The Nitrogen Family Elements at a Glance

Author: Christine Helinskibr
Source: ezinearticles.combr
br
Over time, our skin matures through a process known as photo-aging. Photo-aging consists of premature aging from sun exposure and smoking and chronological aging that is influenced by our genetics.These changes are manifested as thickening of the top layer or epidermis of the skin, a decrease in oil production, thinning of the deeper layer of skin as a result of the loss of collagen, elastic fibers and fat and thickening of the muscles of facial expression.This leads to a dull complexion, sagging skin and wrinkles.These unwelcome changes occur as a result of the pull of gravity, facial movements and damage over time to DNA, collagen and cell membranes by free radicals.

Fortunately, many new and effective cosmeceutical skin care lines have become available to correct and protect against the effects of photo-aging. These products are designed to reduce the appearance of fine lines, irregular pigmentation and to improve the overall clarity and texture of the skin. All of the currently available cosmetic products utilize one or more of the following agents – Sunscreens, Alpha Hydroxy Acids, Anti-oxidants, Retinoids, Human Growth Factors and bleaching agents.

Sunscreens

Regular use of an effective sunscreen is the single most important step to maintain healthy looking skin.Even though our skin loses about 1% of its collagen and elastic tissue per year after the age of 25, it is the effect of ultraviolet light from the sun that causes most of the visible effects of aging skin as well as skin cancer.It is impossible to completely eliminate exposure to UV radiation but it can be minimized by protective clothing and the proper use of an effective sunscreen, one that protects us from both photo-aging UVA rays as well as cancer-causing UVB rays.If your skin is sensitive, use sunscreens that have physical blockers such as micronized zinc oxide and titanium oxide.If you are acne prone, use oil-free or noncomedogenic sunscreens.

Alpha Hydroxy Acids

AHAs or fruit acids are present in various foods.The most commonly used AHA is glycolic acid which is derived naturally from sugar cane and can also be synthesized.AHAs are commonly used in low concentrations in cleansers, moisturizers and toners and in higher concentrations in peeling solutions.Their principal effect is to exfoliate the damaged outer layer of the skin and to refine its texture and appearance.AHAs also unclog pores and loosen the barrier between cells to allow effective penetration of other topical agents including moisturizers, retinoids, bleaching agents and antioxidants.AHAs are also outstanding hydrating agents and are thought to stimulate collagen production within the deeper layers of the skin.

Furfuryladenine

Furfuryladenine is marketed in a moisturizing base as Kinerase.It is an alternative for those who cannot tolerate the acid-based AHA rejuvenation products.It is actually a plant growth hormone that has been shown to improve hydration, texture, discoloration as well as reduce fine wrinkles when used for at least 6 months.It is extremely gentle and may be used as a moisturizer in conjunction with AHAs or other agents or alone for skin rejuvenation especially in those with sensitive skin.

Antioxidants

Vitamin C or ascorbic acid is a naturally occurring antioxidant that is also available in skin care products and protects the skin from free radical damage produced by normal aging, pollution and UV radiation from sun exposure.Free radicals result when oxygen is burned in biological systems to provide energy for growth and repair.These reactive molecules can damage normal cellular processes and structure and are a key contributor to the aging process. While sunscreens remain the mainstay for protecting the skin against UV – induced changes, the addition of topical antioxidants provides added protection against these free radicals.

Human Growth Factor

Various human growth factors have been incorporated into topical preparations.They are harvested as a by-product of tissue-cultured human skin. HGFs have been shown to reduce the number and depth of wrinkles and fine lines as well as improve skin texture and elasticity.

Vitamin A or Retinoids

Vitamin A acid also known as Retin A was developed over 25 years ago as an acne treatment but has been found to be effective for the prevention and treatment of skin aging.The benefits include improvement in fine wrinkles, uneven pigmentation and rough skin texture and an increase in collagen production leading to healthier skin.These benefits are related to the dose and duration of use with optimum results occurring after a year.Topical retinoids can be very irritating and most patients will initially experience redness, flaking and increased sun sensitivity.Newer formulations including Retin A Micro and Renova utilize improved delivery methods to minimize irritation.Another new retinoid, Tazorac, has been shown to be very effective in the treatment of resistant hyperpigmentation such as melasma.

Bleaching Agents

Hydroquinone is the most commonly used agent for bleaching brown marks, irregular pigment and melasma.It blocks the formation of melanin therefore the pigment will return when the product is discontinued.Aggressive exfoliation and sun protection are necessary for best results.No bleaching cream can quickly improve the appearance of brown spots and results take at least 6 weeks to 3 months.

