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Is Your Phone Making Your Skin Look Older?

Modern life means the use of more technology in our daily lives. The widespread impact of the Internet of Things has made it easier for everyone to connect to the web and incorporate much of their daily routine online. Internet access is also widely accessible and cheaper too, so more people can go online now and the need to connect to the web is now even considered a necessity today and no longer the luxury that it once was. Smart technology plays a big part here and we can do more things with our smartphones today without even having to go far or spend a lot of money. As much as we enjoy the perks of modern living, it has its downsides too and it has to do with constantly exposing our skin to tech devices.

Your skin not only suffers from the harsh rays of the sun because you can experience the same effect even indoors. Constant exposure to the blue light emitted by your smartphone is also detrimental to your skin. The tech gadgets you use also plays a role in the way your skin looks. Blue light, for instance, speeds up aging, so don’t be surprised if you look older now that you’ve been glued to your smartphone or tablet all day and night long. Most people, young or old, are guilty of this. Our phones are usually the first thing we look for upon waking up in the morning and the last thing we tinker with before we drift off to sleep at night.

High Energy Visible Light (to give it its proper name) is a natural part of sunlight but it’s also found in this technological blue light. Visible light, unlike ultraviolet lights like UVA and UVB – which we already know causes skin damage – is light that can be seen by the human eye. While there’s no evidence yet that it causes skin cancer is quite the same way, there have been studies that have found that blue light produces more hyper-pigmentation than UVB.

(Via: http://metro.co.uk/2018/02/04/oh-lord-blue-light-phone-laptop-might-aging-skin-7285295/)

Imagine all those hours you have made your skin to endure unnecessary blue light exposure because you can’t seem to put your phone down because of your obsession with social media. The effect of excessive blue light exposure is similar to the effects of being exposed to the harsh sunlight without sunscreen protection. You may eventually look cool in your circle of friends as you can use various filters to make you look good on photos but they’ll be surprised to see you in real life and you look way older in person because you’ve been making your skin suffer on a daily basis.

Research has shown that overexposure to blue light can, indeed, accelerate signs of aging, worsening the wrinkles, fine lines, and hyperpigmentation we’ve come to associate with too much sun. As dermatologist Howard Murad explains, “Excessive blue light accelerates the oxidation process, which elicits inflammation and damages the skin barrier, making it more prone to signs of aging, increased uneven skin tone, dullness, pigmentation, and fine lines and wrinkles.”

(Via: http://www.refinery29.com/2018/02/190110/phone-blue-light-aging-skin)

Your skin deserves more care and attention than you currently give it. It is such a waste of money to indulge in space, expensive derma treatments, or fancy skincare products that promise eternal youth if you yourself are the one sabotaging your skincare efforts. It should be common knowledge by now about the blue light emitted by smart devices and its dangers. Since technology is already so widespread, why not make even better use of it by searching up ways on how you can protect yourself (especially your skin) on the dangers of blue light or how you can make your aging skin look younger and healthier using natural remedies. That way, you can still enjoy the many perks of technology without sacrificing your superficial beauty.

Is There Really Such A Thing As Anti-Aging?

We all go through the cycle of life. From birth to old age, our bodies go through a myriad of changes that all people go through at certain points in their lives. Along with the passing of the years, your body grows old and it is a normal part of life. However, not all can accept this and would rather stay young looking. It is why they invest in expensive skin care routines and products that help them delay the onset of aging as much as possible. But the question is, are anti-aging products really effective or are beauty manufacturer just milking money from people with confidence issues. Is a daily swipe of cream or serum enough to put a halt to aging and let time pass by without any evidence showing on your face?

Well, skincare products that feature anti-aging properties really contain ingredients with known anti-aging benefits. However, you can’t really count on them to turn back the hands of time (in erasing wrinkles and fine lines) or put the time on a standstill because they may be effective but surely not that effective. You can probably get more luck with invasive dermatologic treatments such as Botox or cosmetic surgery because drastic changes are made on your face at a time but it takes years for skin care products for you to be able to see some visible effects of its application.

Ageing is inevitable and value neutral. Had it a singular will, the beauty industry would have us like King Canute, sitting atop a throne on the shore and roaring at the tide to keep back while drawing our brows on high and mad in a lower case letter ‘n’, like a very elderly Bette Davis.

The tide will do its thing, and so will time. Ageing is not objectively negative, and it cannot be reversed with anything we fling in a panic at our faces. It can be managed, however, and there is a difference between the natural ageing of the skin, and damage to the skin. The latter, we can do something about.

