skin care

Criticism and controversy

2011-01-21T22:27:00.001-08:00

Further information: Campaign for Safe Cosmetics and Testing cosmetics on animals

During the 20th century, the popularity of cosmetics has increased rapidly. Cosmetics are used by girls at an increasingly young age, especially in the United States. Due to the fast-decreasing age of make-up users, many companies, from high-street brands like Rimmel to higher-end products like Estee Lauder, have catered to this expanding market by introducing more flavored lipsticks and glosses, cosmetics packaged in glittery, sparkly packaging and marketing and advertising using young models.[citation needed] The social consequences of younger and younger beautification has had much attention in the media over the last few years.

2011-01-21T22:26:00.001-08:00

Criticism of cosmetics has come from a variety of sources including some feminists, Islamists, Christianists, animal rights activists, authors and public interest groups. There is a growing awareness and preference for cosmetics that are without any supposedly toxic ingredients, especially those derived from petroleum, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), and parabens.
Numerous published reports have raised concern over the safety of a few surfactants. SLS causes a number of skin issues including dermatitis.
Parabens can cause skin irritation and contact dermatitis in individuals with paraben allergies, a small percentage of the general population. Animal experiments have shown that parabens have a weak estrogenic activity, acting as xenoestrogens.
Prolonged use of makeup has also been linked to thinning eyelashes.
Synthetic fragrances are widely used in consumer products. Studies concluded from patch testing show synthetic fragrances are made of many ingredients which cause allergic reactions.
Cosmetics companies have been criticised for making pseudoscientific claims about their products which are misleading or unsupported by scientific evidence.

Organic and natural ingredients

2010-12-25T00:34:00.001-08:00

Even though many cosmetic products are regulated, there are still health concerns regarding the presence of harmful chemicals within these products.[citation needed] Aside from color additives, cosmetic products and their ingredients are not subject to FDA regulation prior to their release into the market. It is only when a product is found to violate Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) and Fair Packaging and Labeling Act (FPLA) after its release that the FDA may start taking action against this violation.With many new products released into the market every season, it is hard to keep track of the safety of every product. Some products carry carcinogenic contaminant 1,4- dioxane. Many cosmetic companies are coming out with "All natural" and organic products. All natural products contain mineral and plant ingredients and organic products are made with organic agricultural products. Products who claim they are organic are not, unless they are certified "USDA Organic."

Ingredients

2010-12-25T00:33:00.001-08:00

While there is assurance from the largest cosmetic companies that ingredients have passed quality tests and official regulations, and are therefore generally safe to use, there is a growing preference for cosmetics that are without any "synthetic" ingredients, especially those derived from petroleum. Once a niche market, handmade and certified organic products are becoming more mainstream.

Ingredients' listings in cosmetics are highly regulated in many countries. The testing of cosmetic products on animals is a subject of some controversy. It is now illegal in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Belgium, and a ban across the European Union is due to come into effect in 2009.

Skin Care Products

2010-12-25T00:32:00.001-08:00

Also included in the general category of cosmetics are skin care products. These include creams and lotions to moisturize the face and body which are often formulated for different skin types per range, sunscreens to protect the skin from UV radiation and damage, skin lighteners for a whiter skin, and treatment products to repair or hide skin imperfections (acne, wrinkles, dark circles under eyes, etc.), tanning oils to brown the skin.

Cosmetic careers

2010-11-27T04:32:00.003-08:00

An account executive is responsible for visiting all department and specialty store counter sales and doors. They explain new products and "gifts with purchase" (free items given out upon purchase of a certain cosmetics item that costs more than a set amount). A beauty adviser provides product advice based on the client's skin care and makeup requirements. Beauty advisers can become certified through the Anti-Aging Beauty Institute.

2010-11-27T04:32:00.001-08:00

A cosmetician is a professional who provides facial and body treatments for clients. The term cosmetologist is sometimes used interchangeably with this term, but most commonly refers to a certified professional. A freelance makeup artist provides clients with beauty advice and cosmetics assistance—usually paid by the cosmetic company by the hour.

2010-11-27T04:31:00.001-08:00

Professionals in cosmetics marketing careers manage research focus groups, promote the desired brand image, and provide other marketing services (sales forecasting, allocation to different retailers, etc.). Those involved in cosmetics product development design, create and refine cosmetics products. Some positions that fall under this category include chemists, quality assurance and packaging people. Many involved within the cosmetics industry often specialize in a certain area of cosmetics such as special effects makeup or makeup techniques specific to the film, media and fashion sectors.

