Skin Care Advice

Order today at www.drgerrish.com. Obagi offers amazing skin transformation as the most advanced physician skin care line. To see if you are an Obagi candidate call our office at 888.437.7474 for a complimentary consultation. Visit us on the web at www.drgerrish.com or facesmedspa.com.

Nowadays, men are increasingly taking care of their skin. We have come to realize this is not just about looking good, it’s primarily about health. But realizing this, is just the first step, then the second step becomes a little bit harder. It’s then, when ask the question: What man skin care products should I use?

First you should start getting to know your skin. Man skin care products are special depending on the type of skin you have. Look at shaving creams and face cleaning soaps for example, they have certain types: for sensitive skin, for dry skin, oily skin. Determine which skin type you have, and work from there.

Other thing you need to keep in mind is your main goal with a product. Man skin care products exist for a variety of applications, from anti-aging creams to pore cleaning products. But remember also that you should take care of all your skin as well. A younger face means not only less wrinkles but an overall healthy look.

I would also recommend to always prefer natural man skin care products. The reason? Just as the name says, it’s natural. You’ll be amazed of the quality of natural products for the skin available for men since ancient ages. Some man skin care products have us so blinded by claims of miracle chemical ingredients, that we often forget the simplicity of natural skin care.

The man skin care product market is just beginning, now that more and more men want these kind of products you’ll see new offers pop up. Don’t get caught on nice packaging and miracle claims, always stick to the facts because is your health what we are talking about here. Finally, remember great man skin care products make you feel great. Listen to your body and you can’t go wrong.

A few simple techniques and tips can help us all maintain and keep a healthy, clear complexion.  Hydration, a good choice of diet, and an effective skin care regime can keep our skin toned, firm and wrinkle-free.

Our skin comprises of various layers and the outermost layer is the worst affected of all. If we are to ensure that our skin is looked after and remains healthy forever, we need to protect it from excessive pollution and harsh UV rays.

These two are also known to make your skin appear dull and dark. To help achieve fairness, we need to first remove our tan. For that, we need to ensure that only natural skin care techniques are used. Avoid chemicals as they are known to damage your skin in the long run.

Below are a few tips that would regain your fair glow.

1) Eat a Healthy Diet – Diet plays an important role in nourishing your skin and is known to make or break your skin tone. If your diet is rich in carbohydrates and fats, your skin is bound show the effect. It might become oily and break into pimples.

At the same time, if your diet includes ample servings of fresh fruits and vegetables, it would again reflect on your skin. Your skin would glow, it would become healthy and your tone would eventually lighten. An effective means of lightening your skin and a tried and tested natural skin care tip, a healthy diet paves way to a healthy skin.

2) Use Natural Face Packs – If you feel that your skin is starting to get dark, you need to ensure that your face and neck are massaged with a liberal dose of natural face packs.

Known as an effective anti-wrinkle remedy in the dictionary of natural skin care, the use of papaya to cleanse your skin, cucumber to lighten your dark circles, lemon and sugar to remove your tan and raw milk to cleanse your dirt are known to work wonders for your dark complexion.

3) Use an Effective Sun Block – Always wear a sun screen when out in the sun. It is to be noted than an organic sun screen, which has an ample serving of aloe vera is an effective means of reducing sun tan and is a tried and tested remedy from the house of natural skin care.

4)  Drink Water – Natural skin care clearly states that an individual should drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of water a day. Water rids your skin of toxins and makes your skin glow. It is also the safest and the cheapest way to ensure that your skin is well looked after.

There are a lot of rewards for losing weight – that is, if you are not anorexic or bulimic or suffering from any disease or disorder. Provided that you are losing weight healthily, you are probably enjoying and celebrating by buying new clothes and flaunting your new figure. You are probably feeling better than ever with a healthier heart and a reinforced self-esteem. But let me burst your bubble for a minute. Have you observed how the skin on your arms jiggles when you wave? Haven’t you notice the folds of skin that seems to pop out of your tummy when you sit? If there is one problem plaguing many people who lose weight, it’s probably the loosening and sagging skin that comes after weight loss.

