Health & Fitness

What Causes Adult Acne?

Main reasons why do acne’s grow on adults.

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Regardless of age, acne is a condition of the sebaceous glands. These glands are attached to hair follicles and produce an oily substance called sebum. An acne lesion forms when a hair follicle becomes plugged with sebum and dead cells. The pathogenic (disease-causing) events in the sebaceous glands are believed to be due in large degree to changes in levels of androgenic (male) hormones in the body—a circumstance usually associated with the growth and development that occurs between the ages of 12 and 21. Therefore, it is important to look for an underlying cause of acne that occurs for the first time in adulthood.

Acne that appears after 25 to 30 years of age occurs for one of these reasons:

1. Recurrence of acne that cleared up after adolescence

2. Flare-up of acne after a period of relative quiet—for example, during pregnancy

3. Occurs for the first time in a person who had never previously had acne.

Acne that appears for the first time in adulthood should be examined by a dermatologist who can investigate the underlying cause. Some causes of adult acne are:

* Medication. Some medications that can induce acne include anabolic steroids (sometimes used illegally by athletes to “bulk up”), some anti-epileptic medications, the anti-tuberculosis drugs isoniazid and rifampin, lithium and iodine-containing medications.

* Chronic physical pressure on the skin. Chafing from the straps of a backpack or tucking a violin between the jaw and chin can cause chronic physical pressure on the skin and may induce a condition known as acne mechanica.

* Chlorinated industrial chemicals. These may induce the occupational skin disorder known as chloracne.

* Metabolic conditions. Changes in the hormonal balance, such as those brought about by pregnancy, menstruation or hormonal abnormalities can induce acne.

It is also important to know that some lesions which appear to be acne are not acne at all. One skin condition that resembles acne is folliculitis, which occurs when the hair follicles become infected and inflamed. Folliculitis requires different treatment than acne.

Acne that occurs in adulthood may be difficult to treat if there are multiple recurrences. Some patients with severe recurrent acne have undergone repeated courses of treatment with the potent systemic drug isotretinoin.

Since adult acne may be difficult to treat, acne that appears for the first time in adulthood should be examined and treated by a dermatologist.

A Natural Remedy for Gingivitis, Toothaches, and Mouth Sores

If you have gingivitis or other teeth problems use this remedy and see your problems disappear. It’s a simply collection of powdered herbs that give you tooth relief.

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gingivitis, toothaches, herbs, natural remedies

Everyone has a variety of bacteria in their mouth. Some have more than others. This bacterium helps you by beginning the digestive process.

Excess bacteria in your mouth have now been found to cause more than tooth decay, gingivitis or gum disease. So, you need to know, even though you might not have gingivitis, how to control these plaque-building bacteria in your mouth.

Bacteria that create gingivitis live in your plaque and cause your gums to inflame, bleed, and separate from your teeth. You can also have bad breath when you have gingivitis. In more severe cases, your gums become sore, teeth hurt, gums recede, and teeth loosen.

To stop the inflammation and gum separation use this natural remedy to kill some of these bacteria and strengthen your gums in your mouth.

Here are the herbs and the formula you will need to make a remedy for a mild case of gingivitis:

2 parts white oak bark herb – powder

1 part myrrh gum herb – power or granules

3/4 part Peppermint leaves converted to powder

Ѕ part anise herb – power or seeds

1/8 part clove - powder

If herbs and leaves are not in powder form, grind them in a coffee grinder. Use this formula to make as much powder as you want.

Place the mixture into a small container. I usually use a small-unused vitamin bottle.

I usually mix a small amount and use a tablespoon as my measuring tool. For example, 2 tablespoons of white oak, 1 tablespoon of myrrh gum, ѕ tablespoon of peppermint leaves, and so on. The measurements do not have to be so precise.

How to use it:

To control bacteria in your mouth, use this power once a week. If you have gingivitis, you can use this 3 times a day. Place some powder on your toothbrush and brush your teeth and gums. After brushing spit out, a few time, the saliva and residue powder. Don’t rinse out your mouth since you want to keep the active herb powders in your month. You can swallow any that remains in your mouth with no problem.

This powder combination is bitter, but quite powerful and will get the job done. You can add more peppermint powder to make it less bitter, if you like.

For severe cases of gingivitis and toothaches, you can also moist some powder with distilled water and then place the paste all along the your teeth and gums – front and back. Leave the paste in your mouth as long as you can. Don’t worry about the herbs getting in between your teeth. This remedy works.

My wife was schedule for a root canal last year and a few weeks before her tooth started paining and couldn’t sleep. So I made this remedy. She just placed the powers around the painful area. It wasn’t long before the pain stopped and she was able to go to sleep.

There have been other clients that have used this remedy for a month and successfully avoided having the dentist apply gingivitis treatment. In cases of severe gingivitis, go see your dentist and at the same time use this remedy.

Birth Control Pills, Pregnancy and Acne - A Complete How-To Guide

Women who do take the birth control pill and who notice that their acne is getting worse should discuss the situation with their doctor. Different types of oral contraception have differing levels of hormones and one side effect of some contraception is an increase in acne. Switching to another brand may bring acne back under control.