(Via: https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/fashion/beauty/anti-ageing-products-are-a-myth-but-you-can-still-manage-the-damage-1.3368650)

Today, most anti-aging products contain secret or mysterious ingredients that sound really ancient and organic. Many are really tempted to buy stuff loaded with snails or something equally exotic and slather big helpings of it in their skin along with the hopes that the Gods would intervene and bring forth a miracle that will help them defy aging for real and clear your skin of any imperfections. In today’s market, even women in their early 20s invest in anti-aging products that initially targets women in their 40s onwards. The cliché here is that most products that promise to be the fountain of youth are often pricey, which is why you can’t blame people for asking whether they really are worth all the hype it is getting.

The aesthetic needs and desires of patients are increasing. Health and fitness are no longer the key ingredients to staying younger for longer. Patients want to feel and look good, period. The needs of these patients make the field of aesthetic and anti-aging medicine a popular topic. Scalpel and surgical solutions are replaced by needles, anti-wrinkle injections, chemical peels, fillers, threads, microdermabrasion and laser, to name a few. All of these procedures need to be done by qualified medical practitioners certified as competent in these various aesthetic and anti-aging medicine procedures and interventions. The Aesthetic and Anti-Aging Medicine Society of South Africa (AAMSSA) is the official medical society committed to the practice, advancement and regulations of aesthetic and anti-aging medicine in South Africa, presenting all medical practitioners with an interest in this exciting and fast-developing field of medicine.

(Via: http://www.longevitylive.com/anti-aging-beauty/anti-aging-health-studies/aesthetic-anti-aging-medicine/)

Fortunately, we no longer just have to rely on over-the-counter products to combat aging. It seems that the world is finally putting technology to good use by advancing the science of anti-aging so those who wish and can afford to undergo procedures that are meant to erase years off of someone’s face can do so at will. If you can’t, then you’ll just have to make do with cheaper alternatives like cleansers, creams, moisturizers, and serums that can gradually make you look younger without breaking the bank. You’ll just have to be a little patient, though, because no result is instant. Just improve your lifestyle to boost its effects and somehow be able to achieve that anti-aging goal you have that’s also all over the market today.

Olive Oil: Your Skin’s New Best Friend

When it comes to beauty and skincare, we love to experiment with a lot of things especially when it comes to natural remedies. Your skin is the first thing people see and it also serves a crucial function in protecting your body from diseases, so you should not hold back in pampering it and giving it the loving and attention it needs. You can only either go all out or go natural when caring for your skin. Remember that whatever you apply on your skin is absorbed by your body, so you got to be careful in choosing the types of products you use. As much as possible, use natural ingredients because they are safer to use. More often than not, you can already see them in your pantry and kitchen helping you save a lot of cash rather than splurging on expensive skin care regimens.

This kitchen staple is one remedy that can also be found in your kitchen: olive oil. The use of olive oil in enhancing your appearance is actually an ancient practice that even Cleopatra herself swears by it in her heydays. This luxurious oil is rich in anti-oxidant that fends of free radicals and is also hydrating too, so you’re left with soft and moisturized skin just like that of a baby. Other ingredients found in it is vitamin E that keeps the skin healthy even that of your nails. Aside from pampering your skin, you can also use it as a remedy because if you don’t know it yet by now, olive oil can help soothe dry, itchy, or inflamed skin, so you are both relieved of the pain and discomfort and left with healthy, smooth skin after.

Improving acne

One of the daily habits of people who never get acne is following a Mediterranean diet that includes olive oil. Actress Chloe Grace Moretz credits olive oil with getting rid of her acne. “I wash my face with olive oil,” she told Allure. “I swear my skin is so much clearer because of it.” In the same way olive oil can remove oil-based makeup (more on that later), it can help remove the oil from your skin. Plus, some studies have shown olive oil has antibacterial properties, which can help clear up skin infections that can lead to breakouts.

(Via: https://www.rd.com/health/beauty/benefits-of-olive-oil/)

Olive oil also works great as an exfoliator that you can use to get rid of cracked heels, even that of chapped lips. It is also multifunctional as you can use it to remove makeup if you don’t have a makeup remover on hand or even double as a shaving cream and leave you with real soft legs sans the annoying hair. People also rave about its anti-aging properties mainly because of the antioxidants and polyphenols it contains, making olive oil an all-around skincare remedy that you can afford but still deliver the results you are looking for.

