You may have keratosis pilaris (often referred to as KP) and not even know it. A skin condition that appears as rough patches or small acne-like bumps, KP tends to be painless and not medically serious although affected areas can be red, inflamed and even itchy.

Because of the small bumps that characterize keratosis pilaris, it’s often referred to as chicken skin. Areas that are affected include the upper arms, thighs or buttocks. If keratosis pilaris appears on the face, it can resemble acne.

Cause of Keratosis Pilaris
KP occurs when the human body produces excess keratin, which is a natural and hard protein designed to protect the skin from harmful substances and infection. This excess keratin forms a scaly plug that surrounds and traps hair follicles in the pore. The result is hyperkeratinization (or the formation of many plugs) that lead to rough, bumpy or sandpaper or ‘chicken skin‘.

Although it’s not certain why the keratin build up occurs, it’s thought to be associated with genetic diseases or other skin conditions, such as ichthyosis vulgaris or atopic dermatitis. Healthy individuals are susceptible and dry skin tends to worsen keratosis pilaris.

Keratosis Pilaris Treatment  

There isn’t a cure for Keratosis pilaris, but it can be treated with a range of different products. Manual exfoliation of the dead, dry skin sitting on the skin’s surface with a loofah or washcloth can be performed. Chemical exfoliation with creams or lotions can also help to loosen the plugs. Effective treatments incorporate ingredients such as:
- Alpha hydroxy acids which include mandelic acid, glycolic acid and lactic acid to help reduce roughness and soften keratin plugs. Consider products like Lac-Hydrin , M2 Skin Care or Neostrata Body Smoothing Lotion .
- Urea, to moisturize and soften dry, rough skin. Urea can also help to loosen and remove dead skin cells. Consider products like La Roche Posay Iso Urea
- Topical retinoids. Derived from vitamin A, retinoids work by increasing cell turnover and preventing the plugging of the hair follicle. While effective, retinoids can be irritating so start slowly and watch for side effects. Choose from over the counter retinols (as in Green Cream ) or prescription only retinoic acid preparations (Retin-A).

Since dry skin can make keratosis pilaris worse, follow measures to help manage dry skin. Often keratosis pilaris will resolve on its own, but it can sometimes take months or even years. If you are susceptible, the condition is likely to recur so it is important to continue treatment on a regular basis.

Sharmani Pillay is a Registered Pharmacist who specializes in anti aging skin care and women's wellness. She owns and operates an online skin care store at PharmacyMix.com and a wellness consulting practice at MidlifeBalance.com .

As reported in the magazine Skin Inc, a new device that can give an early warning of sunburn, and help to prevent skin cancer, has been developed by scientists at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, Scotland. The team from the University’s department of pure and applied chemistry has produced an indicator that changes color when a risk of burning emerges. Its sensitivity to ultraviolet (UV)light enables it to give an alert before sunburn becomes apparent on the skin, which can take between four and eight hours, and by then it is already too late to prevent damage.

People spending time in the sun may be able to wear the indicator, known as a dosimeter, in the form of a wristband. The model developed at Strathclyde has the advantage of a marked change in color, and so makes the danger of sunburn obvious. It is normally colored yellow, but rapidly turns pink when approaching the limit skin can take before burning.

Andrew Mills, PhD, who led the research, said, “Skin cancer is a huge health problem in the United Kingdom and many other countries, and sunburn is behind it in many cases. This device is a straightforward means for people to keep themselves safe while they enjoy the sun. It can also be modified and adapted for use with all skin types, which can react differently to UV light.”

The indicator works by using an acid-release agent that picks up UV light and a dye that responds to pH levels in the indicator. The agent is decomposed by sunlight and this leads to the quick change in color. Different agents could be used to make the device work for various skin types.

While wearing the dosimeter can certainly help to minimize the risk of sunburn, other practices can help as well:

- Minimizing exposure to UV rays when sunlight is most intense (between the hours of 10am and 4 pm)
- Seeking shade where possible
- Covering up with clothing, hats and sunglasses

 - Wearing a broad spectrum UVA and UVB blocking sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30 when you will be exposed to sunlight.  

Choose from well formulated brands including Anthelios" rel="nofollow" target="vblank" href="https://www.pharmacymix.com/selecting_anthelios_and_mexoryl_sunscreen.htm/">Anthelios">https://www.pharmacymix.com/selecting_anthelios_and_mexoryl_sunscreen.htm/">Anthelios sunscreens  and Keys" rel="nofollow" target="vblank" href="https://www.pharmacymix.com/keys_solar_rx_spf30_sunblock.htm/.">Keys">https://www.pharmacymix.com/keys_solar_rx_spf30_sunblock.htm/.">Keys Solar Rx  

Sharmani Pillay is a Registered Pharmacist who specializes in anti aging skin care and women's wellness. She owns and operates an online skin care store at PharmacyMix.com and a wellness consulting practice at MidlifeBalance.com .