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birth control pill acne, pregnancy and acne, hormones, contraception, dermatologist, acne treatment, acne scars

Acne first comes about during adolescence, when hormone levels begin to increase.This sudden flucturation of hormones causes the sebaceous glands to go into overdrive. They start generating increased levels of such oils that end up becoming clogged inside the glands. When the oils can’t escape, acne results!

So it goes without saying that when there is a fluctuation in the hormone levels within the body, it can trigger an increase in sebaceous oil production, and therefore increases the chance that an outbreak of acne will likely occur. With women, acne breakouts are common while they are taking birth control pills and also when they become pregnant.

Using Birth Control Pills to Control Acne

Women who do take the birth control pill and who notice that their acne is getting worse should discuss the situation with their doctor. Different types of oral contraception have differing levels of hormones and one side effect of some contraception is an increase in acne. Switching to another brand may bring acne back under control.

Any woman who is healthy, and is at least age 15, who has begun menstruating and who has decided to start using oral contraception can discuss getting a prescription for a birth control pill with their doctor. There are several brands that help clear up acne but only one so far has been approved by the FDA for treatment of acne and that is Ortho Tri-cyclen.

It is important to note that taking the birth control pill as a way to treat acne should be the last alternative, after all other acne treatment options have been attempted without success. The birth control pill does have side effects and it must be taken exactly as prescribed to be effective.

Acne During Pregnancy

Women who have become pregnant often report an increase in acne, too. Many changes occur within a woman’s body in an effort to properly prepare the body for the growing fetus. The two primary female hormones at work in every woman’s body are progesterone and estrogen. Progesterone is more androgenic than estrogen, which basically means it is more like the hormones found in men. Increased progesterone during pregnancy can cause the sebaceous glands to produce more sebaceous oils than normal and that is what can cause outbreaks of acne.

If possible, the best way to handle acne during pregnancy is to realize that it is a short-term problem that will usually go away once the baby is born. If this isn’t possible, discuss your options over with a dermatologist who has experience working with patients during their pregnancy. After going through your situation, the dermatologist will be able to suggest treatment options that’ll make you happier with your appearance and that won’t harm your baby.

Renewing Your Makeup Kit

Tips and tricks for keeping your makeup and toiletries bags fresh and useful.

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makeup , makeup kit, discount makeup

Renewing Your Makeup Kit

The best tricks for renewing your makeup kit. A few simple tips to put everything in order!

Renew your make up case. Save time in the mornings!

Empty your toiletry bag and put some order in it!

-Discard all broken products.

-Discard all products beyond their use-by date.

-Check the expiry date on each product. Make up products, once open, should be discarded according to their ingredients. Follow these guidelines:

-Mascara: about three-four months after opening. If you use it a lot it may be that it doesn’t even last three months.

-All texture products in powder form such as shadow, matt powders and foundation -last about two years.

-Foundation in cream form, correctors, shadows or rouges in cream form: these last about a year and a half.

-Lipsticks: about two years.

-Lip gloss: about two years. See when the color or texture changes; it is possible that if you have exposed it to temperature changes then it may have gone off.

-Check the product packaging, a symbol such as this one normally appears and besides it a number and M ( for months). The number tells you the number of months for which the product will last in a perfect state once opened. It is also important for you to ask when you buy. Products which last over 36 months will not have this symbol.

-Face creams and cleansers have different shelf lives, depending on their ingredients- They can last from 3 to 12 or 24 months.

Clean all your products with a damp towel, and dry them with a soft cloth. They will come out looking new.

Don’t forget to clean all your brushes, and you’ll see how much easier it is to put make up on. Here’s how:

Natural hair brushes.

Clean them with a mild shampoo, with a neutral fragrance.

Rinse them in cold or lukewarm water (avoid using hot water)

Apply a hair pack or intensive hair conditioner

Allow it to take effect for a few minutes.

Rinse again, until you are sure there is no remaining soap.

Synthetic-hair brushes

Clean your synthetic-hair brushes with a grease-removing product, such as washing-up liquid.

Rinse them in lukewarm water and ensure there is no remaining soap.

TIP: Always leave your brushes to dry on a towel; never let them dry vertically in a cup, as in this case the water would enter the brush’s handle and ruin it, besides which the hair will part.

New sponges and powder puffs

Buy new sponges and powder puffs. They are very accessible and you will feel as though you are trying out a whole range of products for the first time.

TOILETRY BAG

Wash your toiletry bag in a washing machine, if the material and shape allow it. Otherwise clean it with a damp sponge and eliminate all left-over pencil shavings, broken pencils, bits of make up, etc.

If you can, buy yourself a new toiletry bag with separate compartments so as to keep all your make up products in order. They’ll last longer that way.

Acquire small, transparent toiletry bags to store your cotton wool, sponges, and powder puffs, keeping things more hygienic.

In the second part of this bulletin we tell you how to renew your make up and your hair with a few easy and quick tips.

