Wise Observer

As we grow older skin starts coming out with different growths and spots. Skin tags are one such product of ageing. The exact cause of skin tags is not known. They are also known as Acrochordons. Skin tags look like small growths hanging with a stalk. These fleshy bumps are ugly in appearance and cause lot of mental discomfort compared to physical.

Skin tags appear at different places o the body. The common areas are necklines, below the breasts, underarms, groin etc. Skin tags may appear in different sizes. Small tags appear in a bunch, while large tags appear alone. They normally form in cluster of small tags of about a mm to big ones measuring up to a cm.

Consult your doctor about removal of skin tags. Your doctor will remove them with a suitable method that may be either of these four- surgically cutting them, by freezing them, by electro surgery or by tying a suture around the stalk. The choice of removal method depends upon the location and the size of tag and the stalk. The tag removal normally does not lead to any scar formation. The healing is over in a day or two. Please consult your doctor for more details.

This article is only for informative purposes. This article is not intended to be a medical advise and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for your medical concerns. Please follow any tip given in this article only after consulting your doctor. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from information obtained from this article.

ach person is different and their experience with acne is different. I had a good amount of acne growing up, but I was lucky to not have any scars later on. It’s definitely disappointing for people to finally get rid of their acne only to find deep acne scars left on their faces. Unfortunately, no treatment of scars can begin until the acne itself is completely gone.

People with acne scars all end up with a different looking facial topography so many combine different treatments to get the best results. For people with shallower scarring there are options to try dermabrasion, laser resurfacing, saline injections or chemical peels. These are all fairly expensive processes, but may be worth the cost if they completely eliminate unsightly scars. For the deeper ice pick type scarring people can try punch techniques, subcision, or augmentation. Many who suffer from acne scars will end up with a combination of deep and shallow scars so they may have to try several of these treatments together to end up with the best result. For this reason, no one acne scar treatment is right for everyone. It’s best to consult with your physician or dermatologist and ask to see pictures of their former patients to determine if they can give you the results you want.

The main problem is that of abundance. Finding an Orange County plastic surgeon is easy, the problem is to find THE Orange County plastic surgeon - the one who will meet your expectations. Start from searching the Internet. There you will probably find about fifty plastic surgeons for a start. When you have the list, start contacting them, one by one. I know this is time consuming, but the plastic surgery is a surgery, not some kind of magic. Narrow your list to those who specialize in the kind of surgery you want to have and visit the clinics.

How can you find the best plastic surgeon available?

Every Orange County plastic surgeon worth choosing will offer you a short walk around the clinic to show you what’s going on there. If they ask you to sight tight in an office, it’s a big minus. The second checkpoint is the plastic surgery picture. Ask them to show you the “before/after” photos of patients that had similar surgery to yours. Even in Orange County, every plastic surgeon will have to show you the pictures. Check them carefully - if in any of them you will see makeup, resign. All these photos are used for medical purposes and taking photos in makeup means only that there is something to hide. If both the walk and the pictures’ check went good, you can get down to business.

Things you should check before the surgery

The prices are quite high in Orange County. Every plastic surgeon living there is a professional, so the prices are “professional” too. Don’t worry about the money, though. You are about to have a surgery any saving $300 and risking some surgery complications instead isn’t a too bright idea. Remember, it’s the professionalism you’re looking for, not a discount. Every Orange County plastic surgeon is a professional, but you want to get “the best of the best”, don’t you? The money you will spend is only a secondary problem then. I say this because we tend to forget about it during any purchases or negotiations and we start thinking only about our money.

Jeff Lakie is the founder of Plastic Surgery Resources a website providing information on cosmetic surgery.

To remove body hair or not remove body hair - That is the question. And as with most everything, there are, (at least), two beliefs about what to do with body hair.

One belief is that you should not remove your body hair because it protects skin from dirt and germs, provides cushioning for sensitive areas, lessens the friction between skin and clothes, holds in heat to keep you warm when you need it and retains your personal scent, which may attract your potential mate.

Another belief is that you should remove your body hair because it holds dirt and germs, interferes with sensations in sensitive areas, causes friction between skin and clothes, and holds in heat which creates your personal scent, which repels everyone.

Some people, both male and female, believe because you’re born with body hair, it’s best to just let it grow. These people add that a big benefit is you don’t have to spend your time or money removing it.

