Namita Rao - Rao Dermatology

Redensity I

An extraordinary injectable for light dermal filling and skin redensification.

Redensity I is a combination of injectable dermal filler and mesotherapy. Loss of hydration and luminosity causes our skin to look dull and tired at any age. Fine lines, wrinkles and darkness start to appear, your complexion dulls and the texture of your skin becomes uneven.

Redensity I is a light filling treatment consisting of microinjections performed evenly across the face, neck and hands. Its’ select ingredients of hyaluronic acid, amino acids, and vitamins work at a much deeper level, giving an immediate, cumulative and most importantly a natural result.

Reveal Your Skin’s Radiance

As we age, cells naturally start to reproduce more slowly and produce less collagen and elastin. So inevitably, skin becomes thinner, losing elasticity and luminosity, while wrinkles deepen, complexion dulls, and your skin becomes uneven.

The exclusive formula of Teosyal Redensity I is the balance between Injectable Filler and Mesotherapy. It redensifies your skin, bringing backs its ability to reflect light and supplying an immediate, cumulative, visible, and – most importantly – natural result!

This procedure is a great choice for the face, neck, décolleté, and hands – all areas that are fragile and often ignored by traditional treatments.

What is Redensity I

Redensity I is a medical-grade treatment that consists of micro-injections performed evenly across the area of concern to spread the dermal restructuring complex evenly into the skin. Results are evident several days following the treatment and are cumulative with each session.

Benefits of Redensity I

Nourishes and hydrates the skin from within
Redensiﬁes the skin and restores plumpness
Improves skin texture, tone, and ﬁrmness
Promotes radiance and improves complexion
Gives an overall refreshed look
Beneﬁcial in conjunction with treatments that promote collagen

Who is best suited to use Redensity 1 treatment?

This light filling procedure is suitable for anyone in any age category who has noticed the following signs of aging begin to appear and develop: tired, drawn features, loss of tone and radiance, wrinkles, and lines. It is both corrective AND preventative! The treatment plan is easy: 3 appointments 3 weeks apart. It is both corrective and preventative without any social downtime.

We welcome you to come in for a free consultation. Beautiful luminous skin awaits you.

The Difference Between Spa Facials and Medical Facials

Facials are often equated with pampering: luxury experiences that leave your skin feeling refreshed. But what a facial should do is give you results. Unlike in a spa, a medical facial is administered by a medical aesthetician who not only understands the skin, but is also trained in advanced skin care and works with your dermatologist to customize and facilitate an effective treatment plan particularly for you.

Spa facials are typically the same for every client despite their skin type or conditions and are intended to soothe and relax rather than clinically treat your skin, while medical facials include an analysis of your skin issues and are then designed to meet your objectives by treating your skin beyond merely surface level cleaning.

Medical facials and procedures use medical grade products designed by dermatologists that produce visible, long-lasting results. So, whether you’re looking to slow the aging process, treat acne scarring, or eliminate brown and red spots, medical facials are an affordable and effective option to meet your skin care goals.

Benefits of Medical Facials

1. Beyond the Surface

Medical facials work by treating the skin from the inside out, going beyond its surface to truly restore and rejuvenate your skin’s health. Our procedures preserve and cleanse the skin, encourage collagen stimulation, improve circulation, exfoliate and remove toxins, and correct skin imperfections by improving the skin’s appearance and its health. Because medical facials work at the cellular level, accounting for your skin’s shedding and regeneration cycles, you’ll notice improvements instantly.

2. Customization

As mentioned, spa facials aren’t customizable; estheticians use the same products and processes for every client. In contrast, medical facials begin with a skin analysis where our medical aestheticians and dermatologist assess your skin’s distinctive issues and concerns and create a customized treatment plan for addressing them. Whether you want to treat acne, aging, or rosacea, our team can create a customized medical facial plan to treat your skin type, texture, and tone specifically. No two people have the same skin, the same response, or the same goals so we work to design a plan that suits you and reaches your goals whether you’re looking for a more aggressive or gentle approach.