Natural Home Treatments For Cellulite

CELLULITE

“Cellulite” is a skin condition that gives the appearance of small bumps and ripples under the skin. The bumps are caused by the underlying fat cells growing too large and stretching the natural fiber compartments that hold the skin to the underlying layers of tissues.

“Cellulite” is ordinary fat, but ordinary fat that affects the appearance of the skin. Strands of fibrous collagen tissue connect the skin to the subcutaneous layers and also separate compartmen…

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CELLULITE

“Cellulite” is a skin condition that gives the appearance of small bumps and ripples under the skin. The bumps are caused by the underlying fat cells growing too large and stretching the natural fiber compartments that hold the skin to the underlying layers of tissues.

“Cellulite” is ordinary fat, but ordinary fat that affects the appearance of the skin. Strands of fibrous collagen tissue connect the skin to the subcutaneous layers and also separate compartments that contain fat cells. When fat cells increase in size, these compartments bulge and produce a rippled appearance of the skin.

Women tend to have cellulite more often than men because they have a vertical pattern of collagen in the underlying layer that holds the fat cells, and when the fat cells become very large, they bulge out of the chambers and appear as cellulite. In men, the pattern of collagen is tighter, in a diagonal pattern, and they have thicker skin, so there is less bulging of the individual fat cells. Another factor in cellulite is high levels of estrogen, since this hormone has a direct effect on the holding capacity of fat cells through the increase of alpha-adrenoreceptors, the chemical doorways that tell your fat cells to hold on to their contents. Poor diet, bad circulation, and poor lymphatic circulation can all contribute to the appearance of cellulite.

TREATING SKIN WITH CELLULITE

There are several extra steps you can take for the treatment of cellulite. Consider your skin care regimen, and fine-tune it to meet the needs of skin that has a tendency to swell with fluids, store fat and have poor circulation.

Nutrition: Although cellulite is a skin condition, it’s closely tied to the storage of excess fat. If you are significantly overweight, you should certainly alter your diet. The dietary enzyme bromelain can improve overall circulation to your skin and adipose tissues by removing the buildup of fibrin on the walls of blood vessels. Treating cellulite requires a two-pronged approach – one being the shrinking of the fat cells themselves, the second being the regeneration of collagen and strengthening of the skin outside of the swollen fat cells.

Cleansing: When cleaning your skin, use your wash cloth or loufah to massage the area where cellulite occurs. At first, use a circular motion and then a brushing motion upwards towards the bowels. This will improve circulation and edema, and help remove toxins and metabolic wastes out of the tissues and interstitial spaces around the collagen and fat cells.

Other Treatments:

 Dry Skin Brushing: Learn to dry brush your skin at least twice every day – upon rising and before going to bed. Skin brushing provides many benefits in the treatment of cellulite. First of all, it’s “exercise” for you skin, and strengthens the underlying dermis and pattern of collagen in the subcutaneous layer. It stimulates the growth and repair of the tissues by increasing blood flow to the area. It also helps remove toxins and metabolic wastes out of the interstitial fluids surrounding the tissues for disposal. Dry brushing is good for you skin all over, but if you are suffering from spider or varicose veins, brushing these areas vigorously several times every day, first in a circular motion and then upwards towards the colon, can improve the appearance of cellulite.

 Hormones: Cellulite is often associated with the use of HRT and birth control pills. High levels of estrogen from these medications can cause an increase in the fatty tissues ability to store fats and cause them to bulge, pushing out the skin and causing cellulite. If you are using birth control pills for contraception, you may want to ask your doctor for a lower-estrogen dose formula or a non-hormonal form, such as an IUD. If you are on HRT, you may want to consider switching to a lower dose, adding progesterone cream, or using a weaker formula, such as an estrone cream.

 Habits: Get out of the habit of crossing your legs, knees and ankles. This reduces circulation and increases swelling. Try to keep moving regularly, neither sitting nor standing for long periods.

 Exercise: Regular exercise is necessary for the improvement of cellulite. Not only does it help reduce the appearance of cellulite by burning the fatty acids that are causing the cellulite. It also improves circulation and helps to remove toxin-filled wastes away from the skin. Take up a walking program, or sneaking in a set of exercises in the restroom during breaks. Teresa Tapp’s “T-Tapp” program is renowned for short, effective exercise movements that reduce cellulite and increase overall blood and lymph circulation. Rashelle Haines program “LifeLift” is also excellent for improving lymphatic circulation, burning excess fat and glucose and improving muscle and skin tone.

 Body Wraps: Body wraps, both professional and homemade can improve the appearance of cellulite. Body wraps use a combination of minerals and herbs that stimulate the fat cells to release their contents, they absorb toxins from the skin and reduce swelling. Generally you will find stimulant herbs like kelp or algae that stimulate the fat burning process in the cells. You will find cosmetic clays that will remove toxins and wastes from the pores, and horsetail and horse chestnut that reduce edema (swelling) and provide minerals for strengthening the skin. These formulas are applied to the skin with the use of compression wraps. For recipes for doing home wraps, go to the Botanical Beauty Lab website.