Other people believe just because you’re born with body hair, doesn’t mean you have to accept it. These people believe it’s their body, (and hair), to do what they please and the big benefit for them is they say they look and feel better because they remove their body hair.

Since the human animal has walked this planet, body hair has played a couple of important roles. Before clothing, as protection and a signal of sexual maturity. Since clothing, a signal of sexual maturity.

Today, neither of these roles apply. And it seems even evolution is playing a part towards less hair.

It’s a genetic fact that since the need of body hair as protection has become unnecessary because of wearing clothing, with each generation males have become noticeably less hairy.

Even though some males still believe that their body hair is a measure of their manliness, in today’s world, being a hairy male does not represent being manly like it did in the past. In fact these days, most people, of both sexes, really prefer smooth bodies. So with body hair being useless, it’s more than acceptable for a male to trim his body hair or even become a full body shaver - Especially if he has a lot of hair.

Now be honest - What’s your response when you see a male with a really hairy chest or back?

Most males today have a better sense of how to project the most positive image and remove excess body hair, particularly on the chest and back. Removing chest and back hairs can be beneficial on both hygienic and aesthetic levels. A male with a hairless and toned body is very attractive to others.

Now be honest - What’s your response when you see a female with bushy armpits, scraggly bikini lines and hairy legs at the pool or beach?

Unless you’re in France, forget that hairy armpits on females is considered chic. Bushy armpits on males are not attractive either. Both males and females can improve their personal hygiene with groomed armpits. Bushy armpits generate extra heat, encourage the growth of bacteria and most often create heavier perspiration, resulting in an unpleasant odor. So whether you choose to just trim this hair or completely remove it, your armpits will tell onlookers that you’re tidy and clean.

Now, with all of today’s hair removal products, there’s really no excuse for any, (conscientious), female wearing a skimpy swimsuit, not to be a body shaver. A female may have a beautifully shaped and toned body which looks great in a thong bikini, but the entire image will be ruined if there are scraggly pubic hairs sticking out.

To at least trim or remove hair in the genital area will not only improve appearance, it will also improve personal hygiene. Less hair in this area means less heat and consequently, less build up of bacteria and unpleasant odor. This holds true for males as well as females.

And - You won’t know unless you try - If you remove the hair in the genital area, it may even enhance your sex life. Most people today say that if their partner’s genital area were well groomed, they’d be paying more attention to this area. How about you? Do you prefer your partner’s genital area neatly groomed or unkempt and hairy?

Most people would agree that we all want to look the best we can. Whether you choose to just trim your body hair or become a full body shaver, grooming your body hair is a basic step towards being more presentable.

Some hair removal methods are designed specifically for different parts of the body. But there is shaving tool that is specifically designed to remove hair from every part of the body. Do your own research. You’ll be glad you did.

Bodworx International presents body hair removal tips and the latest data for removing hair from your entire body. Visit them at their body shaver website at http://www.bodyshaver.com for more information.

The number people over 30 needing acne treatments has climbed to the extent that a report published in Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology recommends raising the age for insurance coverage of the acne drug tretinoin to at least 40. The authors of the report, Drs. Steven Feldman and Alan Fleischer, dermatologists at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center, add that many insurance companies refuse to pay for tretinoin prescriptions for patients older than 25.

Even if your insurance company leaves you to fend for yourself, you still have options for freeing yourself from acne and wrinkles. At first, coping with acne and wrinkles may seem like a cosmetic catch 22. Do you dry your skin with acne cleansers containing benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, and worsen your wrinkles? Or, do you smear on the moisturizer to smooth the wrinkles, but cope with the zits brought on by the extra oil?

Before you get frantic, ask yourself a series of questions. Adult acne may be the result of hormonal flunctuations triggers by diet, stress or your environment.

1. Are you regular?

About 70% of your immune system is located in your intestines. If this area is blocked with waste, your immuno-defenses are down. So, instead of waste leaving your body via the rectum, it chooses to leave through the skin. Waste leaving the skin can cause an infection that presents itself as acne.

2. Are you tense?

Tension likewise reduces the vigor of the immune system. Take a few deep breaths throughout the day to calm your body. Take a long walk in the fresh air to wind down.

3. Are you eating all the nutrients you need?

Cases of acne have been improved with consuming foods containing zinc, essential fatty acids, vitamin A and a host of other nutrients. All of these vital nutrients are available in leafy green vegetables, fruits and olive oil.