An ideal skin rejuvenation routine incorporates several products in a complimentary fashion.Cosmeceuticals help prolong and complement other cosmetic rejuvenation procedures.

br
br
pDr. Christine Helinski of Brilliant Aesthetics MedSpa is specializes in medispa cosmetic procedures such as a target=_new href=http://brilliantmedspa.com/Prescription-Skin-Care/prescription-skin-care-maryland.aspx rel=nofollowprescription skin care in Maryland/a./ppa target=_new href=http://brilliantmedspa.com/ rel=nofollowBrilliant Aesthetics MedSpa/a is a comprehensive medispa offering many services – laser hair removal, microdermabrasion, MicroLaserPeels, photofacials, pulsed light therapy, BOTOX, Juvederm, sclerotherapy, laser vein treatments and Obagi skin care products. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call us at 301-639-9262./ppDr. Christine Helinski of Brilliant Aesthetics MedSpa is a board certified internist with a special interest in cosmetic dermatology. After completing medical school and a residency in internal medicine at the University of Maryland, Dr. Helinski worked in emergency room medicine and then joined Johns Hopkins Medical Systems for private practice. She also served as clinical instructor for the Johns Hopkins medical residency program. Dr. Helinski is a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society. She also earned master degrees from both the University of Maryland and the Johns Hopkins University. Dr. Helinski may be reached at 301-639-9262./pbr
br

Author: Dee Cohenbr
Source: isnare.combr
br
There are already numerous articles written on the hazards of chemicals in personal care products. Even Senator Edward Kennedy has written several letters to Congress regarding the health risks associated with using cosmetics that contain cancer-causing ingredients.

Personal care products that have been taught to be beneficial to you may be the very ones that may contain chemicals that is posing a serious threat to you and your familys health.

Believe it. Personal care products like soap, shampoo, lotion, toothpaste, and make-up usually contain cheap, synthetic chemicals and ingredients that are suspiciously harmful. . There are in fact more than 125 ingredients used on the skin suspected of causing cancer. 20 cause adverse nervous system reactions. And 25 are connected to birth defects. What you put on your skin penetrates and can enter your body.

Here are some things that the labels do not tell you about personal care products.

Fragrances. Just because it smells good doesnt mean it is. Oftentimes, the first things a consumer does when trying a personal care product is to smell it. If the product smells good the consumer is much more likely to want the product.

Oftentimes also, the label on the product gives the illusion that the scent is natural. A picture used in the product will lead to the conclusion that it must have come from that source.

More often than not, this is simply not the case. Most fragrances are of synthetic origin. Fragrance on a label can indicate the presence of up to four thousand separate ingredients; many are toxic chemicals that cause or contribute to cancer. Manufacturers are not required to disclose the individual ingredients as they are considered trade secrets of their personal care products.

Reported symptoms are headaches, dizziness, allergic rashes, skin discoloration, violent coughing and vomiting, and skin irritation. Clinical observation shows that the chemicals on the fragrances of these beauty products can affect the central nervous system, causing depression, hyperactivity, irritability, inability to cope, and other behavioral changes.

It is therefore understandable why some countries have declared many scented products to be hazardous to public health. And have even gone to the extreme of banning the wearing of all cosmetic fragrances in most indoor public places.

Color Pigments. As with smell, looks can also be deceiving. Just because it looks pretty doesnt mean it is.

Color pigments are used to make the product look attractive. It does not really serve any beneficial purpose for any part of the body. Color pigments found in personal care products are made from synthetic and chemical ingredients such as coal tar. They also contain heavy metal salts that deposit toxins onto the skin, causing skin sensitivity and irritation.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES). You will find these ingredients in almost all cleansers that foam. These chemicals are even used in car washes, garage floor cleaners and engine degreasers.

Research indicates that Sodium Lauryl Sulfate causes inflammation of the skin and can weaken the immune system. Young eyes will not develop properly if exposed to SLS because proteins are dissolved. Be alert about these chemicals especially on baby shampoos.

Triclosan. The EPA registers Triclosan as a pesticide and is classified as a chlorophenol, a class of chemicals suspected of causing cancer in humans. Triclosan is so toxic it is measured in parts per trillion. These chemicals are the same ones used on personal care products as they are known for their antibacterial ingredient. Most often found in soaps and toothpastes.

How to show how harmful these chemicals are; one drop of Triclosan in 300 Olympic-sized swimming pools can cause hormonal disruption.

Mineral Oil. A petroleum by-product that coats the skin like plastic and clogs the pores. It interferes with the skins ability to eliminate toxins thus promoting acne and other disorders. It slows down skin function and cell development.

Where can you find mineral oil in its largest portion? Baby Oil. Note that Baby Oil is 100% mineral oil.

Contrary to what people believe, it is possible to create personal care products without the use of any harmful chemicals. The answers and solutions are found in nature. All it takes is study, research and a sincere desire to meet the health needs of consumers equally with profit needs.

Consider very carefully the health risks associated with exposing yourself to harmful chemicals and make it your resolve to no longer buy questionable personal care products from companies that have little regard for your health.br
br
br
br

Author: Ricardo Silva
Source: isnare.com

It slices, it dices, and it will make your bed! Alas, such fanciful claims are both the stuff of late night television and skin care products. Ditch it all and read on to see what doctors use for skin care treatments.