3. Medical Grade Products

Where traditional spa facials tend to be full of perfumes, oils, and irritants, at Rao Dermatology, we use exclusive, medical grade products to create customized facials that are noninvasive, low-risk, and effective. Knowing that an actual dermatologist backs and approves the products we use in our medical facials gives you comfort and assurance that you’re making the best decisions for your skin health.

Our Medical Facial Services

At Rao Dermatology, we’re dedicated to giving you clear, clean, and smooth skin using a synergistic approach that enhances your skin’s health. Our philosophy includes prevention, treatment, and maintenance to achieve and preserve your skin care goals and medical facials play a key role in preventing, treating, and maintaining your clear and healthy skin. We offer the following medical facial services:

Chemical Peels

We exclusively use SkinCeuticals’ medical grade skin care products in our chemical peels to exfoliate and stimulate collagen production, effectively improving the skin by reducing acne scarring, minimizing sun damage, evening tone, and smoothing texture. Our chemical peels are cost-effective and, when done regularly, keep your skin glowing, radiant, and flawless.

Microdermabrasion

Using a medical grade, tipped wand comprised of natural diamond chips, microdermabrasion polishes your skin, removing and sucking up the dead skin cells and leaving your complexion soft, supple, and firm. Because microdermabrasion is a mechanical exfoliation, it opens up the skin, making it ripe for deep penetration with serums and skin care products and it effectively minimizes scars, discolouration, and fine lines.

Microneedling

This medical procedure involves using a fine needle to poke the skin, leaving what’s called a micro-injury. While it seems counterintuitive, these micro-injuries stimulate collagen production and open the skin to receive serums that plump the skin, fill in lines, and improve discolouration – it’s been used for decades to treat facial scars and is proven to improve both texture and firmness.

Part of customizing your treatments includes blending services where needed. Depending on your goals and issues, you may benefit from a combination of medical facials and dermal filler, neuromodulators, or platelet rich plasma. But whatever your concerns or budget, we work with you to create the best treatment plan for your skin.

Use the form below to book your medical facial consulation.

Our Top 5 Cosmetic Treatments for Men

Looking in the mirror and seeing yourself age sucks for everyone, not just women. In today’s workforce, there is growing competition between older and younger men not necessarily to look flawless and immaculate, but to look energetic and enterprising versus old and obsolete. While men have traditionally shied away from cosmetic treatments because vanity and masculinity are traditionally incompatible, technological advancements in dermatology now allow them to restore their youthfulness subtly without going under a knife – and more and more men are seeking out these treatments.

But men’s goals differ from women’s: they want to maintain ruggedness, keep some lines, but eliminate eye hollows, facial folds, redness, and sagging. Plus, men and women’s skin are markedly different (and not just because men can grow beards). The primary difference is hormonal: testosterone makes a man’s skin about 25% thicker, makes it oilier, rougher, and sweatier than a woman’s.

Men also have a higher collagen density, though they lose collagen at a similar rate as women. But even though men’s skin is different, it responds to the same types of treatments as women’s, and our dermatologists are familiar and confident working on both men and women.

As always, skin care is essential to maintaining healthy, youthful skin, and to preventing the impacts of the sun and elements on your skin, but even the most dedicated regime has only a minimal impact on aging. For men wanting to look younger without surgery, here are our top 5 recommended cosmetic dermatology treatments for men:

1. Neuromodulators (also known as Brotox)
This neuromodulator (botulinum toxin type A) is injected beneath the surface of your skin and it works by temporarily paralyzing the facial muscles responsible for forehead and smile lines. Men typically only do neuromodulator injections on their foreheads and they’re not looking for total smoothness, just a softening of the deeper, more obvious creases. The procedure is quick and only mildly uncomfortable (the needle pinches) and you’ll see results within about a week that last up to six months.

