking petrolatum to increased incidences of infections in preterm infants is ongoing and demonstrates mixed results. However, long term studies reflect a concern over the use of TPO protocols in NICUs. Petrolatum based ointments, like Aquaphor’s? twenty five year old formula, are the emollients of choice in NICUs. When one considers the changes in the standards of care in NICUs over the past three decades, perhaps now is the time to focus on new technologies in emollients that achieve skin care objectives without the aesthetic, epidermal challenges renders skin vulnerable to chemicals & infection, prevents normal TEWL & gland secretions, inhibits barrier repair, suppresses barrier recovery and reduces the epidermal proliferative response and microbial risk disadvantages of petrolatum.

To demonstrate the effectiveness of high products using molecular height silicones against petrolatum, Nutrashield TM was tested in a wash-off study against Aquaphor? and other leading skin barriers to determine each product’s ability to maintain skin protection after cleansing. As shown in Figure II, Nutrashield performed well against Aquaphor?, and did so while providing a breathable barrier instead of the occlusive barrier associated with Aquaphor? (a lanolin and petrolatum-based product). In clinical trials Nutrashield has proven effective in the treatment of skin breakdown in disordered and damaged skin, encountered in the wound care setting, as compared to previously available products.

Based on the above results, Medline Nutrashield outperforms products containing petrolatum levels as high as 49%, and petrolatum combined with 15% Zinc Oxide. Additionally, both Sensi-Care 2 and Sween 24 also contain Dimethicone as an active ingredient (Sween at 6% versus 1% in the Nutrashield). The extended performance of the Nutrashield is most likely due to the addition of Divinyldimethicone/ Dimethicone Copolymer, which has an internal phase viscosity that is greater than 100,000,000 cst in viscosity. As it is delivered in an emulsion form, it is capable of laying down a thin, but consistent and robust film.

An in-vitro study at an independent laboratory was conducted, to determine the effectiveness of Nutrashield and Skin Repair Cream in reducing e-TEWL. Collagen samples were cut into 4×4 inch squares. Each square was pre-coated with 0.1 g of product. The product was applied by rubbing a finger over the collagen material to simulate actual use for a 20 second period. The product was then allowed to dry for five minutes. Each square was placed over Fisher Payne Permeability Cups, containing 3g of water. The samples were placed in a 37 degree oven and checked every four (4) hours. After 24 hours the cups were removed and a final weight was recorded.

Figure III shows that both REMEDY Nutrashield and REMEDY Skin Repair Cream were effective at reducing e-TEWL without occlusion. Nutrashield provided a fourfold reduction in e-TEWL over the control, while Skin Repair Cream showed a twofold improvement. The objective of topical skin care intervention is not to stop all TEWL, just excessive TEWL.

Skin care for neonates is an emerging science. But, since the reduced risk of infant mortality is paramount, improved emollient treatments deserve thoughtful consideration. Skin care for the high-risk neonate requires knowledge of the unique aspects and physiology of their skin. During the neonatal period many newborns develop preventable, clinically apparent skin problems and many more, especially preterm neonates, experience morbidity caused by compromised skin barrier integrity. Anatomical and physiological differences in the skin of premature and term infants place them at increased risk of skin injury and breakdown. All Children’s Hospital, St. Petersburg, FL, sent out a questionnaire to 482 NICU’s to learn how nurses describe and measure skin breakdown. Of the 45% that responded, it was reported that in extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants, 21% suffered skin breakdown during the first week of life.

The reduction of microbial contamination and the protection against skin breakdown has been discussed. Another critical factor is TEWL associated with immature barrier in neonates is the rate of TEWL. A Swedish study calculated TEWL in infants 24 and 25 weeks of gestation maintained at an ambient relative humidity (RH) of 50%. The study found that TEWL on the first day after birth (58.4 +/-14.8g m(-2) h(-1) and remained at the same level during the second day. It then decreased significantly to 48.3+/-9.5 at postnatal age of day three. The use of a semipermeable skin care product like Nutrashield will reduce excessive TEWL by as much as fourfold.

Semipermeable dressings have been tested as a method to reduce TEWL in neonates to address skin breakdown and high fluid requirements common in ELBW infants. The studies revealed that semipermeable (breathable) barriers can be used safely on premature infants.

The use of ingredients perceived as “toxic” to neonates has limited the choices within the NICUs. Much of the literature points to preservatives and fragrances as falling into the “do-not-use” category. Both are found in the REMEDY products. Consideration of the potential toxicity of ingredients found in the “recommended” products may not have been fully clarified. This is interesting when one considers that lanolin and petrolatum, forming an occlusive barrier, are recommended. Let’s take a closer look at what is being recommended:

Lanolin originates as a secretion from the sebaceous glands in sheepskin. It is removed from the wool by scouring and high-speed centrifugal separators. Lanolin has had 33 alcohols and 36 fatty acids identified as constituents including aliphatic, steroid and triterpinoid alcohols; saturated nonhydroxylated, unsaturated nonhydroxylated and hydroxhlated acid. Commercial lanolin is allowed to have up to 40 parts per million (ppm) pesticide residues. However, it is not clear who monitors for this compliance.

