Mirror Mirror On The Wall Is My Skin The Fairest Of Them All

Have you ever awakened and went through your daily morning ritual of, showering, brushing, then flossing your pearly whites? Preparing yourself to put your best face foward, only to see the reflection with a beautiful complexion, if not riddled with acne, blackheads, whiteheads, sebaceous cysts to the face, dermatitis, or some other types of facial fungal skin conditions, or skin diseases.            
            
The skin is considered one of the biggest organs of the body, and how you pamper its presentation plays a major significant to how the world perceives you.    
   
You only get one chance to make a first impression.            
           
This brings me to the necessity of this medical journey, the season of summer is just around the corner, and us ladies, we want to have picture perfect skin from head to toe for those bikinis wearing beach days.            
           
There are so many among society who suffer from some type of abnormality of the skin. And most people suffer in silence or refuse to seek profession help from a Dermatologist (A specialist medical doctor who manages diseases related to skin, hair, nails, and some cosmetic problems).            
           
Let’s take the time to get acquainted with our skin. There are several components of the skin or to be politically correct, layers of the skin.            
           
The Three Main Layers Of The Skin              
           
Epidermis (outer layer), Dermis (middle layer), and the Hypodermis (deepest layer). To keep the suppleness of the skin firm and tight. H2O is always the key to keep your skin hydrated.            
           
The three skin elements that came to mind that can be nuisance during the summer months, whereas, some, not all people because hesitant in baring their skin. For various unknown reason, or simply feeling embarrassed during a flare-up of a skin element, or just being self-conscious in general.            
           
The most common skin condition that I think of is Rosacea            
           
Rosacea is a common skin condition that causes blushing, or you may notice people who suffer have a flushing and at times visible blood vessels to the face. Rosacea may also form small, pus-filled bumps. Given the nature of this skin condition, these symptoms may flare up for weeks to months and then go away for a while. Most people have known to mistake Rosacea for acne, unfortunately there is no known cure for Rosacea, however, to keep the skin looking just as fabulous.            
           
I would recommend using Neutrogena skin care line. Their products work wondrous for any complexion. Just make sure you choose the best daily skin care regiment, rather you have a normal, dry, or an oily skin tone complexion.            
           
I wanted to mention another disease, I rather say, to soften the stance, a skin disorder and that is Psoriasis. I know several elderly residents, who suffer from this dreaded condition. There are several FDA approved medications to control the cycle of outbreaks. Talk to your physician or dermatologist about what is best suited for you and make sure you discuss the contradictions and any adverse reactions, if you are taking other medications.            
           
Psoriasis is in detail a skin disease which can causes red, itchy scaly patches, this skin disease most commonly found on the knees, elbows, trunk and scalp. Psoriasis is more common than you think, subsequently, it is considered long-term and chronic with no cure in sight for the millions who suffer from it. It tends to go through cycles, flare-up lasting for few weeks sometimes months, then subsiding for a while or going into remission.              
           
There are steroid creams or ointments used to treat mild to moderate psoriasis in most areas of the body. In addition, light therapy, which is always a first-line treatment for moderate to severe psoriasis.            
           
Now, we all have went through the phase of dealing with teenage acne. It becomes worse when it follows us into our adulthood.            
           
Acne vulgaris is caused by a combination of unbalanced hormones, oil, and bacteria. During puberty, a hormone called androgen increases and the sebaceous glands will produce more of the oily substance sebum. Naturally, sebum and dead skin cells come up through the hair follicles and out through the pores in the skin. Therefore, acne is very bothersome, when you can showcase on your face more zits than clear skin. I sympathize with anyone as an adult dealing with acne, primality for a woman. There are various medications on the marker to control acne, from antibiotic therapy, topical emollients that contain salicylic acid.            
           
Salicylic Acid is used to treat, acne vulgaris, calluses and corns, dandruff, hyperkeratosis, and keratoderma.            
           
A little note to briefly mention is what is called dermatitis is a general term that best describes a common skin irritation. And to be more specific it can be medically classified as atopic dermatitis or a better medical term (eczema).      
           