Your skin is one of the first things people see, so caring for it is critical. The problem, however, is you are inundated with different products that supposedly are the big breakthrough to skin care. Alas, most of them are not. Instead of treating the underlying problems giving rise to blotchiness, pigmentation issues or blocked pores, they cover up the problem. While this may work short term, it means you will have to continually purchase and use their product. Hmmm?funny how that happens!

If you have skin care issues that significantly impact your appearance, you need to clean out your bathroom and stick with the basics. In this case, we are talking about the products used by doctors. Let’s take a look.

1. Vitamin C Creams – The most basic of products, but they work. Vitamin C creams are boring, but very important. First, they block the chemical reaction that causes skin damage when exposed to the sun. Second, the creams stimulate the collagen production in the dermis, which smoothes out your skin and limits wrinkling.

2. Retinoic Acid: A classic product for skin care treatment, it has been around forever because it works! Known better by the name Retin-A, this treatment stimulates cell production and increases blood flow in the skin. It also regulates pigment production and new collagen. In human terms, Retin-A forces the skin to shed the damaged cells while producing new ones that are healthier and do not have pigmentation problems. The only downside to the drug is it causes the skin to be very sensitive to sunlight while it is being taken.

3. Hydroxy Acids – Hydroxy acids are used to create smooth skin and decrease pore sizes. The acids work by speeding up the shedding process of cells from the outer epidermis level of skin. This pushes new, healthier cells to the outer layer of your skin. New skin always looks better because it has not been exposed to sun, pollution and so on.

There you have it. Three of the basic medications used by medical professionals for skin care. They may not be dramatic or the next big thing you read about in magazines, but they work. In the end, isn’t that what you are really after?

Author: Dwain Berlin
Source: isnare.com

Leather Care

When buying leather, the best thing you can do is ask the people who you buy it from, what the manufacturer recommends for leather care and cleaning. Don’t forget to ask what other products may work well for leather care too, as there may be something you’re more comfortable using. Also ask what the product does to and for the leather.

While still alive, leather on the animal, fish, or fowl is maintained in situ. (It’s their skin) The oils that keep leather conditioned and help remove dirt and grime from the skin of the animal are produced naturally by their body.

Once leather is processed, these “living” components cease to exist although they do retain many of their physical characteristics such as leather’s porous nature and chemical reactivity. Leather is naturally acidic so anything alkaline is bad. For proper leather care, you want to mimic some of these natural processes. If you sift through all of the mythology, home recipes, and good ol’ folk lore about leather care, you are left with the two basic tasks that all those natural processes accomplished: cleaning and conditioning.

Any leather care enthusiast will tell you that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and if you want to protect your investment keep it in top form. Leather care is relatively easy but you need to be consistent. Leather can be restored, but regular maintenance is highly recommended. If cared for properly, your leather will last and stay in good shape for years.

You want to know the type of leather you have, as well as the way it was processed during tanning. For example, were any anti-mold finishes applied or was a sealant used, and how was it colored, if it was. Keep in mind that aniline, suede, and nubuck are not as robust as pigmented leather because they do not usually have a protective surface coating.

Pigmented leather is the most durable, full grain pigmented leather has intact grain, and corrected grain pigmented leather refers to whether or not the leather has been sanded to remove imperfections.

Aniline

This top-grain or full-top grain leather is not pigmented, just dyed whereas semi-aniline treatments combine pigment with dye, usually to even out the grain because the leather has some imperfections. The result is that the leather has a more consistent color and some stain resistance qualities.

If you lightly scratch the surface of aniline, it will turn a lighter color. Some nubuck leather will do the same thing. To correct the problem, wet your finger lightly and rub it into the leather. It should darken slightly, but dry the same color.

Antiqued / Marbled / Two-Tone

A second pigment may be rubbed over the original pigment to give the leather an aged or antique appearance.

Nubuck

This is aniline leather that has been brushed to give it the texture of velvet. In fact, nubuck is often mistaken for suede. Nubuck is stronger because it is brushed on the grain side, which is the side where the animal’s hair was, where suede is made from the flesh side. If you apply the wet finger test to nubuck, it will darken slightly and dry darker so be sure if you do this that it is done in an inconspicuous area.

Pull-Up

Pull-up, also referred to as waxy or oil pull-up is leather that lightens in color when stretched during wearing, creating a broken-in appearance.

Suede

Suede leather is made from the fleshy side of hide. For leather care of suede, it is important you make sure any product you use won’t damage it. Find out as much as you can about the active ingredients in the products you buy and the action involved. You might want to bring your jacket with you or a swatch if you can, and ask what would work best for it.

If you schedule leather care and cleaning you won’t end up with a jacket that looks like someones cast off. I suggest scheduling a cleaning at least once a year or so. (Mark it in your daytimer)