To help you enjoy and celebrate your achievement in weight loss, here are some top skin care tips you shouldn’t miss to banish loose and saggy skin:

Massage face regularly.

Loose skin is not exclusive on your arms, butt, legs, and stomach. Even the skin on your face can sag when you lose facial fat. The skin around your eyes, over your cheeks, and on your chin can develop into tiny wrinkles, jowls, and pouches which can give you the appearance of a pug. Massaging your face can tone your facial skin and muscles. It can also tighten your facial skin and help it adapt to your new and thinner face shape. So instead of having a droopy face, you can have a well-shaped one that looks healthy and young.

Do toning exercises.

Most weight loss regimens – whether natural or drug-assisted – are focused on eliminating body fat. Since fat is the layer beneath the skin, it is natural for the skin to hang loose if the layer that anchors it to the body is removed. The key here is to anchor the skin to the muscle. This will be possible by doing toning exercise. By developing the muscle, it increases in size that can make up for the lost fat layer. However, since muscle is lean, your body will appear firm and toned instead of soft and fluffy as in the case of fat. As your skin stretches to accommodate the bulk of the developing muscle, you can start flaunting your gently toned arms sans the jiggling skin underneath.

Consider resistance training.

Most people, especially women, are not keen on the idea of doing resistance training because they do not want to look bulky. But resistance training is not about developing bulk; it is about building and making your existing muscles firmer. Flaccid and underdeveloped muscle cannot anchor the skin to the body. They even add to the sagging flab. What you thought was loose skin may just be soft muscles.

Eat lean protein.

Lean protein like skinless chicken breast and trimmed meat can contribute to your muscle mass. By consuming lean protein, you help your body develop muscle while keeping the fat levels down. This way, you get to enjoy your meat, lose any remaining fat, build existing muscles, and banish loose skin at the same time.

While there are medical procedures and creams that can help you solve your problems with loose post-weight loss skin, they are largely inconvenient since you have to have them redone or applied always. To nip the problem of loose skin right in the bud, it is best to opt for a steady weight loss program right from the start. You use weight loss supplements like Xenical to help you lose weight gradually without leaving folds of sagging skin. Since Xenical is a proven weight loss product, you can be sure that it is safe and effective, especially when used with exercise and proper nutrition.

     Men skin care products are very much available in the market with a wide range to choose from. There are expensive natural skin care for men, and there are reasonably priced. Moreover, you should not limit yourself with the prices alone. Sometimes, even the expensive ones cannot really give all the answers to the issues involved.

     The best way to pick the right men skin care product is to know the most effective skin care ingredients found in men skin care products. In this way, you will not have a hard time. Another important thing to remember is to know what your primary skin problem is. By that, you can distinguish which men skin care products and men skin care ingredients you really need. For example, if your problem is acne, you should look for a men skin care product that is specifically designed for acne treatment.

       During adolescence, sebaceous glands start discharging huge quantities of sebum and carry on all the way through life. Diet and environment also play a major part of acne problem. What you eat and where you are tends to facilitate the cause of acne. Most of all, it is all in the genes. Genetic predisposition is the major reason.

     You can treat acne by using a kind of skin cleansers, which removes skin cells or exfoliates, maintaining follicles open. Glycolic acids or peroxide is the main ingredient of over the counter men skin care products. It helps avoid clog formation. Furthermore, exfoliating the skin assists in peeling away dead skin cells. A number of non-prescription gels, lotions, creams, and other acne products, which help cleanse and exfoliate the skin, have two familiar ingredients:

     Benzoyl peroxide. It wipes out bacteria, which can get into follicles and generate infection.

     Salicylic acid. Another name for salicylic acid is glycolic acid, which helps unclog pores. It is recommended for everyday use for better results. While benzoyl sounds like a very chemical ingredient it does play an important role in natural skin care for men as it helps to achieve healthy skin that is free from harmful bacteria.

     A dermatologist prescribes other treatment if these products do not help:

     Antibiotics. It helps manage bacteria. You can take it orally or you can rub it onto your skin.