Scrub and exfoliator

Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells, allowing skincare to better absorb into skin. And to make your exfoliation routine extra effective, simply add a few drops of olive oil to your usual scrub for a soothing and moisturising boost. Or to make an all-natural scrub, simply mix a half cup of brown sugar, a half cup of olive oil and a few drops of your favourite essential oil together in a bowl.

(Via: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/lifestyle/30336652)

Olive oil not only moisturizes and fights off bacteria especially the ones responsible for the unwelcome zits on your face but it also boasts of anti-cancer properties as well. You can use it plain or added with other similar natural ingredients like lemon and sugar for exfoliation but you can also purchase commercial skincare products infused with olive oil especially if you can’t tolerate the extremely sticky feeling (of course, it is an oil). If you can find one, choose extra virgin than the regular types of olive oil and never forget that olive oil is a heavy oil and you either need to rinse it properly or wipe it off completely to let your skin breathe and ensure all your pores are open.

Tips For Flawless Skin

We were all born with fresh and flawless skin but it degenerates over time. The normal process of aging, the stress of daily life, and pollution, among others, are constant threats to your skin’s integrity. You can’t help it but sooner or later, those wrinkles and fine lines will start to appear and those crow’s feet that shows up when you laugh may mean years of happy memories but definitely not a great sight to see especially when you look at your face in the mirror. Nowadays, even women in their twenties already invest in skin care including anti-aging products. The environment is no longer friendly to the skin and you need all the help you can get to stay as youthful-looking for as long as possible.

When it comes to skincare, you don’t necessarily have to buy all those expensive creams and serums when simple skincare tips can go a long way in saving your wallet without compromising your skin health that people of all age and sizes (and race) can do without any sweat at all. Even using the best skin care products is no assurance you can get the results that you want if you have poor skincare practices. Just simply removing your makeup at the end of the day is a good practice since you remove any irritating chemicals from seeping deeper into your skin that may ultimately lead to breakouts when you wake up in the morning.

Never sleep with makeup on!

Weather you have heard this before or not, but sleeping with makeup is the biggest no-no in the quest for healthy skin. Why? Because it can have very damaging effects. There’s an oil build up overnight which leads to clogged pores and it goes downhill from there. That is; pimples, darkened skin, wrinkles, dull skin etc. Save yourself the trouble and make efforts to always wash off your face before sleeping at night or use a cleanser at best!

Water is the skin’s best friend

Weather you drink loads of it, splash it on your skin, or even swim in it water is and will always remain a great hydrant which cleans the system with and without. When you drink several tall glasses a day, it is not just for great skin but also for better bowel movement which in the end; improves the appearance of the skin. 

(Via: https://www.informationng.com/2018/01/find-7-healthy-tips-beautiful-skin.html)

Aside from religiously removing your makeup, drinking at least 8 glasses of water will keep your skin hydrated and moisturized, thereby saving you from the woes of dry skin. You can’t stop the years from adding up and you won’t stay young forever. It’s a fact of life but there is something you can do about aging gracefully, right? It may not exactly be the flawless skin you are dreaming of but something (hopefully) close to that. Drinking lots of water help a lot as it keeps your skin hydrated and keep you healthy too.

Moisturise your skin: Keeping your skin hydrated at all times is one of the most important beauty tips for avoiding lines and wrinkles. Oil-free moisturisers are great for both oily and dry skin types. 

Don’t forget sunscreen: Applying sunscreen is an essential skincare routine to avoid damage. Use only SPF protected creams and make-up products, and avoid exposure to direct sunlight when plausible.

Exfoliate!: Exfoliation is essential to purge your skin of all the dead cells and blackheads once or twice a week. You can book salon services at home to get this treatment done by experts.

Antioxidants are awesome: Protect your skin from the harmful effects of pollution and UV rays with antioxidants. You must munch on berries, spinach, and broccoli, have lots of freshwater fishes, and drink green tea.  

(Via: https://www.deccanchronicle.com/lifestyle/fashion-and-beauty/130218/young-beautiful.html)

We aspire to have flawless skin because we are envious of beautiful women posting their picture-perfect snaps and aspire to be one too but remember that we are all unique and that there is no such thing as perfection. Your skin may not look like it’s straight from a magazine but what’s important is that it should be healthy. A healthy body will reflect on the outside, so do not neglect your health. Nutrition is crucial to having great skin. All the other tips fail in comparison if you are neglecting your health but they do help you achieve the best version your skin can ever be if you live healthily and follow vital skincare tips that will help you defy gravity and slow down skin aging for as long as possible.

