Radiant Skin Clinic

Find the latest specials, information and treatments at www.RadiantSkinClinic.com

Thursday, June 19, 2014

What do you recommend I do for a brown spot under my eye?

We, at MDSkinShop.com, get questions from individuals several times a day on skin concerns they have and with the plethora of products available, they are not sure what they should use. Here is one of THE most common questions we get, in one of our customers own words:

Hi Carey:

I have placed several orders with you in past and always trust your professional opinion when it comes to my skin.  As you know, I have had concerns about the lines I am seeing around my eyes and how dull my skin looks lately and the products you recommended have really made a difference. Now I am noticing a spot under my left eye that is getting darker. It is summer and I have been spending a lot of time out in my garden so I think that is why is seems darker. What would you recommend to fade, or even better remove, this spot?

Cheers, Barb (we removed her last name)

Brown spots and freckles have a way of rearing their ugly head in the summer simply because the UVA rays of the sun darken the photodamage that is already on the surface of the skin. It is much less noticeable in the winter when the skin returns to its natural color. As time goes on, these spots become darker until they get to the point where the spot is noticeable all the time. That is usually when most people decide to look for ways to get rid of it.

The options out there are:

Lightening:
Lighten the dark spots out with skin lighteners usually containing hydroquinone, licorice extract, bearberry extract, kojic acid and alpha hydroxy acids. These products work relatively slowly and only lighten the spot out. As soon as the skin is exposed to UVA rays without adequate sun protection - BOOM! they are right back in all their glory.

IPL:
IPL stands for Intense Pulse Light. This is usually performed in a physician's office or in a medical spa that is equipped with a machine. IPL is different than a laser but many people tend to use the terms interchanging. IPL zaps the spot and disperses the melanin accumulation in the spot. Over a short period of time, the melanin that is scattered sloughs off the skin's surface. New skin forms that is not photodamaged.  IPL can be quite expensive and painful.

High Frequency: 
The machine uses a high frequency current that delivers a precise current through a microneedle to cauterize the growth. As the irregularity is removed, a natural scab develops. Within a few days, the scab will fall off and be replaced by healthy new skin. In most cases, one treatment is all that is needed in order to remove the pigmentation. Like IPL, high frequency disperses the melanin clumping in the brown spot pulling it to the surface of the skin where it healed out naturally. A pink spot will be left after the brown spot heals. This is new skin and will change to the color of the surrounding skin in a few weeks time. High frequency is very affordable, no down time and takes only a few minutes to remove. Pain wise, it feels like a bee sting.

High Frequency is also used for the treatment and removal of lesions such as broken capillaries (telangiectasias), cholesterol deposits, seborrheic keratosis, cherry angiomas, sebaceous hyperplasia, clogged pores, deep blackheads, white heads (milia) and skin tags.

Choosing the right treatment for your skin is between you and your skin care specialist. Treatment is usually based on downtime, money and the amount of photodamage. For example, if your skin is speckeled with little brown spots or intermingled between little spots and larger spots, treatment with lightening agents or peels is an appropriate option. If you only have one or two spots, high frequency may be suitable. If you have three or four larger spots, IPL may be the best alternative for your needs. Sometimes combination therapies are warranted - which would require a discussion with your skin care specialist.



 



The Health Benefits of Epsom Salt



The Health Benefits of Epsom Salt:

Epsom Salt is a naturally occurring pure mineral compound of magnesium and sulfate. Studies have shown that magnesium and sulfate are both readily absorbed through the skin, making Epsom salt baths an easy and ideal way to enjoy the amazing health benefits.

Magnesium plays a number of roles in the body including regulating the activity of over 325 enzymes, reducing inflammation, helping muscle and nerve function and helping to prevent artery hardening. Sulfates help improve the absorption of nutrients, flush toxins and help ease migraine headaches. Most people do not realize that we get very little Magnesium in our diet requiring supplementation of Magnesium and Sulfur. We recommend Myo-Mag dietary supplementation along with use of Epsom Salt either in the form of a foot bath or in bath water for soaking of body parts that need pain relief, muscle relaxation and whole body absorption of additional magnesium and sulfur. 

What are the health benefits of using Epsom salt?

Some of the countless health benefits include relaxing the nervous system, curing skin problems, soothing back pain and aching limbs, easing muscle strain, healing cuts, treating cold and congestion, and drawing toxins from the body. One of the simplest ways to ease stress and stress-related problems is to soak in a tub full of hot water with a few cups of Epsom Salt. Some of the magical benefits of Epsom salt include:

Eases stress and relaxes the body

Stress drains the body of magnesium and increases levels of adrenaline. When dissolved in warm water, Epsom salt is absorbed through the skin and replenishes the level of magnesium in the body. The magnesium helps to produce serotonin, a mood-elevating chemical within the brain that creates a feeling of calm and relaxation. Research shows that magnesium also increases energy and stamina by encouraging the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the energy packets made in the cells. Experts believe that bathing with Epsom salt at least three times a week helps you to look better, feel better and gain more energy. Magnesium ions also relax and reduce irritability by lowering the effects of adrenaline. They create a relaxed feeling, improve sleep and concentration, and help muscles and nerves to function properly.