     Vitamin A derivatives. It is also known as retinoid, which unclog pores, and helps maintain the pores free from dirt and bacteria.  When it comes to natural skin care for men there is nothing better than good old vitamins!

     Anti-inflammatory medication. Known as corticosteroid, this can be injected directly into an inflamed pustule to control severe outbreaks.

     There are also ingredients in natural skin care for men. These products contain only the natural ingredients that were proven effective.

     Phytessence Wakame. An extract of kelp from the Japanese Sea is an antioxidant. This also prevents the collapse of hyaluronic acid in our skin. The elasticity of your skin will be restored with regular use. It also helps repair and calm irritated and dry skin.  

     Nano-Lipobelle H EQ10. This removes free radicals from the skin and has an anti-wrinkle effect because of its antioxidant property called coenzyme Q10, which penetrates through all the layers of the skin. Antioxidants are found in products used in natural skin care for men as well as in several fruits we should eat on a daily basis.   

     Kaolin. An extract of clay from the foothills of the New Zealand Alps pulls dirt gently and removes excess oil. It has disinfectant properties that heal imperfections and inflammation and at the same time, it prevents new blemishes to appear.  This ingredient is also found in quality products used in natural skin care for men.

If you are like me, you probably get bewildered by the wide variety of choices out there when it comes to choosing an anti aging skin care product. The market is flooded with products offering to turn back the clock for you. How does one go about looking for what really works? Let’s find out.

You need to do a little research about the product you may be thinking of buying. Now don’t let that scare you. Just open up Google and type in the name of the product, and you can find out the ingredients inside it. Since all these products are chemical substances, the law requires them to have a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). The MSDS will list out all the ingredients the anti aging skin care product contains.

Many of the anti aging skin care products list Collagen as an ingredient, apart from other substances. Collagen is a protein and is the main component of our skin. It makes our skin firm and gives it an elastic nature. So when you pull your skin a bit and release it, it gains its original shape. This is what makes our skin look smooth and beautiful.

As our bodies get older the amount of collagen in our skin tends to decrease, and it begins to sag in places. This is what the anti aging skin care products target by including Collagen as an ingredient.

The truth however, is, applying Collagen topically through a cream is not going to give you any benefit whatsoever. This is because the size of the Collagen molecules is too big to penetrate the skin and get absorbed. What you need is a product that stimulates the production of Collagen inside the body.

What Does Work

Antioxidants help fight against free radicals in the body and help in reducing the signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles. Vitamin E is a powerful natural antioxidant.

Another important antioxidant found in natural products is Nanobelle coenzymeQ10, or CoQ10. CoQ10 is used in a wide variety of treatments and in many different forms. For skin care its naturally derived nano lipid form is the most useful. In this form, it can be absorbed by the skin easily.

Keratin, another protein found in our body, is also used in anti aging products to stimulate Collagen regeneration. You need to check the product to make sure it contains such useful, effective ingredients.

Now that you are armed with this information, you can make an informed decision on which anti aging skin care product to buy and regain your youthful, soft, supple skin.

Skin care is not a topic of recent times; it has been in practice since ancient times, when herbal skin care was probably the only way to take care of skin. However, skin care has transformed in a big way. Herbal skin care routines have been replaced by synthetic/chemical-based skin care routines. The herbal skin care recipes which once used to be common place are not so popular today (and even unknown to a large population). This transformation from herbal skin care to synthetic, can probably be attributed to two things – our laziness (or just the fast pace of lives) and the commercialisation of skin care. Even herbal skin care products have been commercialised. These commercial herbal skin care products have to be mixed with preservatives in order to increase their shelf-life, hence making them less effective than the fresh ones made at home. However, it seems that things are changing fast and more people are now opting for natural and herbal skin care routines. But still, none want to make them at home and hence the commercial market of herbal skin care products is on the rise.

So what are these herbs or herbal skin care mechanisms?

