Exercise and the Skin

Thanksgiving was great, right?  The turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes, stuffing, dinner rolls, pumpkin pie.  It tasted so delicious, I inhaled it all.  But by the end of the meal, we all were laying back in our chairs, too full to move.  Belts were loosed, and waistbands groaned at the force of our bloated bellies.  I decided not to wait for New Year's - my resolution was happening early.  It was time to start a running routine.

The benefits of exercise for your heart, muscles, and bones are indisputable.  As I puffed along Turnberry circle, I started thinking about how exercise benefits skin, as well.

Sweat it out
When we run, bike, box, step, zumba, or spin, we sweat.  Sweat functions to cool our body off, but it also flushes and rids the skin of toxins, such as free radicals.  The increase in blood flow delivers more oxygen and nutrients to the skin, as well.  But if sweat sits around on the skin, bacteria can follow.  For people with acne prone skin, cleaning your face/chest/back right after your workout, and removing sweaty clothing can help prevent a breakout.

Say ohm
There's no doubt about it: exercise reduces stress levels.  And if you haven't heard by now, too much stress is not a good thing.  Higher levels of cortisol (increased in stress) can worsen many medical conditions, including skin: eczema, psoriasis, acne, hives, etc.  (See my post on stress and the skin for more information).  Increased cortisol levels may also be linked to increased sebum and oil production, making acne worse.  Keeping levels low through diet, exercise, and breathing may help improve your skin's appearance and overall health.

Dimples
No, not the ones on the face.  I'm talking cellulite.  While nothing has been proven to get rid of it completely, tightening muscles and toning can improve the appearance of legs and derrier. 

But a caveat--  Exercising outside means sun exposure.  Avoiding peak hours (10 am - 3 pm), wearing a broad spectrum sunscreen, and sun protective clothing are all vital to help prevent skin cancers and sun damage. 

So who's joining me for a jog?

You look tired...

Nothing says “I’m tired,” quite like dark, hollow, undereye circles.  “I’m fine,” you insist.  “I got a full night of sleep!”  Your friend looks at your with sympathetic eyes.  “Mmm, hmmm, riiiiight.  Poor thing…” she coos. 

The truth is, sleep (or lack there of) is only one factor contributing to the appearance of hollows under the eyes.  Genetics, allergies, broken blood vessels, and volume loss all play a role.  Although this is a difficult area to treat, there are things that help.

Hollows in the “tear trough” area (the area between the eye and upper cheek) can be improved by replacing volume with filler.  Hylauronic acid fillers, such as Restylane, Juvederm, and Perlane, work well in this area because they are softer fillers.  They are injected deep to restore volume from bone and fat loss.  Deep injections prevent lumps from being seen.  These filler last about 9 months to a year.  Although they improve the hollow, filler won’t do much for the dark color.  Fillers have FDA approval to be used in naso-labial folds.

Eye creams help to hydrate the underye area and temporarily plump the area.  Hyaluronic acid creams fill in fine lines.  Creams with caffeine, like RevaleSkin Replenishing Eye Therapy, help to constrict the area, reducing puffiness.  One of my favorites is the TNS Essential Illuminating Eye Serum, which contains growth factors and antioxidants.  The growth factors have been scientifically proven to stimulate collagen.  Creams can be kept in the refrigerator and then applied; the cold helps to further constrict blood vessels.

If seasonal allergies are an issue, taking a daily non-drowsy antihistamine can help.  Sleeping propped up on two pillows helps decrease fluid accumulation beneath the eyes.  Compresses with chamomile tea can be soothing.

Finally, with any skin condition, taking care of your overall health is essential.  Sleeping a full eight hours, eating a healthy diet rich in antioxidants (green tea, vitamin C, vitamin E, resveratrol, acai, blackberry, etc), exercise, and stress relieving activites (yoga, breathing) are vital to a youthful, energized, beautiful, you!

