Tag Archives: eczema

10 Tips for Healthier Skin

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Your skin is your largest (and most exposed!) organ, so it is important to take care of it so it stands the test of time. Not only that, but millions of Americans struggle with skin problems like acne, eczema and rosacea. So what can you do to keep your skin fresh and happy, as well as tame or avoid some of these issues? Let’s look at a few tricks:

  1. Go herbal for a glow – try some natural products such as witch hazel for inflammation control and rejuvenation, aloe vera for its calmative properties, or oats which have been FDA approved for treating dry or eczema skin.
  2. Learn from the Type B’s out there Stress can have catastrophic effects on skin (and rest of the body) when it amps up too high. So, a word to all you stressers out there, practice good self-care and learn to relax so you can bring those chronically soaring cortisol levels back down.
  3. Stay active. Exercise is beneficial to keep your whole body running smoothly, and your skin is no exception. Working up a sweat helps eliminate the toxins that pollute your skin, leaving it healthier and cleaner. Exercise also releases mood boosting endorphins and helps lower stress.
  4. Hands off! Our hands come in contact with millions of germs daily, some of which can be harmful and may cause issues with the sensitive skin on your face, so it is best to avoid biting your nails, touching your face or rubbing your eyes in order to help protect your skin from unnecessary microbes.
  5. Kick the habit. Smoking is terrible for not only your overall health, but that of your epidermis as well. Smoking exacerbates your skin’s natural elastin and collagen, contributing to early wrinkles. Smoking also causes the tiny blood vessels in your face to constrict, decreasing blood flow and causing blemishes.
  6. Rescue your skin from rays Most of us know that too much solar exposure can be harmful to the skin, but are you aware just how harmful it can be? It can cause sun spots, burns and premature wrinkles, not to mention the scariest of all potential side effects: skin cancer. An American dies of skin cancer every hour, totaling over 10,000 people yearly. What can you do to prevent this, as well as to avoid getting sun-damaged skin? Check out some of our sun skincare tips.
  7. Keep shower-time cool – hot showers tend to dry out your skin (and hair) as well as strip natural oils that are important for skin health. So try for short, lukewarm or chilly showers on the reg, limiting hot showers to the occasional treat!
  8. Slather it up – moisturizer should be a central part of your skincare regiment. You may need to switch to heavier moisturizer in the winter, as the air dries out the skin quicker. Also, be sure to watch the ingredient labels carefully. Try to avoid products and makeup with too many unpronounceable ingredients, especially if you have sensitive skin. Try for noncomedogenic products which will be less likely to cause acne.
  9. Exfoliate more than your face. It is important to routinely remove dead skin cells in order to freshen your skin, and help your complexion. There is no need to stop with your face, treat all your skin to the same TLC by using a loofa or specially designed shower mittens to remove dead cells all over for healthier skin.
  10. Check yourself – Another way to keep skin healthy and disease-free is to catch any problems before the arise, such as skin cancer. By performing regular head-to-toe skin checks, you can keep an eye on any issues in the earliest stages.

    That’s all for now, thanks for visiting DocChat! If you have any skin problems like acne and are looking for an experienced doctor, our board certified physicians are standing by 24/7/365!

Winter Skincare – Tips to Ditch Those Itches

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Dry Winter Skin

According to the American Skin Association, xerosis (excessively dry skin) is a very common condition that afflicts people of all ages. Dry winter air is notorious for causing xerosis, as well as exacerbating pre-existing skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, and dandruff. All of these skin conditions can cause discomfort and intense itchiness.

Tips for Keeping Control

There are various measures you can take to relieve your irritated epidermis. Taking showers or baths with cooler water (or more brief hot ones) can help, as hot water sucks the moisture from your skin. You can apply light, non-alcohol moisturizers several times daily, and try to avoid harsh chemical irritants such as cleaners or scented soaps. When outside, don’t forget to protect your skin from the winter elements with warm scarves, mittens and hats. For psoriasis, try an oatmeal bath. You can also add a humidifier to your home to help replenish moisture during the dry winter months.

Natural Moisture Locking Remedies

There are a number of natural remedies for parched winter skin:

  • An olive, lemon and salt scrub – mix a whole lemon’s juice with 1 tbsp olive oil and 5 tbsp sea salt for a beautifully moisturizing facial (or body) scrub
  • Honey softens and moisturizes problem skin
  • Coconut oil is a gentle way to replace moisture in your dry, cracked hands
  • Aloe vera has amazing healing powers and can help replenish and rejuvenate your tired winter skin. You can buy your own aloe plant, and remove a tentacle to squeeze onto your skin

What’s Your Winter Culprit?

Dry skin can be just that, or it can be an indication of another dermatological issue. According to WebMD, some skin conditions that similarly present as dry, red, itchy skin are:

Psoriasis: an autoimmune condition which creates skin ‘plaques’ by overproducing skin cells. Psoriasis can range from mild, causing dry, cracked, red and itchy skin, to a severe systemic form which can be debilitating.

Eczema: A skin condition characterized by inflamed, red, cracked, blistered and itchy skin, often much worse in dry air (especially harsh winter air).

Dandruff: Causes your scalp to produce extra skin cells which become inflamed and flake off, sometimes causing immense itchiness. In severe cases, prescription shampoo may be necessary.

Rosacea: A condition causing small blood vessels across the cheeks and bridge of the nose to be inflamed, creating an uncomfortable, raised rash that can resemble acne. Rosacea can be a symptom of a larger autoimmune condition such as scleroderma or lupus.

When to Consult a Doctor or Specialist

If you’ve tried home remedies and over-the-counter creams to no avail, it is time to seek medical attention. It is important to consult a dermatologist if your symptoms are particularly severe, because a specialist is trained to distinguish which skin condition you may be suffering from and provide you with a diagnosis and treatment plan. Some of these conditions, such as psoriasis, can become very troublesome if unchecked. Be sure to make an appointment with your doctor, or see one of our certified DocChat physicians today.