2. Microdermabrasion
A non-invasive medical facial treatment, microdermabrasion polishes the skin and removes dead skin cells which leaves your skin soft and supple and stimulates your skin’s regeneration, making your new skin cells thicker and firmer. A low risk procedure, microdermabrasion deeply exfoliates, minimizing scars, discolouration, fine lines, sun damage, blemishes, and enlarged pores while also giving the skin a youthful glow. Each treatment is about 30 minutes long, but you need multiple treatments to see results.

3. Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers (hyperlink to dermal fillers page) are your best bet for volume loss, which is responsible for making you look deflated, listless, worn, tired, and old. They restore fulness at the temples and beneath the eyes while also reducing facial folds and minimizing wrinkles. Dermal fillers are incredibly subtle and natural looking, plus they provide instant results.

4. Chemical Peels
Used to reduce acne scarring, sun damage, and uneven colouring, chemical peels offer men improved skin texture, a more even skin tone, reduced lines, and less age spots. A SkinCeutical customized medical facial is great for exfoliation, collagen stimulation, and overall rejeuvenation, leaving the skin smoother and fuller.

5. Intense Pulse Light (IPL)
A non-invasive, photorejuvenation approach to correcting skin problems, this treatment uses infrared light to stimulated collagen production. Improving skin tone and surface imperfections due to aging, photo damage, vascular conditions, and acne scarring, IPL is particularly effective for redness and brown spots as well as for hair removal. For men, IPL is ideal for broken capillaries and rosacea.

Schedule your free consultation today to discuss the best dermatological treatments for your skin goals today.

Our Treatments For Acne Scarring

Suffering with acne is bad enough, but dealing with acne scarring just adds insult to injury. Toss in aging and sun exposure to the mix, and those scars inevitably become more noticeable as time passes. Since approximately 95% of acne sufferers end up with permanent scarring that causes both hyperpigmentation (brown and red marks) and pitted scars, its impact, emotionally and psychologically, is substantial: acne scarring is a risk factor for suicide and is linked to poor self-esteem, depression, anxiety, embarrassment, anger, and even unemployment.

But you don’t have to suffer in silence because Rao Dermatology offers a number of customized treatments that can erase or minimize acne scarring’s marks and indentations.

Our experienced and knowledgeable doctors will assess your type and extent of scarring (atrophic, hypertrophic, or keloidal) together with your age and specific skin type to develop a course of treatment tailored just for you.

Below is an overview of the acne scarring treatment options we offer at Rao Dermatology in Edmonton:

Laser Treatments
Laser treatments are the quickest way to reduce the impact acne has on your skin. An extremely precise procedure that produces intense monochromatic light, laser treatments use photothermolysis to breakdown selected tissues in the skin. Dermatologists have been using laser therapies for over 35 years, and Dr. Rao is an acclaimed international expert and researcher in the laser field. Under his skillful guidance, we choose the most optimal treatment for your skin. We offer a variety of laser treatments to reduce or eliminate acne scarring: Intense Pulse Light (IPL), Laser Genesis, Nano Laser Peel, Sciton Profractional, Q-Switch Laser, Excel V, Cynosure Smart Xide, Sciton Halo, and Micro-Laser Peel. All of our laser treatments are non-invasive and proven to reduce skin damaged by acne scarring.

Dermal Fillers
Known for plumping up skin, dermal filler aren’t only used for aging, they are also an effective acne scarring treatment. Dermal fillers add volume to the skin using natural or synthetic materials that are injected into the face to increase volume and smoothness. Particular effective for pitted scarring, dermal fillers provide almost instant results, but they do require follow up treatments to maintain the effect. At Rao Dermatology, your doctor will determine which filler is best for your skin, but we carry Juvederm®, Restylane®, Revanesse, and RADIESSE®.

Medical Facials
On their own, medical facials can minimize acne scars, but depending on your scarring, they may work best in combination with laser treatments. At Rao Dermatology, the medical facials we offer include chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and microneedling. Medical facials are known to reduce superficial scarring by removing the top layer of skin; as the skin heals, its surface appears smoother and fuller. In contrast, microneedling uses tiny needles to penetrate the dermis, which also stimulates healing to treat texture and tone.