Winter skin

Just as we change our clothing with the changes in weather, the cooler temperatures also call for changes in our skin care regimen.  Crisp outside air, blowing wind, and indoor heat can lead to chapped lips, cracked hands, and dry skin.  Keeping your skin well hydrated can help prevent these with a few easy changes to your regimen.

Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize: can’t say it enough.  Keep a tube of cream in your purse or pocket.  I like Eucerin, Cerave, and Cetaphil creams for over-the-counter brands.  For creams available in physician’s offices, Lipikar by La Roche Posay is very hydrating.  Many people use lotions, but often, the alcohol found in formulations can be drying.  Also, fragranced products can be irritating and drying, as well.  Toss the "violet lavender rose summer blossoms bouquet" scented lotion.

Harsh soaps can play a role in stripping the skin of its protective lipids.   Mild, fragrance-free cleansers, like Dove and Cetaphil are great.  Avoid using very hot water in the shower, which actually can dry the skin.  Moisturize as soon as coming out of the shower, while skin is still moist.

Fragrances are hidden in other places, too.  Strong detergents can often cause dry skin and rashes.  Perfume-free clothing detergents are a better way to go.  And avoid using dryer sheets in the dryer, which can also irritate skin.  People with sensitive skin also are often irritated by wool, so wearing a cotton shirt under the sweater, or avoiding wool all together can help.

Lips are sensitive to temperature changes.  Constantly licking lips actually dries the lips further, and saliva can be irritating to the skin surounding the lips, causing "lip licker's dermatitis."  I've said it before, and I'll say it again: forget dogs, Aquaphor is man's best friend.  It's perfect for moisturizing cracked heels, dry elbows, lips, and pretty much anywhere else.  That goes for kids' skin, too, which can be extra sensitive, especially if Junior has eczema (see the eczema post for more info on that condition).

Winter's here, folks, so pull on your Missoni for Target hats and mittens and enjoy - just make sure your skin stays hydrated and soft underneath! 

Trick or Treat

Happy Halloween! Time for candy, decorations, and cute little painted faces. Everyone has heard the urban myths of razor blades in unwrapped candies, but what could possibly be dangerous about painting a colorful butterfly on your little one’s face?

According to a 2009 report titled Pretty Scary: Could Halloween Face Paint Cause Lifelong Health Problems? by the U.S.-based Campaign for Safer Cosmetics, many kids face paint products labeled as “non-toxic” actually contained toxic products. Ten out of 10 face-paint products tested contained lead. Six of 10 contained metals such as nickel, cobalt and/or chromium at higher-than-recommended levels, which commonly cause allergic contact dermatitis. Lead poisoning, we all know, is harmful for brain and nervous system development.

Face paint may cause other skin problems, as well. For children prone to acne, thick makeup may exacerbate or trigger breakouts and clog pores. Other ingredients in the makeup may irritate the skin or cause allergic reactions.

So what’s a health conscious parent to do? Check ingredients of face paint carefully. If you’re unsure, skip it. Many websites have homemade makeup recipes using natural ingredients.

I’m planning on dressing my little girl as a butterfly princess (sans face paint). Have a safe and fun Halloween filled with treats!

Halloween Cosmetic Procedures

Halloween is that time of year when little ones get to dress up as whatever they want... animals, princesses, ghosts and goblins.  While costumes like Dr. Spock and Donald Duck are adorable on kids, adults can look downright frightening- especially when these looks result from cosmetic procedures.

Dr. Spock: you may have liked watching Star Trek on tv, but that doesn't mean you want your eyebrows to belong on the show.  The "Dr. Spock" occurs when more Botox or Dysport is injected into the middle of the forehead than the sides.  As Botox and Dysport stop muscle movement, the middle portion of the forehead doesn't move, but the sides are able to raise up, lifting the outside portions of the eyebrows with it, and Voila!  Beam me up, Scotty.  Even placement of the neurotoxin helps prevent this and results in a much more natural look.