Epidemiology

2010-11-07T00:46:00.001-07:00

In World War I, over two million days of service are estimated to have been lost by reason of skin diseases alone.

Approach to diagnoses

2010-11-07T00:44:00.000-07:00

The physical examination of the skin and its appendages, as well as the mucous membranes, forms the cornerstone of an accurate diagnosis of cutaneous conditions. Most of these conditions present with cutaneous surface changes term "lesions," which have more or less distinct characteristics. Often proper examination will lead the physician to obtain appropriate historical information and/or laboratory tests that are able to confirm the diagnosis. Upon examination, the important clinical observations are the (1) morphology, (2) configuration, and (3) distribution of the lesion(s). With regard to morphology, the initial lesion that characterizes a condition is known as the "primary lesion," and identification of such a lesions is the most important aspect of the cutaneous examination. Over time, these primary lesions may continue to develop or be modified by regression or trauma, producing "secondary lesions."However, with that being stated, the lack of standardization of basic dermatologic terminology has been one of the principal barriers to successful communication among physicians in describing cutaneous findings. Nevertheless, there are some commonly accepted terms used to describe the macroscopic morphology, configuration, and distribution of skin lesions, which are listed below.

Makeup types

2010-10-18T10:22:00.000-07:00

Lipstick, lip gloss, lip liner, lip plumper, lip balm, lip conditioner, lip primer, and lip boosters.
Foundation, used to smooth out the face and cover spots or uneven skin coloration. Usually a liquid, cream, or powder. Foundation primer can be applied before to get a smoother finish.
Powder, used to set the foundation, giving a matte finish, and also to conceal small flaws or blemishes.
Rouge, blush or blusher, cheek coloring used to bring out the color in the cheeks and make the cheekbones appear more defined. This comes in powder, cream, and liquid forms.
Bronzer, used to give skin a bit of color by adding a golden or bronze glow.
Mascara is used to darken, lengthen, and thicken the eyelashes. It is available in natural colors such as brown and black, but also comes in bolder colors such as blue, pink, or purple. There are many different formulas, including waterproof for those prone to allergies or sudden tears. Often used after an eyelash curler and mascara primer.
Eyelid glue, eye liner, eye shadow, eye shimmer, and glitter eye pencils as well as different color pencils used to color and emphasize the eyelids (larger eyes give a more youthful appearance).
Eyebrow pencils, creams, waxes, gels and powders are used to color and define the brows.
Nail polish, used to color the fingernails and toenails.
Concealer, Makeup used to cover any imperfections of the skin.

2010-10-18T10:21:00.003-07:00

Also included in the general category of cosmetics are skin care products. These include creams and lotions to moisturize the face and body, sunscreens to protect the skin from damaging UV radiation, and treatment products to repair or hide skin imperfections (acne, wrinkles, dark circles under eyes, etc.). Cosmetics can also be described by the form of the product, as well as the area for application. Cosmetics can be liquid or cream emulsions; powders, both pressed and loose; dispersions; and anhydrous creams or sticks.

2010-10-18T10:21:00.001-07:00

Lip stain is a cosmetic product that contains either water or a gel base. To help the product stay on the lips, many stains may contain alcohol. These lip coloring products are available in a variety of formulas, colors, and application types. The idea behind lip stains is to temporarily saturate the lips with color with a dye, rather than applying a colored wax to the lips to color them. A lip stain is usually designed to be waterproof so that the color will be long lasting, and once the stain dries, it should not smear, stain, wear unevenly, or transfer to the teeth. A lip stain may come in a bottle with an applicator which is used to brush the stain onto the lips, and it can also come in a small jar, with users applying the stain with a finger or a cosmetic brush.

Make-up remover is the product used to remove the make-up products applied on the skin. It is used for cleaning the skin for other procedure, like applying any type of lotion at evening before the person go to sleep.

Skin flora

2010-05-24T02:47:00.003-07:00

The human skin is a rich environment for microbes.Around 1000 species of bacteria from 19 bacterial phyla have been found. Most come from only four phyla: Actinobacteria (51.8%), Firmicutes (24.4%), Proteobacteria (16.5%), and Bacteroidetes (6.3%). Propionibacteria and Staphylococci species were the main species in sebaceous areas. There are three main ecological areas: moist, dry and sebaceous. In moist places on the body Corynebacteria together with Staphylococci dominate. In dry areas, there is a mixture of species but dominated by b-Proteobacteria and Flavobacteriales. Ecologically, sebaceous areas had greater species richness than moist and dry one. The areas with least similarity between people in species were the spaces between fingers, the spaces between toes, axillae, and umbilical cord stump. Most similarly were beside the nostril, nares (inside the nostril), and on the back.