Animal medicines, which include sheep dips for controlling lice and other parasites on sheep, are regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). One of the common sheep dip ingredients is organochlorine (OC). This pesticide is based on the benzene ring with one or more chloride atoms attached and includes; DDT, lindane, dieldrin and aldrin. Other sheep dip pesticides include; synthetic pyrethroids, insect growth regulators, spinosyns, ivermectins and magnesium fluorosilicate. In 1994 in Wagga, NSW, a team of shearers successfully sued woolgrowers for allegedly endangering their health by improperly using chemicals. Shearers are becoming more aware of the potential risks associated with exposure to chemicals (sheep dip), particularly organophosphate group which can cause a serious nervous disorder.

There are about 26 pesticide residues found in commercial lanolin. The combined effect of pesticides acting by a common mechanism can be greater than the individual effect of any single pesticide. Since children are subject to non-dietary sources (like lanolin) of exposure pesticides, it is important to consider total exposure to pesticides from all sources combined. Nine hundred and ninety eight (989) references to lanolin and DDT were found in a Google search, April 2005.

La Leche League International is an important advocate for breastfeeding and their commitment has assured thousands of infants receive the vital nutrients found in colostrum and mother’s milk. While the organization acknowledges that toxins from the environment, including pesticides, show up in breast milk, the benefits outweigh the risks. However, the organization does recommend against topical use of commercial lanolin because of its pesticide content.

Petrolatum is a crude oil/petroleum fraction. Petroleum is a complicated mixture of chemicals, thought to have formed from the decay of ancient marine animals millions of years ago. Most of the constituents of petroleum are hydrocarbon molecules, oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur atoms. The hydrocarbon atoms take principally four different forms; paraffins, olefins, cycloparaffins and aromatics. These constituents give us gasoline, kerosene, diesel fuel, lubricating oils (like mineral oil), petrolatum, asphalt and tar, to name a few.

During the manufacturing process, longer unbranched paraffin molecules are able to join together to form crystalline solids. These solids are called paraffin waxes. With time, paraffin waxes settle out of the lubricating oils and are usually removed. At lower temperatures, shorter unbranched paraffin molecules also settle out of lubrication oil. The semi-solid material that forms in cold lubricating oil is petrolatum or petroleum jelly.

The processing of petroleum into petrolatum removes varying amounts of toxins. The yellowish petrolatum has more residue than that of the white petrolatum. Two of the refining methods include sulphuric acid and earth filtering. The acid treatment and filtering is an old process still used to remove the impurities of the “cake” (petrolatum + technical oils). Another purification method is hydrogenation which pressurizes hydrogen through the hydrocarbons with the help of a specific catalyst.

Once one understands the source of petrolatum and why there is a risk of toxins, one must move on to a biologically more concerning issue. Petrolatum is occlusive. In an article by Fore, it was found that the degree of skin occlusion has an effect on barrier recovery. Occlusive products suppress barrier recovery and reduce the epidermal proliferative response to an abnormal stratum corneum barrier. An occlusive product, like petrolatum, will prevent TEWL and will slow the epidermal maturation and barrier repair. Occlusion of the skin increases the infectious organisms, potentially raising the skin’s pH. Occlusion will also directly increase the pH of the skin. Occlusive products also interfere with cellular respiration and may lead to cell death.

This information presents a powerful message that one may want to rethink the use of lanolin and petrolatum on neonate skin. The use of modern emollients like silicone, combined with natural omega 3-6 fatty acids, barrier-building amino acids and natural antioxidants and vitamins may deserve another look. Water-based skin care products are required by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to be preserved. This keeps them free of bacteria and protects the products from contamination when microorganisms from sources (like unclean hands) contaminate the product in the container as well as during use.

The requirement of preservatives and their use is not well understood. Preservatives are not optional in accordance with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) monographs covering the manufacturing of “Safe and Effective Drugs” or cosmetics. A manufacturer is required to perform a twenty eight (28) day preservative effectiveness challenge on its products and maintain a record of such testing for FDA inspections. Further, each batch requires proof that the batch meets microbial challenge requirements. Batches are tested in the tank, prior to filling, and then again at the beginning, middle and end of the filling process. This testing is done to ensure each product shipped is free of microbial contamination.

Since the use and safety of preservatives, especially parabens is under consideration in this article, comments from three regulating bodies are brought forward for consideration.

• The FDA recognizes parabens as a class of preservatives that have been used in a wide variety of foods, drugs, and cosmetics and that they keep products safe from microbial contamination. The Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act require that cosmetics and non-prescription drugs and their individual ingredients must be safe and that labeling must be truthful and not misleading. The FDA can take immediate action to stop the sale of any product that does not meet its high standards. This includes the use of an effective preservative system.