 Massage: Massage, particularly the kind that improves lymph flow, is very good for reducing the appearance of cellulite. It improves the removal of metabolic wastes and toxins from the interstitial tissues around the adipose tissues, and gives the skin a smoother appearance. There are many professionals offering massage for cellulite, including lymphatic massage and endermology, but if that is out of your budget, you may want to try a home massage device. Many are available, from a simple round-prong hand tool to a powered massager that provides heat, massage and suction similar to the professional endermology machines.

SUPPLEMENTS FOR CELLULITE REDUCTION

Alfalfa: Alfalfa is a natural diuretic that helps balance the body’s interstitial fluids and reduces edema and swelling. It’s also a phytoprogesterone, which helps balance the excess estrogen that can exacerbate cellulite.

Borage Oil: Borage oil contains high amounts gamma linoleic acid, which is an important fatty acid to the strengthening of cell walls.

Bromelain: Bromelain is a naturally occurring enzyme in natural foods that aid in the digestion of proteins. The consumption of bromelain aids in the removal of fibrin buildup in fine blood vessels. This improves and increases circulation to the skin, and aids in repair and rejuvenation.

Horsetail: Horse Chestnut herb contains high levels of the mineral silica, which is used in the repair and maintenance of skin cells.

Cider Vinegar contains an array of important enzymes and aids in balancing body pH. It’s also a good source of potassium, which is necessary for fluid balance in the body.

Coconut Oil contains medium chain triglycerides which are easily absorbed and used by the body for fuel. It has the capability of stimulating the thyroid gland, which increases body temperature and metabolism and is known for improving the burning of excess fat.

Ginkgo Biloba is a natural blood thinner that increases the microcirculation to skin and fat cells.

Gotu Kolu is a natural source of caffeine. Caffeine stimulates the beta-adrenoreceptors on the surface of the fat cells to release their stores of fatty acids, aiding in the burning of excess fat.

Green Tea: Green tea is a mild stimulate that contains caffeine as well as powerful antioxidants that aid in the proper replication and repair of skin cells.

MSM: Is an important mineral that is necessary for skin cell repair.

EXTERNAL TREATMENTS FOR CELLULITE

Aloe Vera contains alatoin, which sooths and heals skin. It has been shown clinically to increase microcirculation of the skin and to speed healing of skin tissues.

Betonite Clay is a natural mineral clay that is known for its ability to absorb impurities and toxins from the skin through the pores.

Horsetail, ginkgo biloba, kelp and green tea also work externally and can be added to lotions or creams for massage into problem areas.

Many experts have recommended using coffee grounds as a scrub for cellulite prone areas. The grounds work as an exfoliant, as the caffeine absorbs into the skin and stimulate the beta adrenoreceptors in the fat cells to release their contents.

Dead Sea Salts and Kelp or bladderwrack contain powerful minerals that aid in the repair of skin cells as well as the mineral iodine which can aid in the metabolism of the underlying fat cells.

There are also many commercial formulas and methods for the reduction of cellulite. Most contain caffeine or a similar chemical called theophylline or aminophylline. Many also contain kelp, bladderwrack and other herbs mentioned herein.

Just remember that cellulite reduction is a two step process. The cause of cellulite is over-sized fat cells that have stretched out the collagen structure underlying the skin. The first step is to reduce bodyfat, and many herbs and nutrients both external and external can accelerate the process. The second step is to increase the strength of the skin and the collagen webs under the subcutaneous tissues. Skin and collagen require vitamins, minerals and fatty acids to rebuild themselves properly. Excess fluids can exacerbate the problem, so proper fluid intake and circulation is important. Drink plenty of fluids, and stay active to increase the circulation of the lymph system. With a little diligent effort the appearance of cellulite can be reduced.

Are The Risks Of Plastic Surgery Worth Taking?

Thanks to television and movies, people are bewitched into believing that cosmetic surgery is a panacea as far as aesthetics are concerned. However, despite the glorification of cosmetic surgery, surgery of any kind has associated risks and complications that cannot be overlooked.

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surgery, cosmetic surgery, plastic surgery, health, beauty, men, women, ears, nose, lips, eyes, chin, forehead

Thanks to television and movies, people are bewitched into believing that cosmetic surgery is a panacea as far as aesthetics are concerned. Women often fantasize about enhancing their appearance by having a breast lift or breast augmentation surgery. However, despite the glorification of cosmetic surgery, surgery of any kind has associated risks and complications that cannot be overlooked. Even though the results may seem alluring, patients must consider the possible risks. A tragic incident, which highlights this paradoxical situation, was the death of Olivia Goldsmith, an American novelist who died of anesthetic complications during plastic surgery.

Though cases like Olivia’s sad demise are extremely rare, the point is that the patient must understand that any surgery involves risk. The duty on the patient’s part is to ensure that he/she has complete knowledge of all possible risks and, thus, take necessary steps to circumvent such hazards. In general, a comprehensive pre-operative examination to determine your candidature, an expertly performed surgery, and proper post-operative care is enough to avert most common complications.