Aloe vera, which is an extract from Aloe plant, is one of the best examples of herbal skin care product. Freshly extracted aloe vera is a natural hydrant that helps in soothing skin. It also helps in healing cuts and treating sun burns.

A number of herbs are known to possess cleansing properties. Dandelion, chamomile, lime flowers and rosemary herbs, are a few examples of such cleansers. Their herbal skin care properties get invoked when they are combined with other herbs like tea.

Antiseptics are another important part of Herbal skin care. Lavender, marigold, thyme and fennel are good examples of herbs that are known to possess antiseptic properties. Lavender water and rose water also form good toners.

Tea plays an important part in herbal skin care. Tea extracts are used for treatment of skin that has been damaged by UV radiation.

Oils prepared from herbal extracts present another means of herbal skin care. Tea tree oil, Lavender oil, borage oil and primrose oil are some popular oils used in herbal skin care. Some fruit oils (e.g. extracts from fruits like banana, apple and melon) find use in shower gels (as a hydrating mix)

Homeopathic treatments and aromatherapies also come under the umbrella of herbal skin care remedies.

Herbal skin care is good not only for the routine nourishing of skin but also for treatment of skin disorders like eczema and psoriasis. Most herbal skin care products don’t have any side effects (the most important reason for preferring them over synthetic products) Moreover, herbal skin care products can be easily made at home, hence making them even more attractive. So, herbal skin care is the way to go. However, this does not mean that you totally discard the synthetic products. Some people go to the extent of debating with their dermatologist, if he/she suggests a synthetic product. You should accept the fact that some skin orders might need usage of clinically proven non-herbal skin care products.

The Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline for neonatal skin care, including a Neonatal Skin Condition Scale (NSCS), has been validated by the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) and the National Association of Neonatal Nurses (NANN). Within the Guidelines, the use of emollients is recommended for infants less than 32 weeks during the first 2-4 weeks. For infants younger than 30 weeks, gestational age emollient use is recommended to reduce excessive transepidermal water loss (e-TEWL).

Over a period spanning three decades, the handling of neonates has radically changed and the new guidelines highlight this growth and development. However, this area of skin care has lagged behind. One concern that remains is the issue of the toxic effects of ingredients found in water-based products like preservatives and fragrances. While it is possible that these may be toxic, this article will present evidence that the current skin care products that contain petrolatum and lanolin may be more toxic and potentially harmful. Further, using a product that is not preserved, yet occlusive, may in fact allow for microorganisms in colony forming units to multiply, thereby yielding systemic implications. The purpose of this article is to further illuminate these issues and to allow for greater understanding and discussion.

Skin is the largest organ of the body and provides protection between the body and its environment. In term babies, while there may be issues related to skin breakdown and infection, the stratum corneum is fully developed and protects the newborn. In contrast, the skin and skin barrier of a preterm neonate is not fully developed.

The skin of a premature neonate accounts for approximately thirteen (13) percent of its body weight. This compares to three (3) percent of body weight for adult skin. The body weight to skin ratio is four (4) times greater in the neonate when compared to an adult. As related specifically to skin care, these characteristics in neonate skin call into account:

• Fluid imbalances

• Percutaneous absorption of toxins

• Tissue injury

• Infection

The structure of adult skin is understood, while embryonic and neonate skin is not fully appreciated. Development of the skin within the uterus is complex and still under investigation. In utero, the skin undergoes two-dimensional growth to cover the surface area of the developing embryo and fetus. Premature neonate’s skin has not gone through full epidermal and dermal epidermal development.

In neonatal intensive care units (NICU) skin care product selection is carefully reviewed. With the risks outlined above, great care must be taken to ensure the wellbeing of the neonate within the first hours and days of life. Care of the skin is one of the most important areas of care for these at risk infants. Currently, NANN and AWHONN recommended a Aquaphor?, a petrolatum-based product as neonate skin care emollient.

In earlier work done at Stanford University, it was concluded that emollient cream moisturizer therapy of premature neonates decreases dermatitis without changing the microbiological flora. An emollient is an agent that softens or soothes skin. This definition is important because just as the standard-of-care has changed in NICUs over the past three decades, the selection of emollients has changed in the pharmaceutical industry.

