A person’s skin is not only their body’s largest organ, but it is considered the outside indicator of internal health. Consuming the right foods may restore healthy, beautiful, youthful-looking skin. There are several nutrients that when consumed can improve the quality of skin. Several nutritionists recommend altering diet prior to undergoing expensive, high-risk cosmetic treatments.

Some of the nutrients to include in the diet for healthy skin include omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin C, lycopene, zinc, vitamin A, and isoflavones.

To read more about how these nutrients affect the skin, click here.

A group of researchers, led by Dr. David McKemy, associate professor of neurobiology, have been able to isolate chilliness at the cellular level, identifying a network of sensory neurons in the skin that relays the sensation of cold to the brain. They were able to selectively turn off this sensation in mice without affecting their ability to sense both heat and touch.

This study follows previous studies by McKemy, in which he discovered a link between the sensation of cold and a protein known as TRPM8. The TRPM8 protein is a sensor of cold in skin neurons, as well as a receptor for menthol, the cooling component of mint.

The new study, published in the February 2013 issue of the Journal of Neuroscience, isolated and cut off the neurons that express TRPM8, giving them the ability to test the function of these cells specifically.

The researchers tested mice on a multi-temperature surface to see how they react. The team used two groups of mice: a control group and a group without TRPM8 neurons. They tested the mice on a variety of surfaces ranging in temperature from 32 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit. The mice were allowed to move freely among the regions of the surface.

They found that the TRPM8-free mice did not feel the cold regions, but still responded to the warmer areas. They found that the control group tended to stick to an area around the 86F mark, avoiding both cooler and warmer surfaces. But the TRPM8-free mice only avoided the hot surfaces and not the colder areas—even though the cold should have been painfully obvious after moments of contact.

“The problem with pain drugs now is that they typically just reduce inflammation, which is just one potential cause of pain, or they knock out all sensation, which often is not desirable,” said McKemy. “One of our goals is to pave the way for medications that address the pain directly, in a way that does not leave patients completely numb.”

Such a discovery could one day have important implications in the way we feel sensation, allowing for better pain management treatments without removing a patient’s ability to touch or feel.

But what is it?

Activated charcoal is carbon that has been processed with oxygen in order to create lots of tiny pores. This gives it the ability to absorb drugs, gases and chemicals more easily. Activated charcoal is often used to reduce intestinal gas, treat bile flow problems and even poisonings – but more recently it is being used on skin.

When used on poison ivy, for example, it draws out the toxin and absorbs it, providing immediate relief. When used on insect bites or bee stings, activated charcoal draws out venom left in the wound, relieving pain and swelling. Meanwhile, applying an activated charcoal product to acne-riddled skin can help remove impurities, excess oil, and old layers of surface skin. This leaves the face feeling clean and smooth and makes the skin look healthier.

Skin Care Products

There are many skin care products that include activated carbon as a main ingredient – from facial masks to pore purifying strips – however, many problems can be treated using a simple, homemade charcoal poultice. A charcoal poultice (or compress) is a mixture of charcoal and water that is heated, spread on a cloth or paper towel, and applied to the skin while warm.

Those looking for a ready-to-use activated charcoal product can try one of the following popular products:

• Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask
• Sumbody Charcoal Cleanser
• Boscia Revitalizing Black Hydration Gel
• Dr. Ci:Labo Basic Black Charcoal Cleansing Gel
• Collective Wellbeing Charcoal Body Wash

Have you tried one of these or other activated charcoal products for your skin? What did you think?

Services provided by a dermatologist can be both medical and cosmetic. There are a variety of reasons why  a person would want to visit a dermatologist. Below, are five reasons why you should see a dermatologist for your skin care needs:

1. Insurance may cover it. While insurance companies won’t pay for cosmetic services such as Botox, they often will cover treatments for common skin care problems like rosacea and acne. Before scheduling an appointment, it is advised to check with your current insurance provider to see what treatments and costs will be covered.

2. OTC products are not cheaper. Many people, especially younger individuals, believe that it is cheaper to treat a skin problem on their own with over-the-counter (OTC) products. However, that is not always the case. For example, acne products, such as those containing benzoyl peroxide are often covered by insurance. Typically the cost for an OTC is the same as for an effective prescription treatment’s copay.

3. Prescription treatments for wrinkles are more effective. A prescription retinoid for fighting wrinkles, boosting collagen and keeping skin plump and supple, is better than any OTC can supply. OTC products contain very low strength retinoid (Vitamin A) and can’t be as effective as prescription products like Retin-A, Differin or Tazorac.

4. It is not a spa. Although several spas offer the same procedures as dermatologists, dermatologists are not only better trained, but have stronger, more effective products and technqiues. For example, dermatologists have lasers and light devices that can battle wrinkles, while a spa does not. And in most cases, it can cost much more to get these treatments done at a spa.