Some of the serious complications of plastic surgery are bad reaction to anesthesia, excessive blood loss, and blood clots that might block passage of blood through a blood vessel – potentially leading to a stroke. These complications are associated with major procedures like liposuction and abdominoplasty. Another possible complication of liposuction is fat embolism, where loosened fat may lodge into the lungs, potentially causing death. However, all such complications are highly unlikely.

Some people are at a higher risk of experiencing plastic surgery complications. For instance, smoking, having certain medications such as blood thinners, or having an ancestral trend of blood clots, brings you at a greater risk of facing complications. In general, plastic surgery is a safe and efficacious procedure with an excellent success rate. But since it’s a surgery, the patient must completely confirm his/her candidature by having an elaborate discussion with the surgeon, revealing facts about drug use, allergies, and the general living style.

Acne Imposters

As if acne weren’t enough! Occasionally, acne vulgaris is accompanied by other bothersome skin conditions.

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Some are simply unpleasant tagalongs, like dandruff; some may actually be mistaken for acne, but require a different course of treatment. Of course, only your dermatologist can make a conclusive diagnosis. But learning a little about these conditions may help you formulate questions for your doctor.

Acne cosmetica. As its name suggests, this mild and relatively common form of acne is caused by cosmetics. Since it’s triggered by topical products, it can strike anyone — even people who are not physiologically prone to acne. It typically consists of small, itchy or rashy pink bumps on the cheeks, chin and forehead, developing gradually over the course of a few weeks or months. It may persist indefinitely, but usually does not cause scarring. How can you avoid it? When shopping for make-up and skin products, look for products that are “non-comedogenic.” These products are less likely to cause irritation or clogging of the pores.

Dandruff (or Seborrheic Dermatitis). For reasons we don’t know, dandruff often accompanies acne, especially in adolescents. The causes are similar. For dandruff sufferers, the natural process of scalp-cell renewal is accelerated when fighting off P. ovale, a normal fungus found on every human head. This causes dead cells to slough more quickly, creating the symptoms we know as dandruff — flaking, scaling and itching of the scalp. In some cases, dandruff involves tiny pimples on the scalp. Climate, heredity, diet, hormones and stress can also impact dandruff. Most cases can be managed with non-prescription shampoos containing zinc, coal tar or salicylic acid. Stronger shampoos can be prescribed by your doctor if the problem continues. Dandruff isn’t caused by overwashing of the hair, so it’s okay to shampoo every day. In contrast, scratching or picking the scalp can worsen the condition.

Dermatitis (or Eczema) is characterized by a rapidly spreading red rash which may be itchy, blistered and swollen. Atopic dermatitis is related to asthma and hay fever-type allergies, and is often seen in early childhood. Contact dermatitis is usually caused by contact with irritants (detergents or harsh chemicals) or allergens (substance to which the patient is allergic, like rubber, preservatives or a particular fragrance). Individuals with chronic dermatitis will have a longstanding history of irritation in the affected area or areas. The eyelids, neck and hands are most commonly affected in adults. The skin in these areas may be darker than surrounding skin, and thickened from persistent scratching. This form is thought to be hereditary, but may be influenced by environmental factors as well. Dermatitis may come and go throughout a person’s life.

Enlarged pores. Before the onset of puberty, most people have relatively small pores and smooth skin. Pores tend to become larger in adolescence as sebum production increases. Then, as we continue to age, sun damage decreases the skin’s elasticity, making pores appear larger. As an adult, the size of your pores is determined by genetics; some people retain the small pores of their youth, while others develop larger pores. Individuals with larger pores may complain of small grayish blackheads on the nose and cheeks. Contrary to popular belief, these “blackheads” are nothing more than normal sebum doing its job: lining the pore. Since the sebum is meant to be there, squeezing is an exercise in futility — the oil comes back the next day, and frequent handling over time may actually damage the pore, causing it to enlarge permanently.

Epidermal Cysts. Unlike cystic acne, which occurs within the confines of an infected follicle, an epidermal cyst is a sac-like growth in the deeper layers of the skin. The cyst sac is filled with a soft, whitish material that may remain indefinitely. Small cysts (less than 5mm in diameter) don’t usually need treatment; they can be a nuisance, but are generally harmless. Larger cysts have a higher probability of becoming infected; this is very painful and can lead to scarring. Epidermal cysts are often permanent; even if the material is extracted, the sac remains and the cyst may return. In these cases the entire cyst sac must be excised to prevent recurrence. While cysts are typically benign, it’s wise to consult a physician about suspicious lumps and bumps.

Favre-Racouchet Syndrome. Because this condition is caused by severe, progressive sun damage over the course of many years, Favre-Racouchet Syndrome is most prevalent among men and women over 50. Patients are afflicted by large coalescent comedones (blackheads) around the eyes and on the upper cheeks. Unlike acne blackheads, Favre comedones do not regress if left untreated; they must be surgically extracted or treated with topical retinoids.