High-tech silicone excipients have displaced petrolatum as companies have sought ways to improve treatment compliance traced to poor aesthetics associated with petrolatum-based formulations. Silicones are not new to the pharmaceutical industry. They are used in transdermal delivery systems, catheters and specialized medical devices, including pacemakers.

In a test to determine aesthetic benefits of silicone formulas over petrolatum-based formulas, 18 untrained volunteers were impaneled. They were asked to evaluate whether two products present any differences on individual sensory properties. The evaluation was conducted on the panelist’s forearms. Each panelist was asked to evaluate wetness, spreadability, speed of absorbance (not biologically, just feel), gloss, film residue, greasiness, silkiness and slip after perceived absorbance.

Figure I shows the silicone-containing formulation was perceived to be easier to spread and was clearly less tacky before and after absorption. A perceptible film was present on the skin for both formulations but the silicone-containing formulation was less greasy, silkier and more slippery (better lubrication) than petrolatum. The panelist’ perception of higher wetness for the silicone-containing formulation was attributed to its lower oiliness.

In a study conducted at a 48-bed NICU private hospital in Houston, Texas, to evaluate why the rate of systemic candidiasis (SC) per 1000 NICU patient-days increased from 5.1% in 1996 to17.4% in 1997 (a three-fold increase), it was determined that the increase in SC incidences was linked to the use of topical petrolatum ointment (TPO). In this well designed study, the investigators went on to hypothesize that TPO enhanced the adherence of C albicans to mucocutaneous surfaces. Also referenced in the study was a finding by Law S, et al, that unlike petrolatum, skin surface lipids inhibit adherence of candida albicans to stratum corneum.

By way of further examination, let’s more closely examine these two hypotheses. As observed in the Houston study, petrolatum enhanced adherence of C albicans to mucocutaneous surfaces. Petrolatum is known as an occlusive barrier. Occlusion is problematic because while it blocks TEWL, it also blocks cellular respiration necessary for barrier repair. Further, occlusion traps microorganisms under the petrolatum where they can breed in the moisture trapped therein. On the other hand, natural skin lipids, like omega 3-6 fatty acids, inhibit adherence of microorganisms to the stratum corneum.

Studies linking petrolatum to increased incidences of infections in preterm infants is ongoing and demonstrates mixed results. However, long term studies reflect a concern over the use of TPO protocols in NICUs. Petrolatum based ointments, like Aquaphor’s? twenty five year old formula, are the emollients of choice in NICUs. When one considers the changes in the standards of care in NICUs over the past three decades, perhaps now is the time to focus on new technologies in emollients that achieve skin care objectives without the aesthetic, epidermal challenges renders skin vulnerable to chemicals & infection, prevents normal TEWL & gland secretions, inhibits barrier repair, suppresses barrier recovery and reduces the epidermal proliferative response and microbial risk disadvantages of petrolatum.

To demonstrate the effectiveness of high products using molecular height silicones against petrolatum, Nutrashield TM was tested in a wash-off study against Aquaphor? and other leading skin barriers to determine each product’s ability to maintain skin protection after cleansing. As shown in Figure II, Nutrashield performed well against Aquaphor?, and did so while providing a breathable barrier instead of the occlusive barrier associated with Aquaphor? (a lanolin and petrolatum-based product). In clinical trials Nutrashield has proven effective in the treatment of skin breakdown in disordered and damaged skin, encountered in the wound care setting, as compared to previously available products.

Based on the above results, Medline Nutrashield outperforms products containing petrolatum levels as high as 49%, and petrolatum combined with 15% Zinc Oxide. Additionally, both Sensi-Care 2 and Sween 24 also contain Dimethicone as an active ingredient (Sween at 6% versus 1% in the Nutrashield). The extended performance of the Nutrashield is most likely due to the addition of Divinyldimethicone/ Dimethicone Copolymer, which has an internal phase viscosity that is greater than 100,000,000 cst in viscosity. As it is delivered in an emulsion form, it is capable of laying down a thin, but consistent and robust film.