• The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has reviewed the use of parabens in food and other products. The European Union (EU) Scientific Committee for Food (SCF) evaluated parabens in 1994 and established a temporary Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) of 0-10mg/kg bw, as the sum of methyl, ethyl and propyl parabens. Further study also demonstrated that nooestrogenic activity took place in-vivo, and that there was no effect on forestomach cells in rats. In a teratogenicity study on 300 rabbits with oral does of methyl paraben, at doses of 550 mg/kg, no evidence of toxicity was found. The panel recognized that this dose far exceeded any anticipated oral dose.

• The Cosmetic, Toiletries, Fragrance Association (CTFA) is the body in the United States and through its Scientific Review Board, reviews all new cosmetic ingredients and assigns their INCI nomenclature (the required language found on packaging for all ingredients). The CTFA first studied the safety of parabens in 1984 and concluded they were safe as used in cosmetics. On November 14, 2004, as part of the normal re-review process, the CIR Expert Panel determined that it wanted to conduct a through review of the literature since the previous report in 1984. The safety of parabens has been once again reconfirmed.

Why then can there be a product that is not preserved? It is best that all products have some protection. However, some products that do not contain water can pass the challenge because microorganisms breed in water. Testing is done without the introduction of water. Consider this: a) an unpreserved product is placed on the skin, b) the product is occlusive, like petrolatum, c) the skin and its moisture, due to TEWL, contains microorganisms that are multiplying and trapped between the occlusive barrier and the skin, d) the skin care product on the skin is not preserved and now, e) a microorganism-rich moisture is being added. What are the consequences? Is there a systemic link and what is the potential sequela?

Toxins will be introduced to the neonate’s environment. They will come from mother’s milk, linens, clothing, human contact and a myriad of other sources. Careful consideration must always be given to the source of toxins and how multiple sources of them will impact the neonate. Product preservatives and fragrance are but two of these sources. The protection against e-TEWL and reducing the risks of systemic infections are worth considering when making neonate skin care choices.

Nutrashield from Medline Industries, Inc. is a semipermeable emollient barrier cream that:

• has excellent wash-off characteristics

• may reduce the incidence of colony forming microorganisms in the neonate population associated with petrolatum

• offers excellent aesthetic benefits including spreadability.

Additional creams and lotions in the REMEDY product line provide semipermeable barriers and nourish the skin37. Further research is necessary to confirm the product’s suitability in NICUs.

Article by Darlene McCord, Ph.D.

Boy did I learn a valuable lesson! When it comes to facial health care and acne; clear skin lesions, prevent further breakouts and keep the pores open are the primary goals. There’s lots of research about how to accomplish those goals. Some of the treatment plans are new. Others are ancient.

One of the treatments that I find most interesting is based on light. They call it “phototherapy”. The results are as good or better than, those achieved with standard treatments such as benzoyl peroxide and there are no negative side effects. It works like this.

The patient has regular exposure to special lighting, which is free of UV rays, designed specifically for this purpose. Twice weekly exposure has been shown to reduce lesions by about 64%. Results are even better when the treatment is applied daily. The short wavelengths of visible light cause the production of free radicals within the P-acne bacteria. Eventually, the free radicals kill the bacteria.

If you are interested in this kind of care and acne clear skin lesions, you should consult your dermatologist. The treatment method has been approved by the US FDA and is considered safe, since no UV light is employed.

One of the claims made by tanning salons is that it is beneficial for the skin. But, when it comes to acne, sunlight exposure actually worsens the condition over the long term. Spending 5 or 10 minutes in the sun, per day is enough to get your daily dose of vitamin D, but longer exposures can increase your risk of skin cancer. Sunlight is beneficial for treating conditions, such as psoriasis.

One of the oldest plans for facial health care and acne clear skin lesions is the application of honey. This old treatment plan has received some new interest, because scientists have learned that enzymes in honey have natural antibacterial activity. Some varieties have more activity than others. Active Manuka Honey is believed to be the most effective. It is available in raw form and has been dehydrated to mix with emollients, so that it can be easily and regularly applied.

Oral antibiotics are sometimes prescribed to treat severe cases, but there are many unwanted side effects. There is a possible risk of permanent liver damage. There is also a problem, because the p-acne bacteria become resistant to the antibiotics over time. So, the oral antibiotics are only effective on the short term.

For long term care and acne clear skin lesions, the best choices are natural antibacterial creams and phototherapy. You may also want to avoid exposure to chlorinated water. A showerhead filter can be beneficial for that purpose.

Avoid compounds such as petrolatum, petroleum jelly, paraffin wax and mineral oil, because they clog the pores. You’ll have to check the ingredients labels on your sun-tan lotion, shampoo, cleansers, shaving cream and other personal care products, because they commonly contain ingredients that will clog the pores.

Bottom line, research has also been conducted concerning dietary factors for skin care and acne clear skin lesions. But, getting rid of the bacteria seems to be the most effective treatment.

Visit my site to learn about more amazing natural skin care ingredients for beautiful skin that you have probably never heard of.