Keratosis Pilaris. Common among teenagers, keratosis pilaris is characterized by patches of tiny, red, kernel-hard bumps on the backs of the arms, shoulders, buttocks and the front of the thighs. Occasionally it occurs on the cheeks as well, with numerous bumps in the affected areas. Unlike acne, keratosis pilaris is usually painless and feels spiny to the touch. It tends to be more severe during the winter months when humidity is lower, and is more prevalent in arid climates.

Milia. These tiny, white bumps are found mostly in the area around the eyes. Cystic in nature, they are hard to the touch and deep in the skin. Milia may last for weeks or even months; if they are particularly troublesome to you, consult your dermatologist for professional, safe removal.

Peri-Oral Dermatitis. Primarily affecting women in their 20s and 30s, this condition is characterized by patches of itchy or tender red spots around the mouth. The skin bordering the lips may appear pale and dry, while the chin, upper lips and cheeks become red, dry and flaky. It can also affect the skin around the nose.

Pseudofolliculitis barbae. Pseudofolliculitis barbae is just a fancy name for the acne-like breakouts commonly called “shaving bumps.” As hairs begin to grow back after shaving, waxing or plucking, they get trapped inside the follicle and cause irritation and swelling. Not everyone gets shaving bumps; people with curly hair are more susceptible, but anyone can take steps to prevent them. If you can, use an electric razor. If you prefer blade shaving, use a new, single-edge blade every time you shave. Prep the area with warm water and use a rich shaving cream. Always shave with the grain, not against it. Then, after you’re done, apply a mild toner or antibacterial gel. Get more information on shaving.

Rosacea. Frequently mistaken for acne, rosacea is a skin condition most commonly found in adults between 30 and 60 years of age. Unlike acne vulgaris, rosacea does not involve comedones, and appears only in areas that are likely to flush when we’re embarrassed, excited or hot — primarily the face, neck and chest. The skin is bumpy, red and oily in appearance, and may also involve papules and pustules. Rosacea begins as an episodic inflammation, or a temporary annoyance. Left untreated, however, it can become a chronic condition, causing facial scarring. If you think you may have rosacea, it’s best to contact a dermatologist right away.

Ready to wear bifocal contact lenses

Long years ago, you have to wear two sets of eye glasses, then doctors discovered the lens at the bifocal eye-glasses ,then recently they do the same thing in a bifocal contact lens. The lens is divided into two halves ,one upper and the other is lower and sometimes it can be in concentric circles ,one lens on the interior part and the other is on the outside part.

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wear bifocal contact lenses

Long years ago, you have to wear two sets of eye glasses, then doctors discovered the lens at the bifocal eye-glasses ,then recently they do the same thing in a bifocal contact lens. The lens is divided into two halves ,one upper and the other is lower and sometimes it can be in concentric circles ,one lens on the interior part and the other is on the outside part.

Who need bifocal lenses?
People who suffer from Presbyopia that causes trouble focusing on objects which are near and this doesn’t develop after the age 40.They are nearsightedness and farsightedness and suffer from the eye-glasses that are usually with thick lenses and a line across them (they act as two lenses in one).These eye-glasses have several problems: First :They are heavy, Second: They are almost unattractive, Third: It is hard to adjust to them as you have to look up or look down .All these problems cause dizziness during adapting to these bifocal lenses .The only choice for these people for long years ago was the eye-glasses even after contact lenses came on the market.
Now ,contact lenses offer bifocal contact lenses which are soft ,rigid and with gas permeable materials .It is dual lens ,as if you are wearing two sets of glasses at the same time.
By using a set of bifocal contact lenses ,your eye begins gradually to adjust to the difference of portions as the muscles of the eye coordinate and be trained automatically from and to the correct lens that is needed at this time .Example: If someone is reading ,so the vision has to be corrected to view the close things at this time ,so the pupil of the eye will be directed to the lens that correct the vision and light will be refracted into the angle of the retina that will help in close reading .But if you begin to look off at things which are far away-as looking to the sky-the focus of the eye will be directed at this time to the lens that assist you to see the distant thing .All of this is due to the different prescription lens of the contacts that have the ability to refract the light at different angles and correct the vision due to different viewing.

Which is better? A bifocal lens in the traditional eye-glasses OR a bifocal contact lens?
You have to choose which type you prefer .As some people have great problems and troubles in wearing the contact lenses as they considered this difficult routine to put in and take out them ,even by using special kind that stay for all the day ,whole the week or even more than a week- they have to change them eventually ,so they consider wearing contact lens a big problem .These people can get some hope by the innovation of the manufacture and the designs of contact lenses as these contacts became much easier to maintain and very simple to manage.
Contact lenses can be very useful and fit more than a pair of traditional eye-glasses for those who work in a hazardous environment or who wear any kind of equipment like goggles .Conversely ,for people that work in certain toxic gaseous chemicals environment ,contact lenses won’t suits them .So you have to take the advise from your eye care specialist to help you to take the correct decision and to choose the best option either to wear eye-glasses or contact lenses.

There are a lot of types of lenses ,like:
1-Alternative-Design:
They are the same to bifocal eye-glasses ,half the lens for near objects and half for distant objects.