Relieves pain and muscle cramps

An Epsom salt bath is known to ease pain and relieve inflammation, making it beneficial in the treatment of sore muscles, bronchial asthma and migraine headaches. In addition, it has been known to heal cuts and reduce soreness from childbirth. Mix a thick paste of Epsom salt with hot water and apply to get soothing comfort. Try soaking your aching, tired (and smelly) feet in a tub of water with half a cup of Epsom Salt. Epsom salt softens skin and will even neutralize foot odor.

Helps muscles and nerves function properly

Studies show that Epsom salt can help regulate electrolytes in your body, ensuring proper functioning of the muscles, nerves and enzymes. Magnesium is also known to be critical in the proper use of calcium, which serves as a main conductor of the electric impulses in your body.

Helps prevent hardening of arteries and blood clots

Epsom salt is believed to improve heart health and help prevent heart disease and strokes by improving blood circulation, protecting the elasticity of arteries, preventing blood clots and reducing the risk of sudden heart attack deaths.

Makes insulin more effective

Proper magnesium and sulfate levels increase the effectiveness of insulin in the body, helping to lower the risk or severity of diabetes.

Relieves constipation

Numerous studies have revealed that Epsom salt can be used to treat constipation. Taken internally, Epson salt acts as a detoxifying agent for colon cleansing. The salt acts like a laxative by increasing water in the intestines and can bring about temporary relief from constipation. However, it is strictly warned that Epsom salts should not be used to relieve constipation without the consultation of a physician.

Eliminates toxins from the body

The sulfates in Epsom salt help flush toxins and heavy metals from the cells, easing muscle pain and helping the body to eliminate harmful substances. Your skin is a highly porous membrane and adding the right minerals to your bathwater triggers a process called reverse osmosis, which actually pulls salt out of your body, and harmful toxins along with it. For a detoxifying bath, at least once weekly add two cups of our Epsom Salt to the water in a bathtub and soak for 10 minutes.

Epsom salt uses: HEALTH

Athlete’s Foot - Soak feet in an Epsom salt bath to help relieve the symptoms of Athlete’s Foot.
Remove splinters - Soak affected skin area in an Epsom salt bath to draw out the splinter.
Treat toenail fungus - Soak your affected toes in hot water mixed with a handful of Epsom salt three times a day.
Soothe sprains and bruises - Add 2 cups Epsom salt to a warm bath and soak to reduce the pain and swelling of sprains and bruises.
Ease discomfort of Gout - Ease the discomfort of gout and reduce inflammation by adding 2-3 teaspoons of Epsom salts into a basin and immersing the affected foot/joint. The water should be as hot as it is comfortable. Soak for about 30 minutes.

Epsom salt uses: BEAUTY

Exfoliate dead skin - In the shower or bath, mix a handful of Epsom salt with a tablespoon of bath or olive oil and rub all over your wet skin to exfoliate and soften. Rinse thoroughly.
Exfoliating face cleanser - To clean your face and exfoliate skin at the same time, mix a half-teaspoon of Epsom salt with your regular cleansing cream. Gently massage into skin and rinse with cold water.
Dislodge blackheads - Add a teaspoon of Epsom salt and 3 drops iodine into a half cup of boiling water. Apply this mixture to the blackheads with a cotton ball.
Remove foot odor - Mix a half cup of Epsom salt in warm water and soak your feet for 10 minutes to remove bad odor, sooth achy feet, and soften rough skin.
Remove hairspray - Combine 1 gallon of water, 1 cup of lemon juice, and 1 cup Epsom salt. Cover the mixture and let set for 24 hours. The next day, pour the mixture into your dry hair and leave on for 20 minutes before shampooing as normal.
Hair volumizer - Combine equal parts deep conditioner and Epsom salt and warm in a pan. Work the warm mixture through your hair and leave on for 20 minutes. Rinse thoroughly.

Epsom salt uses: HOUSEHOLD

Clean bathroom tiles - Mix equal parts Epsom salt and liquid dish detergent and use as a scrub on bathroom tile.
Prevent slugs - Sprinkle Epsom salt on or near interior entry points to prevent slugs.
As a hand wash - Mix Epsom salt with baby oil and keep by the sink for an effective hand wash.

Epsom salt uses: GARDENING

Fertilize your houseplants - Most plants need nutrients like magnesium and sulfur to stay in good health and Epsom salt makes the primary nutrients in most plant foods (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) more effective. Sprinkle Epsom salt once weekly to help nourish your houseplants, flowers and vegetables.
Keep your lawn green - Magnesium sulfate crystals, when added to the soil, provide vital nutrients that help prevent yellowing leaves and the loss of green color (magnesium is an essential element in the chlorophyll molecule) in plants. Add 2 tablespoons of Epsom salt to a gallon of water and sprinkle on your lawn to keep the grass healthy and green.
Insecticide spray - Use Epson salts on your lawn and in your garden to safely and naturally get rid of plant pests.

Information compliments of Saltworks.us