2010-05-24T02:47:00.001-07:00

Reflecting upon the diversity of the human skin researchers on the human skin microbiome have observed: "hairy, moist underarms lie a short distance from smooth dry forearms, but these two niches are likely as ecologically dissimilar as rainforests are to deserts."

The NIH has been launched the Human Microbiome Project to characterize the human microbiota which includes that on the skin and the role of this microbiome in health and disease.

blogs

2009-12-13T23:07:00.001-08:00

in reference to: Google (view on Google Sidewiki)

Hygiene and skin care

2009-03-01T00:45:00.000-08:00

The skin supports its own ecosystems of microorganisms, including yeasts and bacteria, which cannot be removed by any amount of cleaning. Estimates place the number of individual bacteria on the surface of one square inch (6.5 square cm) of human skin at 50 million though this figure varies greatly over the average 20 square feet (1.9 m2) of human skin. Oily surfaces, such as the face, may contain over 500 million bacteria per square inch (6.5 cm²). Despite these vast quantities, all of the bacteria found on the skin's surface would fit into a volume the size of a pea. In general, the microorganisms keep one another in check and are part of a healthy skin. When the balance is disturbed, there may be an overgrowth and infection, such as when antibiotics kill microbes, resulting in an overgrowth of yeast. The skin is continuous with the inner epithelial lining of the body at the orifices, each of which supports its own complement of microbes.

Proper skin hygiene is important because unclean skin favors the development of pathogenic organisms. The dead cells that continually slough off the epidermis mix with the secretions of the sweat and sebaceous glands and the dust found on the skin form a filthy layer on its surface. If not washed away, the slurry of sweat and sebaceous secretions mixed with dirt and dead skin is decomposed by bacterial flora, producing a foul smell. Functions of the skin are disturbed when it is excessively dirty; it becomes more easily damaged, the release of antibacterial compounds decreases, and dirty skin is more prone to develop infections.

Cosmetics should be used carefully on the skin because these may cause allergic reactions. Each season requires suitable clothing in order to facilitate the evaporation of the sweat. Sunlight, water and air play an important role in keeping the skin healthy. Oily skin is caused by over-active sebaceous glands, that produce a substance called sebum, a naturally healthy skin lubricant. When the skin produces excessive sebum, it becomes heavy and thick in texture. Oily skin is typified by shininess, blemishes and pimples. The oily-skin type is not necessarily bad, since such skin is less prone to wrinkling, or other signs of aging, because the oil helps to keep needed moisture locked into the epidermis (outermost layer of skin). The negative aspect of the oily-skin type is that oily complexions are especially susceptible to clogged pores, blackheads, and buildup of dead skin cells on the surface of the skin. Oily skin can be sallow and rough in texture and tends to have large, clearly visible pores everywhere, except around the eyes and neck.

The goal of treating oily skin is to remove excess surface sebum without complete removal of skin lipids. Severe degreasing treatment can foster an actual worsening of sebum secretion, which defeats the aim of the cleansing. A method of cleansing oily skin is to cleanse with a natural face cleanser formulated especially for oily skin. The cleansers pH should be 4.5 - 5.5. Gel cleansers work best on oily skin. Oily skin products should contain very little natural oils. They should not contain waxes or other synthetic lipid agents that could aggravate the oily condition of the skin. A toning lotion should also be natural and have a pH of 4.5-5.5 and formulated especially to help balance and hydrate oily skin. Some cleansing products have lower concentrations of hydroxy acids, which remove dead cells from the upper levels of the stratum corneum. Those products should be used on a regular basis to work adequately. A light moisturizer may be included in a hydoxy acid product to counteract any drying effects of the cleanser. People with oily skin should use a moisturizer with humectants and a clay masques containing bentonite clay twice a week.

Skin components

2009-03-01T00:36:00.000-08:00

Skin has pigmentation, or melanin, provided by melanocytes, which absorb some of the potentially dangerous ultraviolet radiation (UV) in sunlight. It also contains DNA-repair enzymes that help reverse UV damage, and people who lack the genes for these enzymes suffer high rates of skin cancer. One form predominantly produced by UV light, malignant melanoma, is particularly invasive, causing it to spread quickly, and can often be deadly. Human skin pigmentation varies among populations in a striking manner. This has led to the classification of people(s) on the basis of skin color.

