Skincare
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Caring for the Skin
The skin is the human body’s largest organ and has several major functions, including protecting the human body, sensation, excretion of certain types of waste materials, temperature regulation, enabling movement and growth without injury, as well as endocrine function. It consists of three layers: The epidermis, which is the outermost layer of skin that provides a waterproof barrier and creates your skin tone; the dermis, which is located beneath the epidermis and contains things like connective tissue, sweat glands and hair follicles; and the hypodermis, which is made of both connective tissue and fat. Not everyone’s skin is the same, however, and skin type will vary from person to person.…
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Natural Remedies for an Irritated Scalp
If you suffer from an irritated scalp or notice that you have dandruff (white flakes) more often than not, there are a number of things that could be contributing to these common issues – from dry skin to the type of shampoo and conditioner you’re using to wash your hair with. Other common skin conditions such as dermatitis and eczema can also contribute to scalp irritation. In cases where scalp irritation becomes severe, you may need to be prescribed an ointment in order to get relief as well as possibly be referred to a dermatologist for further evaluation. However, there are also some natural remedies that you can try at…
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How Stress Can Impact the Skin
When you’re under a lot of stress, it can have a major impact on your health. Most notably, stress often causes an increase in anxiety. However, stress can also impact you and your health in ways you may not even realize. For example, it can contribute to fatigue, insomnia, body aches and pains (such as muscle and joint pain), headaches, upset stomach, chest pain, overeating lack of appetite, alcohol or drug abuse, and even a decreased sex drive. Stress can also contribute to some serious skin problems. When you’re stressed, there is a rise in cortisol, which is your body’s main stress hormone. If your cortisol levels are high, this…
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Moles: What You Need to Know
Moles, which are characterized as a small brownish spot, are a common growth on the skin that develop when your pigment cells (known as melanocytes) grow in clusters. On average, adults have anywhere between 10 and 40 moles. They usually begin to appear around the age of 20, and they are typically found on areas of the body that are above the waist or areas that get frequent sun exposure, which can also cause you to develop more moles, or have pre-existing moles change in size and colour. In some cases, moles can even be found on other areas of the body such as the buttocks, breasts, or scalp. Moles…
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Acne and Blackheads
Do you notice any tiny, dark spots on your skin? You could have what’s known as a blackhead. Given their name because they are black in colour, blackheads are a form of acne and will typically appear on the face, but they can also appear on other parts of the body, including the neck, back, chest, shoulders and arms. When a blackhead forms, this is usually the result of the hair follicles in your skin becoming clogged or plugged with dead skin and oils. Although there are other reasons why one might develop blackheads. For example, each follicle also contains what’s known as a sebaceous gland, which produces sebum, and…
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The Link Between Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis
Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis are two conditions that you might not necessarily think to be linked, but they are. While not everyone with psoriasis will develop psoriatic arthritis, it is a condition that affects 1 to 2 individuals out if every 1,000 people, and there will be a minimum of 6 new cases of psoriatic arthritis diagnosed in Canada every year. Below, Dr. Ghahary breaks down the difference between these conditions, as well as explains the treatment options that are available for patients. Psoriasis is a common skin disease (and autoimmune condition) that results in scaly, red or white plaque patches. These patches will typically appear on places such as…
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Oils That Benefit the Skin
When it comes to keeping your skin clear and radiant, you need two things: A good exfoliant and a good moisturizer. However, these aren’t the only products on the market that can benefit the skin. Certain oils that are sitting in your kitchen cupboard that you wouldn’t necessarily consider using on the skin can work just as well as some of the most expensive creams, gels and lotions sold by beauty stores and cosmetic companies…if not better! Not only do oils make the skin glow, but they can also help fight acne breakouts; and, unlike certain moisturizers, they won’t leave a grimy, nasty residue, and will very rarely cause an…
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Bad Foods for Problematic Skin
When it comes to certain skin conditions, such as acne and rosacea, we know that they’re triggered by a number of different factors, including genetics. However, one of the reasons for problematic skin may also be due to the foods you’re eating. Below, Dr. Ali Ghahary shares a list of some of the foods that are known to cause skin problems, as well as provides information on different substitutes. Dairy While milk is a great source of calcium, which helps strengthen bones and teeth, dairy products could be the reason for your skin breakouts. This is because dairy contains hormonal components that stimulate the production of oil. The more oil…
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Dry, Chapped Lips Aren’t Just a Winter Problem
Dry, chapped lips aren’t just a problem in the winter; they can be problematic during the summer months and warmer weather, too. Just as cold weather can contribute to your lip problems, so can the sunshine and lack of moisture. There are many reasons why you might develop dry, chapped lips in the summer; the most common being dehydration. Despite being well aware of the fact that we should be drinking at least 8 cups of water each day, it’s not unusually to be much lower in water intake than you should be. It’s also a lot easier to get dehydrated when exposed to hotter temperatures. Because of this, Dr.…
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Are Bathroom Beauty Products Harming Your Health?
If you’ve ever suffered from oily or dry and irritated skin, the problem may not actually be your skin itself and may instead be the work of regular (or new) use of certain soaps, body wash, or other bathroom beauty products. While many people have no problem using these items, those with sensitive skin or underlying skin conditions, like psoriasis and eczema, may actually find that the aforementioned products either contribute to their skin irritation or make the aforementioned conditions worse. The problem with this is that many types of soap, body wash, perfumes, etc. all contain a long list of different chemicals and ingredients that the skin simply can’t…