Daily Advanced Skin Care
A proper skin care regimen is essential to maintain healthy, youthful skin by preventing, treating, and maintaining your skin’s health. Typically used in tandem with other treatments, our skin care products optimize and prolong the benefits of our acne scarring treatments like laser treatments, dermal fillers, and medical facials.

Our product of choice is SKinceuticals, an advanced skin care line backed by science and committed to the highest, medical grade formulation standards. SkinCeuticals’ acne products not only fight and prevent acne, but they also help improve the skin’s acne scarring by lightening dark spots, evening skin tone, and firming complexions.

Do you suffer from acne scarring? Book your acne scarring treatment consultation by filling in the form below.

Dermal Fillers

Sometimes we look in the mirror and are suddenly alarmed by what we see, as though we suddenly aged overnight! As the years go by, our skin’s appearance becomes more and more impacted by our environments which may result in fine lines, deep creases, hollows under our eyes, more noticeable acne and chicken pox scars, thinner lips, or gauntness in our temples and cheeks.

Our skin loses its elasticity, its fullness, and its suppleness because as we age, our skin gradually loses hyaluronic acid and collagen which is what gives our skin that youthful look.

Many people try to reduce the impacts of aging with skin care products and while a skin care routine with cutting edge products can make a big difference, it has a limited impact on age, facial muscles, gauntness, or sun damage.

While neuromodulators may be an effective option, dermal fillers offer a different approach that may be used instead of, or in combination with, neuromodulators.

What are Dermal Fillers and What Do They Do?

Dermal fillers are a cost-effective, minimally invasive cosmetic procedure for adding volume to the skin by filling in gaunt areas and removing wrinkles and lines. Dermal fillers can contain natural or synthetic materials and are injected to create volume and fullness, perking up your face and restoring its youthfulness. Unlike neuromodulators, which work with the face’s muscles, dermal fillers plump and smooth the skin.

Natural fillers like hyaluronic acid, which our bodies produce, provide immediate results which can last anywhere from three to 18 months (sometimes as long as two years). Like the skin’s natural hyaluronic acid, the fillers eventually break down, so follow-up treatments to maintain the effects are key. Natural fillers may not last as long synthetic fillers, but the risk of allergic reactions is significantly lower.

Synthetic fillers are semi-permanent; if your lines and wrinkles return, it’s due to continued aging or sun damage rather than a dissipation of the filler. Ensuring that the effects are long lasting means wearing sunscreen daily and taking special care of your skin.

Our Dermal Fillers

At Rao Dermatology, we use both natural and synthetic fillers selected by our doctor’s and that produce superior results in combination with our skill, technique, experience, and training. We offer Juvederm®, Restylane®, Revanesse, and RADIESSE®. Our doctor’s will select the dermal filler best suited to your skin and your risk tolerance, but here is an overview of each dermal filler product.

Juvederm®

A natural filler, Juvederm® is an injectable gel dermal filler that uses hyaluronic acid to subtly restore fullness, reduce lines and wrinkles, and plump up lips. The injectable contains some lidocaine to reduce discomfort during treatment. Juvederm® produces subtle, natural results that enhance your look and it lasts between one and two years. One of the most commonly used fillers, Juvederm® has a superior history of producing great results with minimal side effects.

Restylane®

Another natural filler using hyaluronic acid, Restylane® provides two decades of innovative research and development to offer a wide variety of gel types that provide varying degrees of fullness and firmness meaning that we can tailor your dermal filler treatment to suit your facial rejuvenation needs.

Revanesse®

A synthetic filler, the Revanesse line uses Thixofix cross-linking technology which slows down the breakdown of hyaluronic acid, making it more durable, longer-lasting, and that stimulates new collagen production in your skin.