An in-vitro study at an independent laboratory was conducted, to determine the effectiveness of Nutrashield and Skin Repair Cream in reducing e-TEWL. Collagen samples were cut into 4×4 inch squares. Each square was pre-coated with 0.1 g of product. The product was applied by rubbing a finger over the collagen material to simulate actual use for a 20 second period. The product was then allowed to dry for five minutes. Each square was placed over Fisher Payne Permeability Cups, containing 3g of water. The samples were placed in a 37 degree oven and checked every four (4) hours. After 24 hours the cups were removed and a final weight was recorded.

Figure III shows that both REMEDY Nutrashield and REMEDY Skin Repair Cream were effective at reducing e-TEWL without occlusion. Nutrashield provided a fourfold reduction in e-TEWL over the control, while Skin Repair Cream showed a twofold improvement. The objective of topical skin care intervention is not to stop all TEWL, just excessive TEWL.

Skin care for neonates is an emerging science. But, since the reduced risk of infant mortality is paramount, improved emollient treatments deserve thoughtful consideration. Skin care for the high-risk neonate requires knowledge of the unique aspects and physiology of their skin. During the neonatal period many newborns develop preventable, clinically apparent skin problems and many more, especially preterm neonates, experience morbidity caused by compromised skin barrier integrity. Anatomical and physiological differences in the skin of premature and term infants place them at increased risk of skin injury and breakdown. All Children’s Hospital, St. Petersburg, FL, sent out a questionnaire to 482 NICU’s to learn how nurses describe and measure skin breakdown. Of the 45% that responded, it was reported that in extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants, 21% suffered skin breakdown during the first week of life.

The reduction of microbial contamination and the protection against skin breakdown has been discussed. Another critical factor is TEWL associated with immature barrier in neonates is the rate of TEWL. A Swedish study calculated TEWL in infants 24 and 25 weeks of gestation maintained at an ambient relative humidity (RH) of 50%. The study found that TEWL on the first day after birth (58.4 +/-14.8g m(-2) h(-1) and remained at the same level during the second day. It then decreased significantly to 48.3+/-9.5 at postnatal age of day three. The use of a semipermeable skin care product like Nutrashield will reduce excessive TEWL by as much as fourfold.

Semipermeable dressings have been tested as a method to reduce TEWL in neonates to address skin breakdown and high fluid requirements common in ELBW infants. The studies revealed that semipermeable (breathable) barriers can be used safely on premature infants.

The use of ingredients perceived as “toxic” to neonates has limited the choices within the NICUs. Much of the literature points to preservatives and fragrances as falling into the “do-not-use” category. Both are found in the REMEDY products. Consideration of the potential toxicity of ingredients found in the “recommended” products may not have been fully clarified. This is interesting when one considers that lanolin and petrolatum, forming an occlusive barrier, are recommended. Let’s take a closer look at what is being recommended:

Lanolin originates as a secretion from the sebaceous glands in sheepskin. It is removed from the wool by scouring and high-speed centrifugal separators. Lanolin has had 33 alcohols and 36 fatty acids identified as constituents including aliphatic, steroid and triterpinoid alcohols; saturated nonhydroxylated, unsaturated nonhydroxylated and hydroxhlated acid. Commercial lanolin is allowed to have up to 40 parts per million (ppm) pesticide residues. However, it is not clear who monitors for this compliance.

Animal medicines, which include sheep dips for controlling lice and other parasites on sheep, are regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). One of the common sheep dip ingredients is organochlorine (OC). This pesticide is based on the benzene ring with one or more chloride atoms attached and includes; DDT, lindane, dieldrin and aldrin. Other sheep dip pesticides include; synthetic pyrethroids, insect growth regulators, spinosyns, ivermectins and magnesium fluorosilicate. In 1994 in Wagga, NSW, a team of shearers successfully sued woolgrowers for allegedly endangering their health by improperly using chemicals. Shearers are becoming more aware of the potential risks associated with exposure to chemicals (sheep dip), particularly organophosphate group which can cause a serious nervous disorder.