Natural Skin Tag Removal – Overrated?

Your skin is the first thing that protects you from opportunistic pathogens and is also the first thing that people see when they look at you. The reason why your skin is in bad shape at times is that it has to endure so much in your day-to-day life. From braving the elements to battling internal problems that cause you sleepless nights, stress, and exhaustion, your skin may change in color and blemishes and other skin growths may occur that signals something is amiss in your body. Ordinary blemishes come and go and are usually more common among teens and younger children but skin tags are prominent among the elderly. Pregnant women and the obese are also prone to growing tags than their peers.

If you have gotten tired of it and want to flaunt a youthful and flawless appearance, do something about your skin tag the way you see fit. If you are clueless, consult a dermatologist so you can be properly assessed because while generally harmless, it is still possible for a skin growth to be cancerous. Once it is clear, you can opt for surgery or other safer skin tag removal alternatives to get rid of your problem once and for all. Surgery is not only painful but costly too but it gives immediate results. On the other hand, it will take longer for natural and store-bought remedies to take effect. You weigh the pros and cons before deciding.

While Google might offer you natural skin-tag remedies like tea-tree oil, apple cider vinegar or (yikes) dental floss, Lolis calls BS on such skin tag removal strategies.

“These are just a few of the claims I’ve seen, but I don’t believe any of these home remedies are effective,” Lolis says. “I’ve had patients come into my office with dental floss tied around them, and the skin tags can become more painful and infected.”

Just as you wouldn’t expect vinegar or tea tree oil to remove skin from your arm, such at-home remedies won’t work on skin tags — which are, essentially, just excess skin. The only true way to remove skin tags is to physically cut, burn or freeze them off, she explains — which you should definitely not try at home (unless you relish the prospect of infections and scarring).

(Via: http://www.totalbeauty.com/content/slideshows/way-remove-skin-tags-160308/page3)

You don’t even have to look far to find ideas because a simple Google search can give you lots of helpful suggestions. Some may require you to purchase something especially with more commercial solutions but the rest can be found in your own pantry or kitchen. They have different mechanisms of action but generally does the same thing, which is to cut off the hanging pouch of skin off your epidermis. Be warned, though, that scarring may be a possibility especially if you use remedies that cause the growth to burn off as they are often made of aggressive chemicals or ingredients. Some of these tags are so tiny there may be no reason for you to meddle with it after all and just wait for it to fall off on its own.

While they do not have to be removed, you may choose to see a doctor who can eliminate the excess skin by cryotherapy (freezing them off), electrodesssication (burning them off) or surgical excision (cutting them off). “All of the methods are very easy and quick to perform,” says Carroll. But don’t try any of those methods at home.

Skin tags can contain a lot of blood so cutting them off on your own can lead to complications. Dermatologists like Carroll use numbing cream and sterile instruments to make the procedure as safe and comfortable as possible. It will also reduce your chances of scarring. “You may get a decrease or increase of colour pigmentation but for the most part they heal with perceptible scarring,” says Carroll.

(Via: http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2016/08/29/skin-tags_n_11664114.html)

Even if you get ideas of removing skin tags on your own by nipping them clean with scissors or a dental floss, remember that these tags have a rich supply of blood and you may end up bleeding if you don’t do it properly. Of course, nobody really expects you to do it right since not all of you are doctors or trained medical professionals but never ever forget that it is still your body you are dealing with and anything you do can have negative consequences. Be open-minded about your options in having it removed like this, but don’t do anything you are not comfortable in doing. If you are in no rush and don’t mind having it dangling off of you a little longer, applying essential oils may actually do you more good than rushing it off by cutting it on your own. Aside from oils, you have other alternatives to consider, so think about it first before doing anything rash on your body.

Skin Growths That Look Like Warts: Remove Or Not?

We can only wish to have skin as soft as that of a baby but sadly, our skin changes (and often for the worse) over time. Everything else in your body degenerates. What more for your skin that is constantly exposed to the elements throughout your lifetime. However, there are instances when you skin growths that look like warts can pop out without warning either since birth or as you go along in life. Your confidence may go down the drain once they appear on your face. There is nothing to worry, though, if these growths are simply just skin tags, since they are generally harmless no matter how annoying they are. Women, the obese and those pregnant women are predisposed to growing these extra pouches of tags in their skin than the rest of the population.