5. Prevent skin cancer. A dermatologist is trained to screen a body for skin cancer. Such checks are advised to occur annually and is especially important to individuals with fair skin, light eyes, a family history of melanoma, and/or over 50 moles on his or her body. In addition to checking for skin cancer, dermatologists can also help create a treatment plan for cancer that has begun to form.

If a person is nervous about visiting a dermatologist, remember, every dermatologist has undergone four years of medical school, followed by a year-long internship and three years of specific training on the science, treatment and care of skin.

Facial acne can disrupt a person’s normal life, and increase levels of stress. Adult acne, while similar to adolescent acne, should be treated differently, according dermatologist Westchester specialists.

Adult acne is caused by sebum, an oily substance produced by the skin’s sebaceous glands. Sebum clogs pores, which attract bacteria and become inflamed. For some adults, breakouts are a result of hypersensitivity or overproduction of androgens (male hormones). But an imbalance in both male and female hormones (estrogen) can also cause breakouts.

For women, adult acne is common during pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopause. Some medications, such as corticosteroids, and cosmetics can also contribute to the development of acne.

Adult acne treatments in Westchester are different than treating teen acne, which makes  treating adult acne tricky. Most acne medications are geared to teens’ oily skin, a bad choice for drier adult skin.

Many adult men and women wait to see a doctor for their skin problems. Although over-the-counter treatments with salicylic acid to unclog pores and benzoyl peroxide to reduce bacteria on skin are fine for basic acne and minor breakouts, but for serious acne, a dermatologist has the education and knowledge of which products you should use to clear up your skin.

Acne is a prevalent skin disorder. It occurs most often during puberty as increased androgen levels lead to greater sebum production, which can cause blockage in the skin pores; leading to inflammation and microbial colonization.

The most common management of acne is topical antimicrobial therapy. It is most frequently used, as it can locally treat acne, without having the adverse effects associated with systemic treatment. Two of the most common topical treatments for acne are benzoyl peroxide and topical antibiotics.

Benzoyl peroxide is used to treat mild to moderate acne. Research has shown that concentrations of this topical treatment at 2-5% have the best results with minimal side effects that are associated with concentrations at 5-10%. Topical antibiotics are used to treat acne that is secondary to inflammation. The most common types of antibiotics used are erythromycin and clindamycin

A common problem reported associated with the use of erythromycin and clindamycin is that there is ever growing antimicrobial resistance to these antibiotics. This resistance is especially strong against erythromycin.It has been reported that in 1991 resistance to erythromycin was at 35%, only nine years later in 2000 it was at 55%.

A new study published in 2012 has reported that the combination of topical antibiotic therapy with benzoyl peroxide is effective for combating microbes resistance to the antibiotics. The combined agents also allowed for a lower antibiotic dose, which also has the effect of slowing down resistance. Experts found the use of benzoyl peroxide between antibiotic courses of 2 months make this treatment effective.

These two drugs working together, according to research will improve efficacy and decrease bacterial resistance in the topical treatment of acne.

1. Eat Healthy: What goes into your body shows on the outside. Some foods such as kiwi’s, salmon, sweet potatoes and sunflower seeds have been proven to have properties to keep your skin looking fresh and healthy.

-Sweet potatoes are full of an antioxidant called: beta carotene, which helps protect against the sun.

-Kiwis is a miracle fruit when it comes to vitamin C. Locking the vitamin beneath its exterior skin, it is not as prone as other fruits to losing its vitamin C content.  Vitamin C is integral for keeping our skin firm by maintaining the collagen.

-Sunflower seeds are rich in vitamin E, an antioxidant that slows down skin cell aging.

-Salmon is a rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These types of fats are known as “healthy fats”, they provide nourishment to the skin by reducing the production of inflammatory substances.

2. Moisturize: During the winter you may feel your skin is drier. This is the outdoor and indoor elements doing their work. As well as the wind and rain, your skin has to deal with the drastic drop in temperature when you enter a building with heating. So, keep a good moisturizing routine going during winter. What kind of moisturizer you use will really depend on your skin type; you should ask a specialist if you are unsure.

3. Rehydrate:  Human bodies are made up of about 60% water. Water replenishment in all seasons is important; however in winter sometimes we forget to drink enough water due to the coldness outside. Your skin is the body’s largest organ. During winter you should ensure you are getting at least 2 liters of water a day. A way to improve your water intake is to fill up a water bottle and keep it in the car, at your desk or in your bag. You will find that usually you will drink the water throughout the day,  almost without noticing.

4. Use Sunscreen: No this is not a joke. Did you ever have a friend who went skiing and returned with a lovely mark of snow glasses on their face? The sun is strong even in winter, and when combined with snow glare it really can cause damage to your skin. Try to apply 30 minutes before you go outside and reapply during the day as needed. Your skin will thank you

5. Smile! The cold winter months can get everyone down. A smile will make your skin glow 100 times more whatever the season.

