Skin Care

1. Remove stinger (with caution) As quickly as you can, remove the stinger. Scrape it out as close to the skin as possible with a fingernail, credit card or knife. Don’t squeeze, use tweezers, or pull it out, because you’ll just release more venom. 2. Tenderize to reduce pain from venom If you have meat tenderizers in the kitchen, make a past with ice water and apply … [Read more...] about How to Treat a Bee Sting: 5 Steps to Take ASAP

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease that can start at any age, most commonly in young adulthood; once it appears, it often means a lifetime of flaking and itching skin, sometimes to the extent that people feel imprisoned in their own body. The red patches of psoriasis, covered in silvery flakes or scales, are often maddeningly itchy. They can be cracked and sore, and … [Read more...] about Itchy, Flaky Skin? Get Relief For Psoriasis

Know the Signs of Skin Cancer You’ve likely been told to look out for moles that change color or size, but many more common types of skin cancer don't look like moles at all, but red sores, wart-like bumps or scaly patches. “We tell people to look for anything new, or anything that doesn’t heal after a while,” explains Cheryl Rosen, MD, a dermatologist at Toronto Western … [Read more...] about Do You Know What Skin Cancer Looks Like?

Watch what you eat The influence of nutrition on the skin is really underestimated, says Alan Logan, a naturopathic doctor and author of The Clear Skin Diet (Cumberland House). “Over the long term [poor diet] can influence the production of inflammatory chemicals in the skin that could lead to acne and other skin conditions,” says Logan. “According to research, that could … [Read more...] about 7 Foods That Are Seriously Ruining Your Skin

Many of us know the benefits of exfoliation in whisking away complexion-dulling dead skin cells. But it does more than that, says Holly Sherrard, education manager for Dermalogica Canada. “Exfoliating increases cell turnover to reveal newer, healthier skin cells, plus it decreases blackheads, minimizes hyperpigmentation and fine lines, and imparts an all-over healthy glow.” It … [Read more...] about How Exfoliation Helps Your Skin

While the tanning industry has long argued that a “base tan”—achieved gradually over time—will provide protection from sunburn, more and more evidence is finding that’s just not true. The World Health Organization argues that the UVA rays used in indoor tanning salons penetrate the skin deeper and can still contribute to skin cancer. There is also no evidence to support … [Read more...] about Is It Safe To Get A Base Tan?

Alcohol Stephen Mulholland, MD, a plastic surgeon in Toronto, says excessive alcohol consumption—more than one or two drinks a day—puts strain on the liver, and that can result in dilated pores, dilated and broken capillaries, as well as the overgrowth of sweat and oil glands. Unfortunately, this occurs most often in the face (particularly the nose), though other areas of the … [Read more...] about 4 Common Foods That Are Ruining Your Skin

A true sun allergy—called solar urticaria—is very rare, affecting an estimated 0.5 percent of people. We’re not talking sunburns here! “Some 10 percent of the world’s population might have a skin reaction when exposed to the sun,” says dermatologist Gordon Searles, MD. These reactions can be broken down into two types: sun allergy and sun sensitivity. “People with a sun … [Read more...] about Are Some People Really Allergic to the Sun?

Exfoliate for softer skin • Give your skin a milk bath. The lactic acid in milk exfoliates dead skin cells and may also increase skin's ability to hold in moisture. Soak a washcloth in cold milk. Lay the cloth on any area of skin that is particularly dry or irritated. Leave the cloth there for five minutes, and when you rinse off the milk, do it gently, so some of the lactic … [Read more...] about Prevent Dry Skin: 6 Soothing Steps to Take This Winter

Surprising Psoriasis Facts Psoriasis is a common chronic inflammatory skin condition that involves red elevated patches and flaking silvery scales. Lesions may be painful and itchy, and can appear anywhere on the body, but most commonly occur on the hands, knees, elbows and scalp, says dermatologist Melinda Gooderham, MD. Psoriasis lesions occur as a result of the skin … [Read more...] about 4 Things You Should Know About Psoriasis

Eat for great skin You probably think about how nutrition affects your health and your weight, but eating the right foods can also improve the quality of your skin. “You can look at food as the raw materials for a factory,” says naturopathic doctor Ian Koo, ND. “The better the quality of the raw materials we have to start with, the greater the chance that we’ll end up with a … [Read more...] about The 5 Best Foods To Eat For Healthy, Glowing Skin

Remedies for soft skin Whether you’re 25 or 65, the quest to maintain healthy, soft skin can be a daily battle. While there is no guaranteed method to permanently turn back the clock, there are several simple ways to slow it down and retain fresh skin. Dermatologist Benjamin Barankin, MD, says that help is available for even the most serious of skin cases, thanks to advances … [Read more...] about The 6 Best Tricks to Get Amazing, Soft Skin (and Keep It That Way)

Are you suffering from dry skin? It's safe to say no likes the itchy, inflamed feeling of dry skin. Unfortunately, it's a common problem that often affects the arms, thighs, lower legs, sides of the abdomen, even the lips. Dermatologist Peter Vignjevic, MD, shares the causes of dry skin and what you can do to make it better. … [Read more...] about 5 Reasons Your Skin is Dry and Itchy (and How to Fix It)

Skip these bad skin behaviors Sure, you know your skincare essentials: removing makeup, washing and moisturizing twice a day, eating well, and staying hydrated. Still, a few bad habits could be sabotaging your skin. Dermatologist Lisa Kellett, MD, shares her top picks for skincare practices to break, now.         … [Read more...] about 6 Bad Habits That Can Seriously Wreck Your Skin

Be sun smart You know the drill–don’t venture outdoors without a slathering of sunscreen. Still, there are a few key areas of your skin you might be leaving vulnerable to the sun's harmful rays. Each year in the U.S., nearly 5 million people are treated for skin cancer, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. Not to mention, about 90 percent of nonmelanoma skin cancers are … [Read more...] about 9 Key Body Parts You Forget To Protect With Sunscreen

1. Stay away from soap Soap is highly alkaline, and it can damage the skin's natural barriers. Choose a soap-free cleanser instead.         … [Read more...] about 8 Easy Things You Can Do For a Clearer Complexion

Ever find yourself using excuses to not wear sunscreen? You may hate how it feels or smells, but not applying SPF is an even bigger concern. Each year there are more new cases of skin cancer in the U.S. than the combined incidence of cancers of the breast, prostate, lung, and colon, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. Listen to this expert advice next time you start … [Read more...] about 8 Bad Excuses to Not Wear Sunscreen That Put You at Risk

Everything you already know about sunscreen is still true. You have to wear it; you have to reapply. Yet most of us are guilty of delinquent sunscreen behavior. Protecting your skin from damaging UV rays should be a no-brainer. A closer look at the hard facts reveals a few rules to live by. Consider antioxidants your second line of defense Sunscreen is most effective when … [Read more...] about 3 Sunscreen Rules You Should Follow Every Day

1. Skip long, steamy showers and opt for shorter, cooler sprays. Long, hot showers strip skin of its moisture and wash away protective oils. Try to limit yourself to 10 minutes and keep the water cool. 2. Check the dryness of your skin by scratching a small area on your arm or leg with your fingernail. If it leaves a white mark, your skin is indeed dry and needs both moisture … [Read more...] about 20 Tricks to Keep Your Skin Looking Young and Vibrant