RADIESSE®

Another synthetic filler, RADIESSE® is made of Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA) microspheres that are suspended in a gel and works by providing immediate volume while also continuing to stimulate the body’s natural collagen production. RADIESSE® lasts a year or more and the CaHA microspheres are metabolized by your body, leaving behind only the natural collagen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some of our frequently asked questions about dermal fillers, but if you have concerns that aren’t addressed here, please feel free to contact us.

Do dermal fillers hurt? How long does the procedure take?

We use a very fine needle to inject your dermal filler into your skin, meaning that there will be some minor discomfort. The procedure takes about 15 to 30 minutes depending on the amount of areas we are treating. Some dermal fillers also include lidocaine to reduce discomfort.

How soon will I see results?

The results from dermal fillers are instantaneous and will last anywhere from three months to two years depending on your skin and the filler used. The results aren’t permanent, so you will eventually need follow-up appointments to maintain the effects.

What happens if I don’t continue treatment?

If you don’t continue treatment, your symptoms lines and wrinkles, thinness or gauntness, hollows and creases will gradually return.

Are dermal fillers expensive?

Exact costs vary depending upon individual treatment plans, the dermal fillers used, and the amount of filler injected. We’ll advise you of the costs for your treatment at your consultation.

Are there any potential side effects from dermal filler injections?

After the injections, you will likely experience some tenderness and temporary bruising or swelling. You may experience redness, swelling, itching, stinging, pain, pressure, or rashes for up to a week after treatment.

Am I a good candidate for dermal fillers?

If you are between the ages of 18 and 65 years old and have great overall health, you are most likely a good candidate for dermal fillers, but the best determinant is a consultation at our Edmonton Dermatology Clinic. Fill in the form below to set up your consultation.

Neuromodulators: Get Facts on the Cosmetic Procedure

Aging has a way of creeping up on us. It starts with faint smile creases, forehead lines, or crinkles at the corners of your eyes. Those wrinkles in your skin are a result of smiling, frowning, laughing, and squinting over the years; though smoking, sun damage, dehydration, and some medications can cause wrinkles as well.

We can help to smooth those lines out, for both men and women, by addressing the root of the problem: your facial muscles. By injecting a neuromodulator (botulinum toxin type A) beneath the surface of your skin, we can reduce the muscle contractions in your face, ultimately smoothing those creases and softening those lines, bringing back your youthful skin.

While this neuromodulator is best known for its use in cosmetic enhancement, it’s also an important therapy for non-cosmetic applications in the treatment of pain disorders like chronic migraine and medical conditions like hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating).

Reduce Migraine Frequency

If you suffer from migraines, you know they are far worse than just a headache. An estimated 2.7 million Canadians suffer from migraine, a debilitating condition characterized by intense, pulsating head pain, nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light, sound, and smells.

While there is no cure for migraine, neuromodulator treatments can prevent up to nine migraine days per month with quarterly injections, vastly improving your quality of life.

Lessen Excessive Sweating

While approximately 950,000 Canadians suffer from excessive sweating, few realize that it’s a treatable medical condition. Hyperhidrosis is an excessive sweating disorder that impacts confidence, social comfort, emotional wellbeing, and even clothing choices. Sufferers can experience intense sweating in more than just their underarms, they can also sweat profusely from their hands and feet as well as their head and face.

When other treatments aren’t working, neuromodulator injections can result in an 82-87% decrease in sweating by blocking the chemical signals from the nerves that stimulate the sweat glands.

Frequently Asked Questions

While this neuromodulator is very popular, you might not understand how it works, how it’s used or what to expect. Below are some of our frequently asked questions, but if you have concerns that aren’t addressed here, please feel free to contact us.

What are neuromodulators and how do they work?

This neuromodulator (botulinum toxin type A) is a drug made from a neurotoxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium Botulinum. Interestingly, this toxin can cause a muscle paralysis called botulism (usually connected to food poisoning). But even though botulism can cause paralysis, scientists have weakened this toxin to cause controlled muscle relaxation. This neuromodulator was approved by the FDA in the 80s when scientists discovered it could stop uncontrolled blinking and lazy eye.

