Cold weather can contribute to dry skin. So what can help? The American Osteopathic College of Dermatology offers these suggestions to help prevent dry skin:

Bathe no more than once daily, sticking to short (no more than 15 minutes) baths or showers with lukewarm water. Use a mild soap or gentle cleanser that won’t dry the skin. Avoid deodorant soaps. Don’t scrub the skin while bathing or drying. Apply a rich moisturizer as soon as you get out of the bath or shower. Use sunscreen daily. Use laundry detergent without fragrance, and avoid fabric softeners. Run a humidifier at home during the winter months.

Stay healthy,

Mary

Tags: dry skin, skin care

The scalp is prone to breakouts just like the face and body. Whiteheads, blackheads and pimples on the upper forehead, at the hairline and in the scalp are not uncommon. Such problems can be caused by genetics, hormones and bacteria. There is also a direct connection between an oily scalp and scalp acne.

You have more serious situation if you have folliculitis. It looks similar to acne. It can develop anywhere there is hair on the body. It is occurring when there is blockage and infection of the hair follicle. The bacteria that causes folliculitis is different from the acne bacteria and can easily spread.

There are several solutions to this problem:

1. To treat an unexpected blemish or two, apply salicylic acid to a cotton swab and dab it on the pimple.

2. By mild irritations and acne, try a shampoo with 5% Benzoyl Peroxide like PCA Skin (pHaze 31) BPO 5% Cleanser. It consists of anti-inflammatory botanicals that work to control redness and calm irritations.  It doesn’t dry out skin like other cleansers with Benzoyl Peroxide, so no wonder it gets  rave customer reviews.

3. Medicated shampoos with salicylic acid are also good. They exfoliate the hair follicles and prevent them from getting clogged.

4. If you have severe case of scalp acne, ask your dermatologist if an antibiotic (topical or oral) is right for you.

Stay healthy,

Mary

Tags: acne, folliculitis, skin care

Don’t we think that using antibacterial soap is the best way to kill germs and prevent infections? Apparently, this is wrong. Using antibacterial soap is harmful for our health! And here is why…

Antibacterial means just that ANTI-Bacterial! Using antibacterial soaps kills both the good and the bad bacteria, which destroys our bodies’ natural protection. We all host beneficial bacteria on our skin, in our mouth, and in our intestines. They protect us against disease-causing germs. Regular soap does not affect the beneficial bacteria. It just removes dirt and grease that attract harmful bacteria.

That was yesterday. Today, my further Internet research showed that any kind of soap is bad for the environment and the humans. But, what should we use instead?

For your skin: Look for natural plant based soaps that are not toxic and have a nice scent. I love Kiss My Face products like:

Kiss My Face Sudz Organic Bar Soap In The Pink 8 oz: Grapefruit and Lemongrass scented. A natural vegetable based soap that’s creamy rich lathering and preservative free. Very gently exfoliates and cleanses with natural Alpha Hydroxy Acids in a certified organic base ofpure Palm Oil and Glycerin.

Kiss My Face Sudz Organic Bar Soap C-Weed 8 oz: An effective blend of Vitamin C and Beta Carotene in a certified organic base of pure Palm Oil and Glycerin.

For your home: Vinegar is a natural disinfectant, and it is non-toxic. When you mix the vinegar and the baking soda you will see it fuzz up. This super mix will help you to get rid of even the toughest stains.  Cleaning your home with the vinegar and the baking soda will make it spotless and hypoallergenic.

As always: stay healthy,

Mary

Tags: antibacterial, health, skin