There are about 26 pesticide residues found in commercial lanolin. The combined effect of pesticides acting by a common mechanism can be greater than the individual effect of any single pesticide. Since children are subject to non-dietary sources (like lanolin) of exposure pesticides, it is important to consider total exposure to pesticides from all sources combined. Nine hundred and ninety eight (989) references to lanolin and DDT were found in a Google search, April 2005.

La Leche League International is an important advocate for breastfeeding and their commitment has assured thousands of infants receive the vital nutrients found in colostrum and mother’s milk. While the organization acknowledges that toxins from the environment, including pesticides, show up in breast milk, the benefits outweigh the risks. However, the organization does recommend against topical use of commercial lanolin because of its pesticide content.

Petrolatum is a crude oil/petroleum fraction. Petroleum is a complicated mixture of chemicals, thought to have formed from the decay of ancient marine animals millions of years ago. Most of the constituents of petroleum are hydrocarbon molecules, oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur atoms. The hydrocarbon atoms take principally four different forms; paraffins, olefins, cycloparaffins and aromatics. These constituents give us gasoline, kerosene, diesel fuel, lubricating oils (like mineral oil), petrolatum, asphalt and tar, to name a few.

During the manufacturing process, longer unbranched paraffin molecules are able to join together to form crystalline solids. These solids are called paraffin waxes. With time, paraffin waxes settle out of the lubricating oils and are usually removed. At lower temperatures, shorter unbranched paraffin molecules also settle out of lubrication oil. The semi-solid material that forms in cold lubricating oil is petrolatum or petroleum jelly.

The processing of petroleum into petrolatum removes varying amounts of toxins. The yellowish petrolatum has more residue than that of the white petrolatum. Two of the refining methods include sulphuric acid and earth filtering. The acid treatment and filtering is an old process still used to remove the impurities of the “cake” (petrolatum + technical oils). Another purification method is hydrogenation which pressurizes hydrogen through the hydrocarbons with the help of a specific catalyst.

Once one understands the source of petrolatum and why there is a risk of toxins, one must move on to a biologically more concerning issue. Petrolatum is occlusive. In an article by Fore, it was found that the degree of skin occlusion has an effect on barrier recovery. Occlusive products suppress barrier recovery and reduce the epidermal proliferative response to an abnormal stratum corneum barrier. An occlusive product, like petrolatum, will prevent TEWL and will slow the epidermal maturation and barrier repair. Occlusion of the skin increases the infectious organisms, potentially raising the skin’s pH. Occlusion will also directly increase the pH of the skin. Occlusive products also interfere with cellular respiration and may lead to cell death.

This information presents a powerful message that one may want to rethink the use of lanolin and petrolatum on neonate skin. The use of modern emollients like silicone, combined with natural omega 3-6 fatty acids, barrier-building amino acids and natural antioxidants and vitamins may deserve another look. Water-based skin care products are required by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to be preserved. This keeps them free of bacteria and protects the products from contamination when microorganisms from sources (like unclean hands) contaminate the product in the container as well as during use.

The requirement of preservatives and their use is not well understood. Preservatives are not optional in accordance with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) monographs covering the manufacturing of “Safe and Effective Drugs” or cosmetics. A manufacturer is required to perform a twenty eight (28) day preservative effectiveness challenge on its products and maintain a record of such testing for FDA inspections. Further, each batch requires proof that the batch meets microbial challenge requirements. Batches are tested in the tank, prior to filling, and then again at the beginning, middle and end of the filling process. This testing is done to ensure each product shipped is free of microbial contamination.

Since the use and safety of preservatives, especially parabens is under consideration in this article, comments from three regulating bodies are brought forward for consideration.

• The FDA recognizes parabens as a class of preservatives that have been used in a wide variety of foods, drugs, and cosmetics and that they keep products safe from microbial contamination. The Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act require that cosmetics and non-prescription drugs and their individual ingredients must be safe and that labeling must be truthful and not misleading. The FDA can take immediate action to stop the sale of any product that does not meet its high standards. This includes the use of an effective preservative system.

