Skincare
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Finding the Right Products for Sensitive Skin
If you suffer from dry, sensitive skin (or any other skin condition), finding soaps, lotions, and other skin products that aren’t irritating can oftentimes be difficult. Combined, hot water and harsh soap (or body wash or bubble bath) can only make matters worse. Sometimes you might not even be aware of the fact that what you’re applying to your skin is actually the culprit that’s causing problems in the first place. The most important thing you need to do when choosing a soap, lotion or other skin products is to make sure they’re free of parabens, harsh chemicals, strong additives, fragrance and artificial colouring, as these can do a number…
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Vancouver Set to Get First Taste of Spring This Weekend
While it might still be winter (with spring not set to arrive for another two weeks), Vancouver is set to get its first taste of warm weather this weekend when temperatures are expected to hit anywhere from 14 to 18 degrees Celsius (57 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit) across parts of the Lower Mainland this weekend. That means many British Columbians will take advantage of the sunshine by spending the majority of their time outdoors. However, don’t let the fact that it’s still winter fool you, because despite that, you will need to take the same precautions you normally would during spring and summer to keep yourself protected from the sun…
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What’s Causing Your Itchy Skin?
Itchy skin can be caused by a number of different factors. One of the most common causes of itchy skin, particularly during winter months, is a condition known as Xerosis – which is abnormally dry skin – and is usually easily treated by using moisturizers. However, if you suffer from chronic itchy skin, find you have itchier skin during the evening, or your itchy skin is also accompanied by inflammation and/or a rash, there may be underlying medical conditions involved that could be contributing factors. Below, Vancouver family physician, Dr. Ali Ghahary, writes about some of the most common causes of itchy skin and what you can do to find…
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Penetrating Wounds vs. Non-Penetrating Wounds
We are all likely to experience wounds at some point in our lives as a result of our daily activities – but there are different kinds of wounds that require different kinds of treatments. There are two different categories of wounds: Non-penetrating wounds, such as abrasions, lacerations, contusions, and even concussions; and penetrating wounds, which include skin cuts, skin trauma from sharp objects, as well as surgical wounds. You can also experience other miscellaneous wounds such as thermal wounds, chemical wounds, electric wounds, and bites and stings. Non-Penetrating Wounds Abrasions are usually superficial. A superficial wound such as this is considered minor and requires little treatment. A skinned knee, for…
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Getting Rid of Dandruff
Dandruff is a condition that is characterized as flaking of the skin on the scalp. Dandruff is a rather common condition, though it can sometimes be difficult to treat; and while it isn’t a condition that can necessarily be cured, Dr. Ali Ghahary, a family physician in Vancouver, says there are ways in which you can control it. First, however, we’ll look at some of the most common symptoms associated with dandruff aside from flaky skin, as well as the common misconceptions that surround it. Along with flaky skin, individuals with dandruff may also develop an itchy scalp. These symptoms also aren’t just limited to the scalp itself. You may…
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The Uses, Benefits and Dangers of Petroleum Jelly
Petroleum jelly, also commonly known as Vaseline, is a mixture of waxes and mineral oil that acts as a water-protective barrier and has been used to help keep skin healthy for over 140 years. For patients with sensitive skin, petroleum jelly is something Dr. Ali Ghahary and many other family physicians recommend. Below, you will find a list of the common uses of petroleum jelly, its benefits, and some worth-mentioning dangers. While many moisturizers on the market today are often hypoallergenic and scent-free, there are others that aren’t. As a result, certain moisturizers can cause allergic reactions such as itchy, irritated skin, and you may even break out in a…
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Finding Relief for Dry, Itchy Skin
Dry, itchy skin is a common problem for many Canadians; it can be caused by different skin conditions, such as eczema, which can be worsened as a result of cooler, winter weather. As irritating as dry, itchy skin can be, there are certain home remedies as well as medical remedies that Vancouver family physician, Dr. Ali Ghahary, recommends trying. The first thing to do in effort to find relief is to exfoliate. When you exfoliate, you clear away dead skin cells, and that allows moisturizer to better penetrate the skin. However, when exfoliating, it’s always important to remember to do it gently – and not every day. By exfoliating your…
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Acne Treatment and Prevention
In Canada, acne affects approximately 5.6 million Canadians – that’s 20% of the Canadian population. While acne typically affects individuals between the ages of 12 and 24, and mostly those who are women, studies have suggested that it can also be prevalent in males as well as adults, and is one of the most common skincare problems seen by family physicians like Dr. Ali Ghahary. Acne occurs as a result of pores becoming clogged due to an oily substance that is produced by the skin known as sebum, in combination with dead skin cells and dirt. When acne is present, you may notice small lesions that are accompanied with redness,…