Acupuncture is a holistic health care method that is used to alleviate pain and promote overall health. It is a professional system of medicine that has been practiced and researched for more than two thousand, recorded years as Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Today, acupuncture is receiving wide acceptance as a respected, valid, and effective form of health care and has been endorsed by the United States National Institutes of Health, the World Health Organization, and the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

This anti-aging treatment involves practitioners placing needles in the face and body to reduce wrinkles and other signs of aging. During acupuncture therapy, specialists seek to treat a number of medical problems through balancing the body and restoring the normal flow of energy, or “Qi”. Pain management Monmouth County NJ specialists assures that acupuncture is safe to use and relatively painless. Slight tingles may be experienced.

When the needles are applied to the body and face, production of collagen and elastin may be stimulated – similar to the desired effects of Botox. By addressing other parts of the body in addition to the face, acupuncture assists the body’s ability to support the “facelift”.

However, The American Cosmetic Acupuncture Association discourages the use of the term, “facelift” in conjunction with acupuncture. This is because the word may create unrealistic expectations and potential disappointment for the patient. Acupuncture can not in totality replace the effects of a facelift, but its effects can be seen – and for many, it is all the results they need and want.

In general, sessions are held over 12-16 weeks, followed by monthly maintenance sessions to keep up the desired results. If a person is interested in acupuncture for cosmetic reasons, it is recommended to find a certified practitioner. They are listed by region at the website of The American Cosmetic Acupuncture Association

According to specialists in botox doctor Westchester, the new procedure called “Pokertox” has been introduced by Dr. Jack Berdy in New York to help high stakes players gain a competitive edge – but at what cost?
Berdy is offering consultation to players to find out what facial signals they give away when bluffing or under pressure and is hoping to mask their tells with Botox injections.

“Some people might get a card they like or don’t like and raise their eyebrows,” Berdy said to the Huffington Post. “If that’s the common reaction, we can put Botox in certain areas to minimize them. We can also put Botox in areas to make it look like the player has a ‘tell’ they really don’t have.”

Dr. Berdy began offering the procedure last week and, as of yet, no one has signed up to undergo the injections. However, if Dr. Berdy’s plan works out right and players begin to come to him to “cure” their tells, there is the potential for him to make a significant score. Injections of Botox can cost anywhere from $165 to $600 and, since the injections only last for about three to four months, patients would have to come back to Dr. Berdy for future treatments.

The news of Berdy’s development of “Pokertox” hasn’t gone over well with many in the poker community. Two Plus Two, which picks up on virtually every latest fad involving the world of poker, has a thread where many of the opinions believe it is a waste of time.

Whether it takes off or not, “Pokertox” remains to be tested. Some health specialists have been advocating alternative dysport Weschester treatments, but still, poker players figure that the usage of “Pokertox” might have been good 10-15 years ago but, in today’s world of poker, there are many ways to determine whether your opponent has a hand or not.

Dermatologists in Long Island NY have long known human skin is rich with millions of sweat glands that help the body cool down after a trip to the gym or on a warm day. They also play a key role in providing cells for recovering skin wounds, according to a University of Michigan Health System research.

‘Skin ulcers – including those caused by diabetes or bed sores – and other non-healing wounds remain a tremendous burden on health services and communities around the world,’ said ILaure Rittie, research assistant professor of dermatology at Michigan Medical School, who led the study. ‘Treating chronic wounds costs tens of billions of dollars annually in the US alone, and this price tag just keeps rising. Something isn’t working,’ Rittie was quoted as saying in the American Journal of Pathology.

Now, Michigan researchers believe they have discovered one of the body’s most powerful secret weapons in healing.

The researchers used a laser to create minor wounds in 31 volunteers. Over the following week they took skin biopsies of the wound to identify where new skin cells had grown. Before wounding, there were few new cells in the eccrine glands, which help regulate temperature, but four days later there were plenty. This suggests that the glands contain a reservoir of adult stem cells that can be recruited to repair wounds. Humans have three times more eccrine glands than hair follicles, making them the major contributor to new skin cells.

The finding is “unexpected and against current dogma”, says Elaine Fuchs from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute in Maryland. Rittié says the work has “taken the first step to identifying new therapies in wound healing”.

Previous understanding of wound closure was that new skin cells originate from hair follicles and from intact skin at the edge of the wound. The Michigan findings demonstrate that cells arise from beneath the wound, and suggest that human sweat glands also store an important reservoir of adult stem cells that can quickly be recruited to aid wound healing.

‘By identifying a key process of wound closure, we can examine drug therapies with a new target in mind: sweat glands, which are very under-studied,’ Rittie said in a statement.
‘It may be surprising that it’s taken until now to discover the sweat glands’ vital role in wound repair. But there’s a good reason why these specific glands are under-studied – sweat glands are unique to humans and absent in the body skin of laboratory animals that are commonly used for wound healing research,’ added Rittie.

To find out more about the latest skin treatments and surgical procedures, visit the Abadir Associates professional dermatologists web site.