4. Are you constantly thinking about a personal issue that you have not addressed?

Not resolving personal issues creates conflict and tension in the body. Again, these issues most be addressed to avoid undue stress within the body.

5. Are you exercising everyday?

Exercise reduces stress and gives you an opportunity to subconsciously contemplate challenges that you may be facing. Physical activity also keeps your muscles and intestines toned, which keeps encourages regularity.

6. Are you changing your pillowcase frequently?

Using a dirty pillowcase aggravates an acne condition. Your face naturally secretes oils during the night. These oils are sticky. So if you pillowcase if dirty, you are allowing your face to collect extra waste during the night, which could further clog your pores.

7. Have you moved recently or are you changing your job/career?

New demands or feelings of lose can sometimes accompany change. Transfer these emotions into something constructive by writing in a journal or envisioning how these changes are going to benefit you. Find comfort in these changes and opportunities for new beginnings.

8. (Women) Do you also experience excessive facial hair growth and erratic periods?

Conditions such as acne, excessive facial hair, and erratic periods could indicate an androgen disorder or other underlying hormonal imbalances. Your doctor can provide you with a series of endocrine tests to ascertain your hormone levels and what corrective actions you should take. Ricardo Azziz, M.D, who serves as Chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Director of the Center for Androgen-Related Disorders at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, estimates that 80 percent of women with excessive androgen levels suffer from an endocrine disorder called polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Dr. Azziz adds that women with PCOS often have insulin resistance and are at increased risk for developing Type II diabetes, hypertension and heart disease.

Health author and Stanford University graduate Naweko San-Joyz lovingly writes from her home in San Diego. Her works include “Acne Messages: Crack the code of your zits and say goodbye to acne” (ISBN: 0974912204) and the upcoming work “Skinny Fat Chicks, Why we’re still not getting this dieting thing” (ISBN: 0974912212) for release in June of 2005. For useful acne self-help articles visit http://www.Noixia.com

The skin is the largest organ in the body. It defends against disease and infection, regulates temperature and even aids in vitamin production. Keeping skin healthy is crucial for beauty and general health, even if most of us are interested in knowing how to keep skin looking healthy, rather than really keeping it healthy.

The best way to keep skin looking healthy - young, fair, radiant, supple, soft and wrinkle free - is to keep out of the sun.

Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun bring about a healthy-looking tan, but do much damage to the skin in terms of pigmentation, sunburn and loss of elasticity. These can lead to premature aging in the form of wrinkles, fine lines, sagging, dark skin, uneven skin tone, loss of translucency, enlarged pores and dryness. Even the best of genetics, topical skin lightening treatments and oral skin supplements would be of little use if one tans mercilessly and regularly.

Keeping out of the sun helps, but if you cannot avoid it, you will have to ensure that you use a sunscreen. This is especially crucial if sun exposure is for an extended period of time.

Assuming that one is already sensible about sun exposure, how can we then further improve our skin condition? We know that certain oral supplements are effective for good skin health, but which are these supplements and how effective are they?

Supplement From Within

The first group would be vitamins and minerals, essential for proper functioning of every organ.

The vitamins and minerals that can affect skin health include the B-complex, especially B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin) and B12 (cyancobalamine). Overt deficiencies of vitamins B1 and B2 are known to cause special forms of dermatitis (a kind of skin inflammation). B12 deficiency is particularly detrimental to neurons and rapidly dividing cells, including skin cells.

Besides the B vitamins, deficiency of vitamin C, iron and copper also affect skin health. All three are important for the synthesis of collagen, a key structural protein in the skin, which fills the skin and gives it tone.

Vitamin A is critical for the normal life cycle of skin cells. Vitamin A deficiency causes skin to become dry, fragile and prone to wrinkles. On the other hand, excessive Vitamin A intake may cause serious toxicity and should be avoided.

Vitamins C and E, and beta-carotene have been touted as anti-oxidants that reduce free radicals. (Free radicals result in skin degeneration and aging.) However, while free radicals and the role of anti-oxidants are beyond doubt, clinical results have not conclusively proved if supplementary vitamins and other micronutrients improve the skin quality and defy the aging process.

Excessive doses can be just as harmful as deficiencies, so it is best to abide by the recommended daily allowance (RDA).