Since then, dermatologists have used it to treat wrinkles, excessive sweating, and chronic migraine. This neuromodulator works by blocking nerve signals from reaching the muscles, preventing them from tightening forcefully, which causes the muscles to relax and the creases in the skin to soften. Don’t worry though, this neuromodulator is safely used the world over, with over 6 million treatments performed annually.

Does This Neuromodulator hurt? How long does it take?

Because this neuromodulator is injected using fine needles, it causes minor discomfort, like a pinch. Some patients will experience tenderness near the injection sites. You know your body best, if you anticipate discomfort, let your dermatologist know; we can recommend a numbing cream or ice to soothe the area. Typically, your face may feel taut and you will have some minor bruising and swelling, but it will disappear after 24 hours.

Overall, the neuromodulator injections are quick, it only takes a few minutes so you can pop in during your lunch break and still have time to eat. A session for migraine treatment takes a bit longer as there are seven injection sites with about 30 injections overall.

How soon will I see results?

The average person, with moderate to severe wrinkles, will see visible results from neuromodulator injections within days. While each person’s skin and results may vary, your wrinkles and lines will continue to fade for about 30 days, though the results can last up to four months, at which point you’ll need another treatment.

For migraine sufferers, neuromodulator treatments tend to be more successful with each new treatment. If you’re getting this neuromodulator for excessive sweating, your symptoms will gradually fade over about a week and gradually return up to six months when you’ll need another treatment.

What happens if I don’t continue treatment?

If you don’t continue treatment, your symptoms (whether lines and wrinkles, migraine, or excessive sweating) will gradually return.

Isn’t this neuromodulator expensive?

This neuromodulator isn’t just for the rich and famous. In fact, it’s relatively affordable and for migraine and excessive sweating patients, most health benefit plans cover part of the cost. Exact costs vary depending upon individual treatment plans. We’ll advise you of the costs for your treatment at your consultation.

Are there any potential side effects from neuromodulator injections?

Temporary side effects may include sensitivity at the injection sites, dry mouth, fatigue, headache, neck pain, vision problems, and dry eyes. Minor symptoms of an allergic reaction may include itchiness, rash, and welts, but if you experience wheezing, dizziness, or faintness, seek medical attention as soon as possible. For more information on possible side effects, consult with your dermatologist.

Am I a good candidate for this neuromodulator?
If you are between the ages of 18 and 65 years old and have great overall health, you are most likely a good candidate for this neuromodulator, but the best determinant is a consultation at our south side Edmonton Dermatology Clinic. Fill in the form below to book your neuromodulator consultation.

How to Fix an Oily Face

Oily skin is a big problem for many people. Not only is it unsightly, but it can also increase your risk of getting pimples. Fortunately, there are many ways that you can reduce the oiliness of your skin. Here are a few of the best ways to get rid of a shiny face.

Moisturize Your Face

If your skin is oily, it may seem like moisturizing it is the opposite of what you’d want to do. Your skin is already moist due to the oil. However, oftentimes, this excess moisture occurs due to the fact that your body is compensating for dry skin. Regularly moisturizing your face with a light moisturizer can help regulate the moisture of your skin so that your body does not produce excess oil. However, you should be sure to avoid using a moisturizer that is too strong as it could contribute to oily skin.

Proper Face Washing

Regularly washing your face can greatly improve oily skin. Avoid using a harsh wash rag as it may irritate your skin and contribute to oil production. Thoroughly clean your hands, then use them to gently wipe your face with water. If you use a face wash, make sure that it does not contain any alcohol. You should also be sure to avoid washing too frequently as it can dry out your skin and increase oil production. Washing your face two to three times a day should suffice.