More often than not, skin tags are tiny. They don’t post any health risk and any pain you may feel are mild as well unless they are twisted and the possibility of bleeding might happen. A quick trip to the dermatologist can end this problem with skin tags in an instant but should you really spend that much to get rid of it? Is it that urgent of a problem or vanity has to do with it? Whatever your reason is, it is your body and you have the last say and if you feel that getting that skin tag removed is important to your well-being and peace of mind, don’t let others stop you from doing so.

Skin tags are practically harmless cutaneous growths on the skin that are predominantly composed of loose collagen fibers and blood vessels in the epidermis. They are known medically as acrochorda, fibroepithelial polyps, papillomas or soft fibromas and are typically flesh-colored or in some cases darkly pigmented.

Being benign in nature, skin tags usually do not undergo any transformations in terms of size, shape or color over time and are generally painless unless they are irritated by an external factor such as shaving or another skin pathology such as eczema. Thus, papillomas do not usually have the propensity to give rise to cancer, even if left untreated. Reports of malignant transformation are extremely rare.

(Via: https://www.news-medical.net/health/What-are-Skin-Tags.aspx)

However, money may be an issue for some. If you don’t have the means to pay for a dermatologic check but still want it gone, what other options do you have? Well, there are over-the-counter solutions for your skincare needs. They mainly work by burning off the tag. You have nothing to worry as long as you follow instructions but just bear in mind that there is still a possibility of scar formation. Others may even persist in urging you to go see a doctor before doing anything with it since there is still a possibility of it being cancerous after all: https://www.removeskintagsnow.com/common-skin-growths-and-what-to-do-about-them/.

“Skin tags are these fleshy little bumps that are just annoying as can be. Skin tags can rub against clothing or get caught on jewelry and then they can get really irritated and inflamed. Some people’s skin tags even bleed. Skin tags often form in areas of friction. They’ll appear around the neck, under the arms, on our thighs, even around the eyelids,” says Geraghty. If you want to get rid of skin tags, read on for advice from Geraghty about how to remove skin tags at the dermatologist’s office.

Right off the bat, let’s point out that skin tags — while annoying — aren’t a medical emergency. The medical terms a skin tag is acrochordon or fibroepithelial polyp. They’re benign skin lesions composed of normal skin tissue and fat. They can happen to anyone, and they can run in families.

(Via: https://www.allure.com/story/skin-tag-removal)

If you have skin tags, it may mean that your insulin level is high if you are not a pregnant woman or someone approaching his/her elderly years. So, it actually has its use, which serves as a warning sign for some underlying medical condition. Getting it removed is mostly purely cosmetic since there is no medical basis as to why it must be removed. But since your emotional health is just as important as physiologic, do what you must even for the most shallow of reason if you yourself feel that these skin pouches is making your life difficult one way or the other. Pick your choice from surgery or OTC drugs, you’d still get the same results and hopefully a clearer and fairer skin.

Acids On Your Skin?

When it comes to your skin, you only want the best. You invest in quality (if not expensive) skincare products to give you that healthy glow you have been dreaming of. Through the years, though, we have seen our fair share of skincare trends and many of them have raised our eyebrows. There are a few sounds as ridiculous as they look and some are also priced way beyond our reach. It is not even uncommon to see products made of exotic ingredients like snail, even snake venom, and crocodile oil. Your imagination is the limit, actually. But those have definitely gone overboard. There are other more common products that are used by many but still confuses people whether they are safe or not.

For those with a darker skin complexion and wants a fairer skin, acid-based products are popular because it helps them whiten up with every use. The acid in skincare products aren’t the strong types that burn the skin but a few do especially when used excessively and on parts of the body where the skin is naturally thin. It’s why some are still cautious when using too much acid-based products unless they have major skin tone issues like those who want to look fairer than they originally are. In reality, your skin has everything to gain from the right acid-based products that are especially suited for their skin.

Acids overall aren’t exclusive to a specific skin type or lifestyle. Most of us can benefit from them, although Doft says “patients with sensitive skin will want to look for formulations with lower concentrations of citric or glycolic acids, as they can be irritating and cause redness.”

More often than not, a lot of products on the market will combine several acids to better target skin issues. You can expect to feel nothing at all or a little tingling upon application, but see a doctor if you experience excessive dryness, redness, or significant burning. With all that being said, there are a ton of options for adding acids to your routine. Ahead are some of our favorite picks, from masks to cleansers and toners.