Topical Help

Oral supplements should go hand-in-hand with topical applications - sunscreen of at least SPF 30, creams (preferably with skin whitening agents) and moisturizer (preferably with skin lightening agents. Compared with topical applications, the effects of oral supplements are slower and more subtle. Consumers have to be realistic about their expectations because results certainly will not be seen in 7 days or 2 weeks.

We recommend a holistic approach to skin health, comprising:

* A healthy balanced diet comprising all food groups as well as vitamins, minerals and micronutrients.
* Keep a happy positive mood. It is well documented that some skin conditions - such as acne and eczema - are more prevalent among the stressed.
* If you smoke, quit smoking. Smoke causes free radicals, damages the microcirculation of skin and also causes staining of teeth and other discoloration.
* Minimize sun exposure and use a good sunscreen on a daily basis.

Debra Tan is a senior product development consultant at SkinWhite Research Labs. Equipped with a team of experienced cosmeceutical researchers, SkinWhite Research Labs is a company that specializes in the formulation of skin whitening products that help to rectify dark skin and pigmentation problems. Please visit their official website for more skin lightening information and tips.

This article may be reprinted in its original form as long as the resource box is left intact and the links live and the article is not to be modified in anyway.

It’s important to know that there is no true cure for acne. If untreated, it can last for many years, although acne usually clears up as you get older. The following treatments, however, generally can keep acne under control.

1. Use topical benzoyl peroxide lotion or gel
Benzoyl peroxide helps kill skin bacteria, unplug the oil ducts and heal acne pimples. It is the most effective acne treatment you can get without a doctor’s prescription. Many brands are available in different levels of strength (2.5 percent, 5 percent or 10 percent). Read the labels or ask your pediatrician or pharmacist about it.

* Start slowly with a 2.5 percent or 5 percent lotion or gel once a day. After a week, increase use to twice a day (morning and night) if your skin isn’t too red or isn’t peeling.
* Apply a thin film to the entire area where pimples may occur. Don’t just dab it on current blemishes. Avoid the delicate skin around the eyes, mouth and corner of the nose.
* If your acne isn’t better after four to six weeks, you may increase to a 10 percent strength lotion or gel. Start with one application each day and increase to two daily applications if your skin tolerates it.

2. If you don’t see results, consult your pediatrician
Your doctor can prescribe stronger treatments, if needed, and will teach you how to use them properly. Three kinds of medications may be recommended:

* TRETINOIN (RETIN-A) CREAM OR GEL helps unplug oil ducts but must be used exactly as directed. Be aware that exposure to the sun (or tanning parlors) can cause increased redness in some people who are using the medication.

* TOPICAL ANTIBIOTIC SOLUTIONS may be used in addition to other medications for a type of acne called pustular acne.

* ORAL ANTIBIOTIC PILLS may be used in addition to creams, lotions or gels if your acne doesn’t respond to topical treatments alone.

3. What about the “miracle drug” Accutane?
Isotretinoin (Accutane) is a very strong chemical taken in pill form. It is used only for severe cystic acne that hasn’t responded to any other treatment. Accutane must NEVER be taken just before or during pregnancy. There is a danger of severe or even fatal deformities to unborn babies whose mothers have taken Accutane while pregnant or who become pregnant soon after taking Accutane. You should never have unprotected sexual intercourse while taking Accutane. Patients who take Accutane must be carefully supervised by a doctor knowledgeable about its usage, such as a pediatric dermatologist or other expert on treating acne. Your pediatrician may require a negative pregnancy test and a signed consent form before prescribing Accutane to females.

If you are experiencing acne problems, remember that your pediatrician can help you. And as you begin treatment, keep these helpful tips in mind:

* Be patient. It takes three to six weeks to see any improvement. Give each treatment enough time to work.

* Be faithful. Follow your program every day. Don’t stop and start each time your skin changes. Remember, sometimes your skin may appear to worsen early in the program before you begin to see improvement.

* Follow directions. Not using the treatment as directed is the most common reason the treatment fails.

* Don’t use medication prescribed for someone else. This holds true for all medications, especially Accutane. Doctors prescribe medication specifically for particular patients. What’s good for a friend may be harmful for you. Never take Accutane that’s prescribed for another person.

* Don’t overdo it. Too much scrubbing makes skin worse. Too much benzoyl peroxide or Retin-A cream makes your face red and scaly. Too much oral antibiotic may cause side effects.

Kerwin Chang writes for www.acnestuff.net where you can find out more about acne and other skin care topics.