Eczema is a condition that makes your skin red and itchy. This condition is more common in children but can occur at any age. Atopic dermatitis is long lasting (chronic) and it tends to flare periodically. Be advised it may be accompanied by someone who has asthma or suffer from hay fever. There seems to be no documented cure atopic dermatitis. But the great news is, the treatments and self-care measures can relieve the itching.            
           
If you are a smoker, listen very carefully and with a keen sense of understanding.          
           
The toxin in cigarette smoke damages the collagen and dulls the elastin of your skin, which Dermatologists refer to as the fibrous components of the beautiful skin you are born in, their role is to keep the skin firm, silken smooth, with a vibrant youthful appeal. Be advised without that collagen your skin is more prone to harden, and less elastic, it does tend to deepen winkles and heighten those crow’s feet around the eyes.            
Who wants to depend on Botox Injections for winkle free skin when you can maintain your own skin, with exercise, eight hours of sleep, and maintaining a healthy diet. That goes with saying secondhand smoke can be just as damaging to the skin cells.            
           
Another reminder if you are a chain smoker, your odds of developing Lung Cancer are very high, and that does not excuse the damage to your skin if you utilize Vapor cigarettes.            
           
Our skin aids us in the mechanism of when we cut ourselves and at the epidermis level, you tend to bleed, clot, and as the body heals with the aid of those T-cells forming a protective barrier know as a scab. Therefore, never pick at a scab.. it is our own natural defense in progress.            
           
Some lasting minute annotation to skin in general, make sure your drink at least eight ounces of water daily, double that if after a workout for suppleness and to flush the kidneys. If you are a soda drinker, drink in moderation, it damages the enamel of the teeth.            
           
Does Soda Really Damage Your Teeth            
           
Absolutely, sodas are very bad for your teeth. Keep in mind, it is the biggest cause of tooth decay because most soda drinkers don't think to rinse out their mouth or brush their teeth afterward. The sugars sit on the teeth all day long. If you are a big soda drinker, you may want to consider a low calorie or no calorie soda. So, carry that toothbrush and floss when with you after a lunch time meal. I use Colgate Activated Charcoal Toothpaste for Whitening Teeth with Fluoride, Natural Mint Flavor.. it’s the best for gently whitening your teeth            
           
Natural Masks, Using What is In Your Home            
           
Moisturize & Hydrate            
¼ avocado            
1 Tbsp raw honey            
½ banana            
2 Tbsp plain Greek yogurt            
           
Mash the avocado and banana into a bowl and add the yogurt and honey. Stir well until the mask is fully mixed.            
           
Use a face mask applicator brush and apply over your face. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes and remove with a warm washcloth and water.            
           
Brighten & Tone            
1 tsp baking soda            
2 tsp raw honey            
1 tsp lemon juice            
1 tsp turmeric            
           
First, mix the baking soda and turmeric and then add the lemon juice. Mix until the lemon juice is worked into the dry ingredients.            
           
Once mixed, add the honey and stir until fully mixed.            
Use a face mask applicator brush and apply over your face. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes and remove with a warm washcloth and water            
           
Exfoliate & Smooth            
2 tbsp baking soda            
1 tbsp water            
           
Mix two-parts baking soda with one-part water (adjust measurements until you reach the desired quantity).            
           
Using your fingers, apply the scrub to your face and begin distributing the mask throughout your face or trouble areas using circular motions scrubbing gently.            
           
Youthful Glow (My Morning Regiment)            
1 Tbsp aloe vera gel            
1 Tbsp coconut oil            
1 Tbsp honey            
1 scoop of collagen            
           
Mix the aloe vera, coconut oil, and honey and mix well.            
Add one scoop of Super Youth Collagen and stir until the collagen is fully mixed with the other ingredients.            
           
Use a face mask applicator brush and apply over your face. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes and remove with a warm washcloth and water.            
           
I do hope you try one of those skin masks, if you are allergic to any of the above products, or have sensitive skin, DO NOT EVEN THINK ABOUT USING stick with your basic bar of soap that should contain moisture such as Dove or Oil of Olay            
           
And that has been a medical journey, I am glad to have shared with you.          
            
Please take the time to love yourself, embrace your presence, and have great thoughts as you encounter others in your path.            
           
Celebrating Nurse's Week            
           
SKC, Interim DON, APRN