(Via: http://stylecaster.com/beauty/acid-cleansers/)

When it comes to exfoliation, acids got this aspect covered. Flaunt fresh-looking skin with the help of acids as they strip the dead skin cells allowing the new skin cells to come up to the surface. If you constantly complain of clogged pores or suffer from other skin blemishes, the right acid-based skincare product (oil-soluble or not) can solve that problem one wash at a time whether just on the surface or work even deeper. Even those with sensitive skin don’t have to fret since they can choose products with lower acid concentration so they still benefit from the acid without necessarily burning their skin.

Dry skin

Hyaluronic acid will transform you. In its purest form, it can hold 1000 times its own weight in water, so when applied to your face, the moisture stays in all day long! Think of it as a sponge holding onto water – you can’t get much more hydrated than that! For best results, gently exfoliate your skin before applying the product. It’ll absorb more quickly into the skin if it doesn’t have to battle through dead skincells first.

Dull skin

Citric acid is great for brightening your face – but don’t go rubbing lemons or grapefruits all over. Small concentrations of it can be found in most facial cleansers, helping to remove dead skincells and clear those pesky pores.

(Via: https://www.image.ie/beauty/acid-every-skin-know-products-right-110947)

Your skin deserves all the love and attention it needs. And since we all are unique, one thing may work for you but not on me, so always take that into consideration before trying any product especially if you have sensitive skin. The gentlest product is here. And like with acids, don’t let the term itself scare you away especially if you have skin problems that are proving to be such a hassle in your life. You can choose from any product from creams to serums to cleansers that are acidic in nature. You can achieve that clear and bright skin as long as you use the ones with the right dosage that way your skin complexion improves without giving you that dry and haggard look some people get when they used acids wrongly on their skin.

Debunking Skin Tag Myths

We are all unique and as such have features that aren’t always shared by others. These differences are very apparent in our physical appearance and it’s quite understandable why it is the first thing we also notice among others and even ourselves. That fresh and flawless skin is not forever, though. Aging can mess up your looks and you gradually see more imperfections pop up as the days, months, and years pass by. If luck isn’t on your side, you may start sporting noticeable skin flaws at a young age like moles and birthmarks. Then, there is skin tag. It starts appearing with age and can be a real bummer if you are someone who is vain enough to notice these little marks.

While it may be disconcerting to see these skin growths dangling all over your body, you may start thinking yourself if you have anything to worry about it yourself. By this time, you’ve probably done your fair share of research in knowing more about skin tags. It simply is a benign skin growth that is just that, hanging skin. Your first thought is to find out if it’s something serious or cancerous in nature, which is an issue with moles that change over time. Factors that affect it are aging, Diabetes, pregnancy and weight gains, for instance, and are more common in areas where there are skin folds as friction contributes to their appearance. Now going back to the crucial question and often a misconception about skin tags; no it is not cancerous, so you can finally heave a sigh of relief.

Skin tags are cancerous

Dermatologists say nay: The tags are almost never cancerous and don’t need to be removed; in fact, they’re (almost!) always benign. (By the way, don’t fall for any of these other 50 cancer myths.) And while many people opt to remove them due to discomfort or for cosmetic reasons, there is no harm in leaving them be. There are extremely rare exceptions to this rule: In one study, two patients with known basal cell nevus syndrome (BCNS) were found to have multiple basal cell carcinomas that resembled ordinary skin tags. “There are rare cases where skin cancers, such as basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and even melanoma, can mimic a skin tag,” says dermatologist Avnee Shah, MD. “Going to a board-certified dermatologist assures a trained eye is examining the lesion and determining the risk of a more harmful condition masquerading as a skin tag.” To be safe, if any tag is growing, changing color, or bleeding and itching, it’s definitely time to see an expert.

(Via: https://www.rd.com/health/beauty/skin-tags-myths/)

Skin tags are benign and far from confirming any possible cancers. The major issue with it is that it is painful to the eye and cosmetic reasons are often always the case why people get skin tags removed. Unlike other skin conditions that you want to be removed, it is possible for you to get rid of skin tags on your own at home allowing you to save a lot of money from medical consultations and treatments. It’s almost painful to remove especially if you are dealing with the really small ones but it can be a bit painful if it involves bigger tags. A typical dental floss won’t work anymore but you can still buy OTC treatments that usually burn the tag until it falls off on its own, which is a bit tricky to those who are rather clueless.