• The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has reviewed the use of parabens in food and other products. The European Union (EU) Scientific Committee for Food (SCF) evaluated parabens in 1994 and established a temporary Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) of 0-10mg/kg bw, as the sum of methyl, ethyl and propyl parabens. Further study also demonstrated that nooestrogenic activity took place in-vivo, and that there was no effect on forestomach cells in rats. In a teratogenicity study on 300 rabbits with oral does of methyl paraben, at doses of 550 mg/kg, no evidence of toxicity was found. The panel recognized that this dose far exceeded any anticipated oral dose.

• The Cosmetic, Toiletries, Fragrance Association (CTFA) is the body in the United States and through its Scientific Review Board, reviews all new cosmetic ingredients and assigns their INCI nomenclature (the required language found on packaging for all ingredients). The CTFA first studied the safety of parabens in 1984 and concluded they were safe as used in cosmetics. On November 14, 2004, as part of the normal re-review process, the CIR Expert Panel determined that it wanted to conduct a through review of the literature since the previous report in 1984. The safety of parabens has been once again reconfirmed.

Why then can there be a product that is not preserved? It is best that all products have some protection. However, some products that do not contain water can pass the challenge because microorganisms breed in water. Testing is done without the introduction of water. Consider this: a) an unpreserved product is placed on the skin, b) the product is occlusive, like petrolatum, c) the skin and its moisture, due to TEWL, contains microorganisms that are multiplying and trapped between the occlusive barrier and the skin, d) the skin care product on the skin is not preserved and now, e) a microorganism-rich moisture is being added. What are the consequences? Is there a systemic link and what is the potential sequela?

Toxins will be introduced to the neonate’s environment. They will come from mother’s milk, linens, clothing, human contact and a myriad of other sources. Careful consideration must always be given to the source of toxins and how multiple sources of them will impact the neonate. Product preservatives and fragrance are but two of these sources. The protection against e-TEWL and reducing the risks of systemic infections are worth considering when making neonate skin care choices.

Nutrashield from Medline Industries, Inc. is a semipermeable emollient barrier cream that:

• has excellent wash-off characteristics

• may reduce the incidence of colony forming microorganisms in the neonate population associated with petrolatum

• offers excellent aesthetic benefits including spreadability.

Additional creams and lotions in the REMEDY product line provide semipermeable barriers and nourish the skin37. Further research is necessary to confirm the product’s suitability in NICUs.

Article by Darlene McCord, Ph.D.

hygene is essential.

So you’re tired of looking in the mirror only to find laugh lines, crow’s feet, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone staring right back at you? Never fear, here are the best anti aging skin care tips from the experts.

Hydration: This is one of the most important anti aging tips of all. Not only does our skin need hydration via topical moisturizers and anti aging creams, it is extremely important that we provide enough internal hydration for our skin to be well supported. Without drinking enough water, the skin care products we apply will do little to improve our skin condition. Once our bodies are hydrated, it assists our skin in maintaining a plump, firm texture and tone that can be complimented by anti aging products.

Natural Ingredients: It almost goes without saying that natural supplements are much better for our bodies than foreign chemical substances. The same can be said for skin care products. The best anti aging skin care products are the ones that contain effective natural supplements. Experts agree that compounds such as Acai, Coenzyme Q10, and other natural ingredients can greatly assist with the anti aging process and are less likely to cause irritation or reaction.

Avoid Skin Irritants: Most dermatologists and skin care experts agree that products which are allergen and irritant free are best for all skin types. This includes chemical fillers, petro chemicals and even ingredients such as perfumes. Check the label and if you see anything in your anti aging skin care product that you are unsure of, then take some time to do research.

While these things seem common knowledge, it’s amazing how many people forget that the real secrets to maintaining youthful and healthy skin starts with the right diet, exercise and plenty of sleep. Once you have those things covered, then introducing an anti aging skin care regime will offer most potential.