Stop Touching Your Face

Your hands are one of the dirtiest parts of your body. If you frequently touch your face, you are spreading oil to it from your hands. You are also spreading bacteria to your face, which can lead to acne. Avoid touching your face. You should also wash your hands frequently to make sure that they are clean if you do happen to touch your face.

Take Cooler Showers

A hot shower can be very relaxing, but it can also wreak havoc on your skin. Hot showers tend to make your skin very dry. As was mentioned earlier in the article, dry skin can lead to an oily face. If you find that your skin is dry or itchy after showers, the water that you are using is too hot. At the very least, you should aim to greatly reduce the temperature of the water towards the end of the shower. You should also aim to have a shower that is as short as possible.

Although an oily face can be very unsightly, you don’t have to be stuck with it. The key to fixing a shiny face is to identify the source of your problem. Once you know what habits are causing your skin to be oily, fixing it is very simple.

Fruits that Protect from Sunburn

Have you ever considered shopping for skin care products in the produce aisle of the grocery store? It seems that certain fruits like strawberries, pomegranates, and guavas contain specific ingredients that are beneficial for skin care and, specifically, for sunburn. Did we need another reason to love them?

Strawberries

Strawberries are one of the most popular fruits available. And now researchers are isolating some very beneficial ingredients contained in strawberries. One class of powerful compounds found in strawberries is called anthocyanins. A study published in the Journal of Agricultural Food Chemistry reports that when human skin cells were exposed to these strawberry-flavored anthocyanins they experienced less DNA damage from the sun than skin cells that were not exposed.

Pomegranates

Researchers at the Hallym University in the Republic of Korea found that ellagic acid which is found in pomegranates retarded the destruction of collagen and prevented wrinkle-causing skin inflammation. These scientists tested the effects of ellagic acid on hairless mice and on human skin cells. Their studies concluded that ellagic acid successfully blocked the matrix metalloproteinase enzymes which are enzymes that destroy the natural collagen in sun-damaged cells.

Guavas

It’s a well-known fact that antioxidants such as vitamin C help protect your skin before you get in the sun. Vitamin C applied topically also soothes the pain and redness of skin that is already sunburned. Guavas are good for your skin because they contain about five times the antioxidants as an orange. Guavas also contain another skin-protecting ingredient – lycopene.

Tomatoes

You might regard tomatoes as a vegetable, but technically they are a fruit. But however they are classified, they are rich in lycopene which provides your skin with vital protection from harmful UV rays emanating from the sun. The British Society for Investigative Dermatology published a study reporting the astounding benefits of eating tomatoes. Study participants who regularly consumed lycopene from tomato-based products over a three-month period were found to be about 33% more protected from the sun than their control group counterparts.

Everybody knows that including a variety of fruits and vegetables is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. But many people don’t realize that your local produce department is also the first step to protecting your skin from sun damage.

6 Natural Home Remedies for Crow’s Feet

Crow’s feet are the fine lines which appear around your eyes. These fine lines and wrinkles are an unavoidable and natural part of the aging process. However, you can reduce the appearance of crow’s feet with a good skin care regime.

Your skin uses the proteins elastin and collagen to maintain a youthful complexion. Over time, your body will produce less of these valuable proteins, your skin will lose elasticity, and you won’t replace dead skin cells so quickly. As this happens, fine line and wrinkles will start to appear.

Egg White Face Mask

Egg whites contain magnesium which is great for your body as magnesium detoxifies and cleanses the skin. On top of this, the egg white will pull the skin together and make it appear smoother.

To prepare an egg white face mask, you should beat an egg white until it’s frothy. Ensure that your face is relaxed and apply the egg white to your face. Allow the face mask to dry and apply a second coat. Keep the mask on for 15 minutes and then wash it off with soap and water. You should repeat this process a few times a week.

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera has great antioxidant properties and contains many essential vitamins and minerals. Antioxidant properties of the Aloe Vera plant include a high concentration of vitamins A, C, E, and B12. The plant also contains folic acid and choline which are also good for the skin.