No two skin tags look alike. Many times they are misidentified as moles even though moles tend to occur more in the first 30 years of a person’s life while skin tags tend to appear in the later years.

Skin tags (unlike moles) tend to be the same colour as the surrounding skin.

As an adolescent my mother pointed “moles” on my father’s shoulder that were actually skin tags. They had a narrow stalk and a little flap that is the characteristic of a skin tag.

The bottom line is if you’re not sure what is going on with that “mole” please have it checked by a health professional, preferably a dermatologist or a certified medical aesthetician.

(Via: http://www.trinidadexpress.com/20160111/features/the-truth-about-skin-tags)

In general, skin tags shouldn’t be a cause for worry but they seriously are a major annoyance if looks are high up on your radar. It is pretty easy to distinguish it from a mole, so it shouldn’t be that hard for you to tell one from the other and you don’t end up barking on the wrong tree. No matter what you hear about skin tags, your best recourse is to consult a doctor, especially when in doubt. Over time there are new research developments that scientists find out that may prove us wrong about something we think is right and only trained professionals can know that. What we know for now is that skin tags aren’t entirely a medical emergency. It is up to you if you want it gone that bad or just pretend to ignore it and learn to live with it some more.

Diabetes Can Make You Look Ugly

Many times we obsess over our looks since it is the first thing people see when they meet you. It makes sense to invest in luxurious skincare products (if you can afford to buy one) in order to achieve that fresh and flawless complexion that is the envy of many. Unfortunately, we often only focus on the outside and fail to realize that whatever shows on your skin is affected by your overall health. Some imperfections that annoy you may actually be a symptom of an underlying medical condition that may bring about more problems in the future that will also reflect on your appearance. One of these conditions is Diabetes Mellitus or simply known as Diabetes.

People with Diabetes manifest various symptoms that affect the entire body and your skin is one organ that easily shows the nasty signs of this condition. It is common to experience itching of the skin, suffer from common skin infections and even develop skin tags when your glucose levels soar higher than normal. Wounds also tend to heal slowly and can even lead to gangrenes and amputations in severe cases. So you see, you should not just ignore Diabetes because your skin will likely suffer first if you are not able to regulate your blood sugar levels properly.

Dry, itchy skin

A common complaint for many with diabetes is dry, itchy skin. High blood glucose levels can cause this as the body will attempt to rid itself of excess sugar circulating in the bloodstream by causing excessive urination. If someone with the disease is not properly hydrated, this can result in the skin becoming flaky, dry and itchy. Poor blood glucose control can also lead to poor circulation in the extremities of the legs and feet leading to dry skin with itchiness. Maintaining adequate fluid intake and using moisturizing creams throughout the day and after taking a shower or bath can help reduce dryness and itchiness.

  1. Skin tags

Many people have skin tags – skin growths that hang from the skin that occur most often on the neck, eyelids, and armpits. While skin tags are harmless, they are strongly associated with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes indicating high insulin levels in the blood. Generally skin tags can be removed by a dermatologist.

(Via: https://elpais.com/elpais/2018/02/14/dr_david_b_samadi/1518611002_394503.html)

Understand that diabetes is a chronic condition. You learn to live with it. It won’t just go away on its own or even with treatment. Most treatments are palliative in nature and are meant to help patients cope with it so they can live quality lives even if their blood glucose levels are constantly unstable. If you don’t want your looks to suffer in case you are unfortunate enough to have it, make sure you are aware of your condition and what measures you need to do to prevent it from unnecessarily spiking.

  1. Eruptive XanthomatosisEruptive xanthomatosis is caused by lack of control of the blood glucose levels and when triglycerides are at really high levels in the blood. It manifests on the skin as firm, yellow, pea-like bumps. These bumps can be itchy and appear on the back of hands, the feet, arms, legs and buttocks. Using lipid-lowering drugs can be helpful.6. Diabetic DermopathyAnother skin condition caused by the change in blood vessels is diabetic dermopathy. This condition appears as light brown, scaly patches on the skin. The patches can be oval or circular and can often be mistaken for age spots. The patches are not itchy, do not hurt and do not open up. They occur mostly on the front of the legs although each leg is affected to a different degree. This condition is not harmful and does not require treatment.