2-Translating-Design:
They are also the same as bifocal eye-glasses ,the near correction is under the distance correction and there is a line separating them .It is flat on the bottom for the reason of keeping without movement in your eye while blinking.

3-Concentric-Design:
Inner part can see near objects while the outer part can see the distant objects or vice versa.

4-Mono-vision-Design:
You wear one lens in one eye and the other in the other eye .You wear to view the distant objects in the dominant eye.

5-Asferic-Design:
The near and the distant vision are located at the center of the lens .Usually the correction for near vision is at the center while the correction of the distant vision surrounds it and this can be reversed in some situations according to the advise of the eye care specialist.

6-Simultaneous-Design:
This kind has the ability to blend both the near sight and the distant sight ,they fill the area of the pupil (part of the eye) and the eyes can adjust to that and can interpret the circle choice according to how far or close you are viewing .This is because the light all the time from near and far objects can be focused on at the same time .These kinds of lenses may be problematic as by looking through the lens ,the eye takes both : in focus and out of focus at the same time .This is due to some light from the far objects go through the near vision and vice versa ,so the brain has to correct the desired image.

Finally ,when you decide to wear bifocal contact lenses ,you have to:
1-Ask your doctor to know if contact lenses can suits you or not and also which kind of them you can buy.
2-Ask your friends or relatives if any of them have the experience of wearing contact lenses.
3-Put in your consideration that it may take time to find contact lenses that can fit you and be comfortable.
4-Some companies can allow you to try their lenses firstly ,so by this offering you can have a free trial wear period to see if these lenses can adjust with your eyes or not.
5-You can check the discounted stores for contact lenses ,they are online stores.
6-You have to know that the bifocal lenses will depend on your budget.

How To Apply Lip Gloss Correctly!

What are Lip Glosses? Lip gloss and lip shine comes in tubes and tiny pots that are convenient to use and give a shimmer and shine to your lips that you have always wished for. These days, they are manufactured to last for long periods of time and can be water-resistant too.

Lip Gloss can be applied either over the lipstick or alone for a more natural and nude lip look. Lip-gloss helps to add more volume to your lips and make them look fuller and highlight them on the face…

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lip gloss,gloss,lip glosses,glosses,lipstick,lip stick,lips,lip,volumizer,pout,pouts,

What are Lip Glosses? Lip gloss and lip shine comes in tubes and tiny pots that are convenient to use and give a shimmer and shine to your lips that you have always wished for. These days, they are manufactured to last for long periods of time and can be water-resistant too.

Lip Gloss can be applied either over the lipstick or alone for a more natural and nude lip look. Lip-gloss helps to add more volume to your lips and make them look fuller and highlight them on the face. Thus, women with thick lips are generally advised to use it very sparingly. One can effectively make the lips look more beautiful with the help of a little lip gloss and other lip products and use it strategically for lip correction.

A light film of Chapstick over lips not only protect them and heal them but also helps the lip color to set more effectively. Now, not only are lip glosses easy to use, they serve a great purpose too, that is to keep your lips chap free.

Here are some great tips on how to apply your favorite lip gloss to achieve that lustrous, full volume pout!

Right Application of Lip Gloss
First thing first, apply your lip gloss on properly. Instead of putting gloss on like you do lipstick (from left to right, top to bottom with a smack!), first apply gloss to the middle of your bottom lip only. Rub lips together. This will keep gloss from going on too thickly and getting goopy on you.

I want to Use Lip Gloss Over Lipstick!
If you wish to give your current lip stick color a mood lift, it is a great idea to slide some yummy lip gloss over your applied lip stick. I love the look of just a bit of gloss over a neutral lipstick. Again, dab just a bit in the center of lips and smooth out from there. This method of smoothing out the lip gloss from the center will help you from applying too the lip gloss on too thickly.

Lip Gloss too Sticky?
Did you accidentally apply a little too much gloss? No problem! There is a very simple solution to this. All you do is just to smack your lips between a tissue paper, just like you would lipstick! There you go, all is good to go again!

Lip gloss is as popular as ever! Always have been and always will be! So, what are you waiting for? Get today’s latest colors and try them all on!

Misdiagnosing Narcissism - The Bipolar I Disorder

The manic phase of Bipolar I Disorder is often misdiagnosed as Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD).

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(The use of gender pronouns in this article reflects the clinical facts: most narcissists are men.)

The manic phase of Bipolar I Disorder is often misdiagnosed as Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD).

Bipolar patients in the manic phase exhibit many of the signs and symptoms of pathological narcissism - hyperactivity, self-centeredness, lack of empathy, and control freakery. During this recurring chapter of the disease, the patient is euphoric, has grandiose fantasies, spins unrealistic schemes, and has frequent rage attacks (is irritable) if her or his wishes and plans are (inevitably) frustrated.

The manic phases of the bipolar disorder, however, are limited in time - NPD is not. Furthermore, the mania is followed by - usually protracted - depressive episodes. The narcissist is also frequently dysphoric. But whereas the bipolar sinks into deep self-deprecation, self-devaluation, unbounded pessimism, all-pervasive guilt and anhedonia - the narcissist, even when depressed, never forgoes his narcissism: his grandiosity, sense of entitlement, haughtiness, and lack of empathy.