Mammalian skin often contains hairs, which in sufficient density is called fur. The hair mainly serves to augment the insulation the skin provides, but can also serve as a secondary sexual characteristic or as camouflage. On some animals, the skin is very hard and thick, and can be processed to create leather. Reptiles and fish have hard protective scales on their skin for protection, and birds have hard feathers, all made of tough β-keratins. Amphibian skin is not a strong barrier to passage of chemicals and is often subject to osmosis. A frog sitting in an anesthetic solution could quickly go to sleep.

The skin is often known as the largest organ of the human body. This applies to exterior surface, as it covers the body, appearing to have the largest surface area of all the organs. For the average adult human, the skin has a surface area of between 1.5-2.0 square meters (16.1-21.5 sq ft.), most of it is between 2-3 mm (0.10 inch) thick. The average square inch (6.5 cm²) of skin holds 650 sweat glands, 20 blood vessels, 60,000 melanocytes, and more than a thousand nerve endings.

Shea butter skin care

2009-02-21T22:06:00.001-08:00

Shea butter is derived from the kernel of the "Karite" tree. Shea butter is known for its cosmetic properties as a moisturiser and emollient.

Honey skin care

2009-02-21T22:05:00.000-08:00

Honey's natural antioxidant and anti-microbial properties and ability to absorb and retain moisture have been recognised and used extensively in skin care treatments as they help to protect the skin from the damage of the sun's rays and rejuvenate depleted skin.

Skin layers

2008-02-20T03:32:00.001-08:00

Skin is composed of three primary layers: the epidermis, which provides waterproofing and serves
as a barrier to infection; the dermis, which serves as a location for the appendages of skin; and
the hypodermis (subcutaneous adipose layer).

Epidermis

2008-02-20T03:26:00.000-08:00

Epidermis, "epi" coming from the Greek meaning "over" or "upon", is the outermost layer of the
skin. It forms the waterproof, protective wrap over the body's surface and is made up of stratified squamous epithelium with an underlying basal lamina.

The outermost epidermis consists of stratified squamous epithelium with an underlying connective tissue section, or dermis, and a hypodermis, or basement membrane. The epidermis contains no blood vessels, and cells in the deepest layers are nourished by diffusion from blood capillaries extending to the upper layers of the dermis. The main type of cells which make up the epidermis are keratinocytes, with melanocytes and Langerhans cells also present. The epidermis can be further subdivided into the following strata (beginning with the outermost layer): corneum, lucidum (only in palms of hands and bottoms of feet), granulosum, spinosum, basale. Cells are formed through mitosis at the basale layer. The daughter cells, (see cell division) move up the strata changing shape and composition as they die due to isolation from their blood source. The cytoplasm is released and the protein keratin is inserted. They eventually reach the corneum and slough off (desquamation). This process is called keratinization and takes place within about 30 days. This keratinized layer of skin is responsible for keeping water in the body and keeping other harmful chemicals and pathogens out, making skin a natural barrier to infection.

Hygiene

2008-02-10T22:28:00.000-08:00

Unclean skin favors the development of pathogenic organisms – the dead cells that continually
slough off of the epidermis mix with the secretions of the sweat and sebaceous glands and the
dust found on the skin to form a filthy layer on its surface. If not washed away, the slurry
of sweat and sebaceous secretions mixed with dirt and dead skin is decomposed by bacterial
flora, producing a foul smell. Functions of the skin are disturbed when it is excessively
dirty; it becomes more easily damaged, the release of antibacterial compounds decreases,
and dirty skin is more prone to develop infections. Cosmetics should be used carefully because
these may cause allergic reactions. Each season requires suitable clothing in order to facilitate
the evaporation of the sweat. Sunlight, water and air play an important role in keeping the skin healthy.

2008-02-10T22:25:00.000-08:00

2007-10-29T02:23:00.000-07:00

Unclean skin favors the development of pathogenic organisms - the dead cells that continually
slough off of the epidermis mix with the secretions
of the sweat and sebaceous glands and the dust found on the skin to form a filthy layer on its surface.
If not washed away, the slurry of sweat and sebaceous secretions mixed with dirt and dead skin
is decomposed by bacterial flora, producing a foul smell. Functions of the skin are disturbed
when it is excessively dirty; it becomes more easily damaged, the release of antibacterial
compounds decreases, and dirty skin is more prone to develop infections. Cosmetics should be
used carefully because these may cause allergic reactions. Each season requires suitable
clothing in order to facilitate the evaporation of the sweat. Sunlight, water and air play an
important role in keeping the skin healthy.