Cut a fresh Aloe Vera leaf and squeeze out the gel from inside the leaf. Apply it to your face and leave it on during the night. In the morning, rinse your face with cold water.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil can be used to nourish the skin. It contains a high amount of vitamin E and linoleic acid which can help to reconnect broken skin tissues. This will delay the appearance of wrinkles and crow’s feet.

Rub some extra virgin coconut oil around your eyes each night before going to sleep. Use a few drops and gently rub the oil into the skin.

Lemon Exfoliator

Lemons contain a high amount of citric acid which works as an exfoliant to revitalize your skin. Lemon juice effectively removes dead skin cells and will help you to look younger.

Rub fresh lemon juice onto your crow’s feet, leave it for 10 minutes, and rinse your face with cold water. You can repeat this process a couple of times every day.

Cucumber Eye Patches

Cucumbers are rich in vitamins B5 and B6. They also contain high amounts of niacin, riboflavin, and thiamine. These vitamins and nutrients soothe skin and will help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

Lay down and place one thin slice of cucumber over each eye. Leave the cucumber resting on your eyes for around ten minutes. Add this remedy to your daily skin care regime.

Honey and Yogurt Mask

Honey hydrates skin and helps to remove bacteria. It also works as an antioxidant to keep your skin feeling soft. Lactic acid in yogurt exfoliates the skin which will help to keep your skin firm and smooth.

Combine equal amounts of honey and plain yogurt into a bowl. Mix the both together and apply to your face. Leave the mask on for 10 minutes and then rinse with cold water.

Fine lines and crow’s feet are inevitable, but you can slow down the aging process with some simple natural home remedies. There’s no need to buy expensive cosmetic products to keep your skin looking young and beautiful, you can get great results by applying natural treatments to your face. Natural ingredients are also better for your skin than harsh chemicals found in some cosmetic products.

What Does Your Acne Mean?

Acne is widely accepted as a normal part of skin care discourse. As a result, when those pesky little spots appear on the surface of the skin, it is easy to dismiss their existence with a simple, “It’s just acne” attitude. The reality is, acne is a lot more than that. Specifically, the location of acne on your body can function as a telltale sign of specific health issues. The following acne guide will help you extract a lot more information about your skin and its health.

Recent research reported on provdr.com by Nastasia Delmedico revealed the following findings:

Lower half of your body

Acne that appears on the lower half of your body, namely your legs, thighs, or around the buttocks, can be a result of an internal or external problem. Internally, the acne may be related to an issue in your diet. It might be difficult to pinpoint exactly what the issue is; therefore, researchers suggest experimentation. For example, try adding more water to your diet or consuming less sugar, both in its natural and processed forms. Externally, acne on the lower half of your body can also suggest a lack of air. In other words, the fabrics you wear may inhibit circulation. Try wearing breathable clothing to avoid trapping heat and moisture that is likely to promote breakouts.

Jawline and neck

While breakouts in this area are a little more common there are two potential causes of acne on the jawline and neck. Specifically, it may be a result of “overactive adrenal glands” related to your hormones or it can be a result of a high-sugar diet. Limit and monitor your sugar consumption to avoid these types of breakouts.

Shoulders

When acne materializes along the shoulders, research suggests it is a sign of stress. The easiest way to combat this type of acne is to take some time to rest, relax, and get away for a little while.

Chest

Perhaps more common among women than men, chest acne may be a sign of poor diet and digestive issues or it may be related to the consumption of excessive spicy foods or cold beverages. The solution here seems quiet apparent; cut back.

Stomach

Less popular is acne on the stomach. According to research, acne on the stomach might be a reflection of dangerous blood sugar levels. If acne is on your stomach, you should see a dermatologist or your family physician immediately.

Back

Finally, nicknamed “bacne”, acne on the back is not only the most common form, but can also be caused by a series of different factors. Some of these may include stress, issues with your digestive system, or challenges with your nervous system, among others. Should acne appear on your back, contact your family doctor immediately to obtain a professional diagnosis.