Narcissistic dysphorias are much shorter and reactive - they constitute a response to the Grandiosity Gap. In plain words, the narcissist is dejected when confronted with the abyss between his inflated self-image and grandiose fantasies - and the drab reality of his life: his failures, lack of accomplishments, disintegrating interpersonal relationships, and low status. Yet, one dose of Narcissistic Supply is enough to elevate the narcissists from the depth of misery to the heights of manic euphoria.

Not so with the bipolar. The source of her or his mood swings is assumed to be brain biochemistry - not the availability of Narcissistic Supply. Whereas the narcissist is in full control of his faculties, even when maximally agitated, the bipolar often feels that s/he has lost control of his/her brain (”flight of ideas”), his/her speech, his/her attention span (distractibility), and his/her motor functions.

The bipolar is prone to reckless behaviors and substance abuse only during the manic phase. The narcissist does drugs, drinks, gambles, shops on credit, indulges in unsafe sex or in other compulsive behaviors both when elated and when deflated.

As a rule, the bipolar’s manic phase interferes with his/her social and occupational functioning. Many narcissists, in contrast, reach the highest rungs of their community, church, firm, or voluntary organization. Most of the time, they function flawlessly - though the inevitable blowups and the grating extortion of Narcissistic Supply usually put an end to the narcissist’s career and social liaisons.

The manic phase of bipolar sometimes requires hospitalization and - more frequently than admitted - involves psychotic features. Narcissists are never hospitalized as the risk for self-harm is minute. Moreover, psychotic microepisodes in narcissism are decompensatory in nature and appear only under unendurable stress (e.g., in intensive therapy).

The bipolar’s mania provokes discomfort in both strangers and in the patient’s nearest and dearest. His/her constant cheer and compulsive insistence on interpersonal, sexual, and occupational, or professional interactions engenders unease and repulsion. Her/his lability of mood - rapid shifts between uncontrollable rage and unnatural good spirits - is downright intimidating. The narcissist’s gregariousness, by comparison, is calculated, “cold”, controlled, and goal-orientated (the extraction of Narcissistic Supply). His cycles of mood and affect are far less pronounced and less rapid.

The bipolar’s swollen self-esteem, overstated self-confidence, obvious grandiosity, and delusional fantasies are akin to the narcissist’s and are the source of the diagnostic confusion. Both types of patients purport to give advice, carry out an assignment, accomplish a mission, or embark on an enterprise for which they are uniquely unqualified and lack the talents, skills, knowledge, or experience required.

But the bipolar’s bombast is far more delusional than the narcissist’s. Ideas of reference and magical thinking are common and, in this sense, the bipolar is closer to the schizotypal than to the narcissistic.

There are other differentiating symptoms:

Sleep disorders - notably acute insomnia - are common in the manic phase of bipolar and uncommon in narcissism. So is “manic speech” - pressured, uninterruptible, loud, rapid, dramatic (includes singing and humorous asides), sometimes incomprehensible, incoherent, chaotic, and lasts for hours. It reflects the bipolar’s inner turmoil and his/her inability to control his/her racing and kaleidoscopic thoughts.

As opposed to narcissists, bipolar in the manic phase are often distracted by the slightest stimuli, are unable to focus on relevant data, or to maintain the thread of conversation. They are “all over the place” - simultaneously initiating numerous business ventures, joining a myriad organization, writing umpteen letters, contacting hundreds of friends and perfect strangers, acting in a domineering, demanding, and intrusive manner, totally disregarding the needs and emotions of the unfortunate recipients of their unwanted attentions. They rarely follow up on their projects.

The transformation is so marked that the bipolar is often described by his/her closest as “not himself/herself”. Indeed, some bipolars relocate, change name and appearance, and lose contact with their “former life”. Antisocial or even criminal behavior is not uncommon and aggression is marked, directed at both others (assault) and oneself (suicide). Some biploars describe an acuteness of the senses, akin to experiences recounted by drug users: smells, sounds, and sights are accentuated and attain an unearthly quality.

As opposed to narcissists, bipolars regret their misdeeds following the manic phase and try to atone for their actions. They realize and accept that “something is wrong with them” and seek help. During the depressive phase they are ego-dystonic and their defenses are autoplastic (they blame themselves for their defeats, failures, and mishaps).

Finally, pathological narcissism is already discernible in early adolescence. The full-fledged bipolar disorder - including a manic phase - rarely occurs before the age of 20. The narcissist is consistent in his pathology - not so the bipolar. The onset of the manic episode is fast and furious and results in a conspicuous metamorphosis of the patient.

More about this topic here:

Stormberg, D., Roningstam, E., Gunderson, J., & Tohen, M. (1998) Pathological Narcissism in Bipolar Disorder Patients. Journal of Personality Disorders, 12, 179-185

Roningstam, E. (1996), Pathological Narcissism and Narcissistic Personality Disorder in Axis I Disorders. Harvard Review of Psychiatry, 3, 326-340