2007-05-11T23:00:00.001-07:00

Eight Branches of Ayurveda

The eight branches of Ayurveda are:

1. Internal medicine - Kayachikitsa Tantra
2. Surgery - Shalya Tantra
3. Ears, eyes, nose and throat - Shalakya Tantra
4. Pediatrics - Kaumarabhritya Tantra
5. Toxicology - Agada Tantra
6. Purification of the genetic organs - Bajikarana Tantra
7. Health and Longevity - Rasayana Tantra
8. Spiritual Healing - Bhuta Vidya

2007-04-13T22:59:00.000-07:00

Sunscreen (also known as sunblock, suntan lotion) is a lotion, spray or other topical product that helps protect the skin from the sun'sultraviolet (UV) radiation, and which reduces sunburn and other skin damage, ultimately leading to a lower risk of skin cancer. However, suntan lotion is an incorrect term for sunscreen as it is something entirely different. Suntan lotion is used to attract UV rays in order to better tan where sunblock is used to deflect UV radiation. These are commonly called indoor tanning lotions when designed for use with tanning beds or just suntan lotion if designed for outdoor use and may or may not have SPF protection in them.

2007-03-03T04:49:00.000-08:00

Natural skin care is the care of the skin (the largest organ of the body) using
naturally-derived ingredients (such as herbs, roots, essential oils and flowers) combined with naturally occurring carrier agents, preservatives, surfactants, humectants and emulsifiers (everything from natural soap to oils to pure water). The classic definition of natural skin care is based on using botanically sourced ingredients currently existing in or formed by nature, without the use of synthetic chemicals, and manufactured in such a way to preserve the integrity of the ingredient.

As a result of this definition, many people who use natural skin care products,
generally make their own products at home from naturally occurring ingredients.
While there are many wife's tales surrounding the beneifts of certain ingredients,
scientific studies have proven that such ingredients as Chamomile have demonstrated healing and anti-inflammatory properties when applied topically. Many people use natural skin care recipes to make remedies to care for their skin at home. Many spas and skin care salons now focus on using more naturally derived skin care products. Over the past ten years, several companies have been started to make availale completely natural products to the general
public.

2007-03-03T04:48:00.000-08:00

Honey skin care

Honey's natural antioxidant and anti-microbial properties and ability to absorb
and retain moisture have been recognised and used extensively in skin care treatments as they help to protect the skin from the damage of the sun's rays and rejuvenate depleted skin.

2007-03-03T04:47:00.001-08:00

Shea Butter skin care

Shea Butter is derived from the kernel of the "Karite" tree which means Tree of Life. It can be found in a multitude of products such as your local drug store, high-end beauty boutiques, and e-tailers. When it is used in its purest, unrefined, certified organic form, it can provide healing to conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, stretch marks and dermatitis. Not just another cosmetic ingredient, shea butter is a staple of African pharmacology due to its potent healing abilities. Even today, clinical trials showcase shea butter's ability to deliver effective therapeutic results as well as safe and natural skincare.

2007-03-03T04:45:00.001-08:00

Ayurvedic skin care

Ayurvedic skin care is derived from medicinal practices that began over 2,000 years ago.Avervedic medicine and healing practices is based upon Indian philosophical,psychological, conventional and medicinal understandings. Ayurvedic approach to skin care is holistic, and considers the mind, body, and spirit together. Ayurvedas practices the belief that there are three basic principles or humors born out of five basic elements that exist in nature. These principles are known as Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. These principles are believed to work together in harmony to make up the entire body.

Ayurvedic skin care theory states that there are seven different types of constitution that govern our skin and hair types: Vata, Pitta, Kapha, Vata-Pitta, Vata-Kapha, Pitta-Kapha, or Vata-Pitta-Kapha. Most people fall into a combination of two of the three principles.

2007-03-03T04:41:00.000-08:00

Jojoba skin care

Jojoba skin care is a natural remedy. Jojoba is a natural moisturizer for the skin.
The oil is similar to the natural sebum of whale. Also, it softens the skin.