(Via: https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/evewoman/article/2001262876/6-common-skin-problems-linked-to-diabetes)

Diabetes won’t just leave you with dry and itchy skin but even more nasty skin conditions you’ve barely heard of like Eruptive Xanthomatosis and Diabetic Dermopathy. Protect your vanity and sanity by keeping your blood sugar in check rather than suffer from more complications that aren’t just skin deep. By doing so, you likewise preserve your health and improve your quality of life. You won’t know how difficult life with Diabetes is unless you have one or know someone with the condition and see their struggle on a daily basis but know that this disorder is preventable by living a healthy life and limit your intake of sweets lest you suffer from the wrath of insulin imbalance that characterizes this condition.

When It Comes To Your Skin, Is Expensive Really Better?

The world is continuously becoming more obsessed with outward appearances. With the myriad of things now within our reach, we only have time to dwell on the superficial and it can be a good or bad thing depending on your perspective. A person’s physical appearance can outweigh a person’s finer virtues and yes, we have come to this point. The amount of money some people spend on lavish skincare products that promise to be the Holy Grail of beauty and the forever elusive fountain of youth has become outrageous. Their products claim to contain exotic ingredients that are found in just as exotic places that are supposed to make you look younger with continued use. Many have fallen prey to this bait in their search for the best anti-aging and beauty enhancing products but it seems they have just wasted precious money as researchers say that cheap and expensive skincare products are essentially the same and just as good.

If you can afford to buy those higher-end products, then feel free to splurge and make yourself believe that they can do some sort of magic and erase ages off your face. Upon closer look, experts found out that almost all skincare products use the same ingredients depending on how they want to improve your aesthetics. Never-before-heard ingredients also possess the same properties as the commonly found ones on pharmacy and supermarket shelves, so don’t be swayed by marketing ads that promise instant results because it just does not happen in real life.

LADIES, we’ve got some bad news – your costly skin supplements are a “waste of money” and won’t make you look young.

The billion pound industry may tell you that the supplements will give you younger, firmer, glowing skin but the reality is a healthy diet, sunscreen and ditching fags will launder better results, according to new research.

Experts at the British Nutrition Foundation (BNF) analysed the supplements, which often contain vitamins A, C, B2, B3, B7, zinc and iodine as well as other ingredients like collagen and co-enzyme Q10.

While the BNF found there were some benefits to the vitamins and minerals there was little evidence that suggested exotic ingredients did anything for the skin.

(Via: https://www.thesun.co.uk/fabulous/5578706/your-expensive-skin-supplements-are-a-waste-of-money-and-wont-make-you-look-younger/)

Some people can’t be stopped, though, especially if they are dealing with stubborn and bothersome skin issues that makes life a little bit harder for them. Hence, if they can afford, they give these luxurious brands regardless of how outrageous the price tags are in their blind attempt to remove these imperfections in the equation such as skin tags that appear out of nowhere and multiply quite quickly as you age. After all, there is nothing wrong in wanting to look your best and if you are rich, it is essentially a sin to be ugly when you can afford pricey skin treatments like the ones celebrities get to help them stay fresh and youthful-looking and appealing to the eyes of others.

Also, products aside, one thing I refuse to be told is that spending money on skincare makes me some kind of vacuous moron. The “worth” of skincare is a personal judgement – if you think expensive products make little difference to your life then please don’t buy them. If you’d prefer to spend $50 on a really great lunch than on a pigmentation serum then you absolutely should. Often I make similar calculations in my own head. The point is that you can try and test things yourself, come to your own conclusions. But if I pay my taxes and my bills, I should be free to spend the rest of my money on whatever I choose to without being made to feel that I’m the victim of some kind of scam. Having healthy, soft, well-cared-for skin improves my day – that doesn’t sound like a con to me.

(Via: https://www.vogue.com.au/beauty/news/the-debate-about-skincare-a-vogue-beauty-editor-defends-your-regimen/news-story/9f3dd89093643f7c8878ac4c4c6709af)

At a time and age where information can be obtained in an instant, you don’t just have to be a blind consumer anymore. Do your research and invest your money wisely. We all know that we only want the best for your skin but make sure you are also getting your money’s worth and not just all hype. The experts have a point in saying that expensive is not necessarily better because there are actually natural remedies that work even better than other over-the-counter preparations or those sold in luxurious skin clinics because the bottom line is they contain almost the same ingredients. What’s important is that you know your skin type and use products that address your own skin problems because all skin is unique and thus have different needs.