Ducks: specifically, duck lips.  These usually occur when either too much filler is placed in the lips, and/or the filler is placed without following the natural shape and contour of the lips.  The most natural-looking enhanced lips happen when the normal anatomy of lips is respected.  The upper lip is smaller than the lower lip - usually in a ratio of 1/3 to 2/3.  The lip is not the same thickness all the way across it.  Usually, it is thinner on the sides, and has two fuller "pillows" on the top lip, and three "pillows" on the lower lip.  Some people have a more prominent cupid's bow than others.  Following these landmarks and filling with the natural shape of the lip prevents the dreaded "Donald Duck" lip. 

Thanks to modern medicine, it's easier than ever to use non-invasive cosmetic treatments like Botox/Dysport, fillers, and lasers to get subtle, natural looking results.  But make sure you see a board certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon with cosmetic experience... and leave the costumes for October 31st!
   

those hangy neck things

Almost daily, I see someone complaining of "those hangy things" on their neck, in their armpits, in the groin, on eyelids.  They're annoying - they catch on necklaces, shirt collars, and become inflamed from rubbing.  What are those things, anyway? 

They're called achrochordons, or skin tags.  They can be brown, tan, or skin-colored.   And while they may be bothersome to the patient, they're actually totally benign.  Skin tags are more common in middle-aged and older people, as well as in female and obese people - but anyone can get one. 

Pregnant ladies may notice that they become larger or get more of them - which is normal.  Since these are benign growths, they don't have to be treated - and insurance usually won't cover their removal.  They can be snipped with scissors, burned with a little cautery, or frozen with liquid nitrogen.  What treatment modality is used usually depends on location, the number of lesions, and the appearance of surrounding skin.  Usually the tag doesn't return, but it doesn't guarantee that more won't appear.  Just a caveat -  it's always important to have a dermatologist check you from head to toe- they are the experts in deciding what is benign and what needs a biopsy.  And any skin spot that changes, bleeds, or itches should be check right away!

So if those "hangy neck things" are annoying, see a dermatologist- a quick treatment can leave you "hangy neck thing" free!

Pedi Problems

Who doesn’t love a great manicure and pedicure?  The hot, bubbling water soaking your tired, overworked feet… the relaxing massage and great smelling scrubs… the fabulous new Chanel color on your nails… the boils and scars from bacteria- wait, WHAT?

Sad, but true.  Unsafe practices such as unsanitized tools and contaminated foot baths can put you at risk for fungal, bacterial, and atypical mycobacterial infections, and theoretically, hepatitis.

In October 2000, a study was performed in northern California, where the first known outbreak of Mycobacterium fortuitum skin infections were acquired from whirlpool footbaths at a nail salon.  Over 100 pedicure customers had boils on the lower legs that left scars. The bacteria was found in the area behind the screen of the recirculation inlet in each of 10 footspas at the nail salon.  Soon after, 3 cases of lower extremity infections associated with 2 different nail salons were documented from southern California.

A survey of nail salons done in different parts of California (Alameda, Sacramento, Orange, Riverside, and San Diego) was done.  A team assessed footspa equipment, cleaning solutions, cleaning techniques and frequencies, and took swab samples.  31 swabs were collected from 30 whirlpool footbaths in 18 nail salons from the 5 California counties.  Mycobacteria were isolated from all pedicure spas surveyed, except for one that had been in service for 11 days. 

Fungal and bacterial infections (such as staph) are commonly acquired from pedicures and manicures.  Unsanitized instruments, including nail files and pumice files, are often used on one client after another.  Add in a contaminated food bath that stays moist and warm, and it’s the perfect setup for fungus and other infections.  Even more worrisome is when cuticles are clipped or razors are used, causing a client to bleed.  If those instruments aren’t properly sanitized (which means placing them in a medical grade autoclave), then there is a small risk of transmission of infectious diseases like hepatitis.

Scary… so what’s a mani/pedi loving girl to do?  The best option is, of course, to do your own nails at home.  But for die hard salon fans, caution is key.  Bring your own tools and nail polishes to be used for the treatments.  Look for salons that are clean.  If the footbaths are not being cleaned between clients, walk out!  Protect your precious skin; it’s the only one you have.