Latisse, the first drug to promote eyelash growth has recently been approved by the FDA. Manufactured by Allergan, the same company that manufactures Botox, Latisse is available by prescription only and contains bimatoprost, the active ingredient used in the glaucoma drug Lumigan, also made by Allergan.

How To Use Latisse  

Though the mechanism of action is unclear, eyelash growth is a known side effect of bimatoprost. However, Lumigan and Latisse are used differently. While Lumigan is an eyedrop, Latisse is dabbed along the lash line on the upper eyelids to promote longer, thicker, darker lashes.

A visit to Latisse’s website states that “Latisse works gradually and remarkably — starting at 4 weeks with full results after 16 weeks. Once you begin treatment, you could start to see results in as little as 4 weeks, but you must continue applying the topical treatment each night and follow the directions for best results.” Users can expect to see changes in length, thickness and darkness. If Latisse is stopped, eyelashes will gradually return to their previous appearance as new eyelashes grow in.

Latisse Safety  

While Latisse tends to be well tolerated by most individuals, clinical studies showed that 4% of users experienced an itching sensation in the eyes or eye redness. Other less common side effects, typically on the skin close to where Latisse is applied or in the eyes, may also occur – skin darkening, eye irritation, dryness of the eyes and redness of the eyelids. These effects tend to be reversible with discontinuation of Latisse. Latisse may also promote hair growth in other skin areas that it frequently touches, so the manufacturer recommends that it is blotted off any skin other than the upper eyelid’s lash line to prevent that side effect.

If you’ve always wanted lush lashes, then Latisse might be right for you. However, keep in mind that this is still a very new drug that does come with some side effects. Only you can decide if the cost ($120 per tube) and risk of side effects is worth it.

Sharmani Pillay is a Registered Pharmacist who specializes in anti aging skin care and women's wellness. She owns and operates an online skin care store at PharmacyMix.com and a wellness consulting practice at MidlifeBalance.com .

There seems to be a lot of confusion regarding the role of chocolate in the health of your skin. And as a self-admitted chocoholic (I know I’m not alone...), let’s look at the research to see if is as bad for our skin as some claim.

Research on Chocolate  

You might be interested to know that researchers at the University of Newcastle in Australia recently reviewed studies on chocolate’s effects on the skin. In a report published in the Journal of Family Practice in 2005, the researchers concluded that there is no evidence that it triggers blemishes. And while we now know that there is a connection between your diet and your complexion, it turns out that it isn’t cocoa that’s the problem. The real culprit is the sugar found in chocolate. And, other high-glycemic (those that break down into sugar quickly) foods are to blame as well.

Dermatologists have been advising acne patients to avoid sugar since the 1950s, but evidence for their warnings was only anecdotal and in recent years the medical community has largely dismissed the idea that any particular food causes skin blemishes. However, we’re starting to see a link between breakouts and diets heavy in high-glycemic foods such as highly refined carbohydrates including white bread, pasta and potatoes, as well as sweets like doughnuts and jelly beans. “It does appear from these initial studies that there may be a role for reducing refined carbohydrates in both treating and avoiding acne,” says Neil Sadick, professor of dermatology at Cornell University.

The Good News  

You’ll be happy to know that dark chocolate - due to its low sugar content - is actually a low-glycemic food. Plus it contains antioxidants, which can fight free radicals and deliver other health benefits. Even milk chocolate isn’t all that bad, as long as you don’t eat the whole box. This is where showing restraint comes in handy.

So what to do? Choose dark over milk and as with all things in life - enjoy in moderation.  

Read the full article here  

Sharmani Pillay is a Registered Pharmacist who specializes in anti aging skin care and women's wellness. She owns and operates an online skin care store at PharmacyMix.com and a wellness consulting practice at MidlifeBalance.com .

If your skin care product claims to be fragrance free, but contains essential oils, you should be aware that it may irritate your skin. If you have sensitive skin, you may already know this first hand.  

Recent research has shown that the properties of some essential oils can be altered when they come into contact with oxygen and certain enzymes on skin. This could be particularly problematic for individuals with sensitive skin, even if the oil is not allergenic in its pure form.

Lavender Oil and Geraniol Oil Problematic  

A researcher in Sweden looked at two oils commonly incorporated into skin care formulations - lavender oil and geraniol oil. Lavender oil was found to react with the oxygen in the air, forming hydroperoxides, which are strong allergens. Previous studies have indicated that it does not form allergens when reacting with the skin.

Geraniol oil was found to both react with skin enzymes as well as oxidizing in contact with the air, resulting in the formation of the same allergenic compound in both cases — geranial. Geranial is also an irritant. Although the reaction in sufferers can look the same, allergens cause an immune response whereas irritants damage the surface of the skin causing inflammation.

If you have sensitive skin, you may want to avoid products containing certain essential oils. At the very least, make note of products that irritate your skin to find out if an essential oil component may be responsible. In particular watch out for products labeled as being natural or organic. Essential oils are often incorporated as preservatives or fragrance and they can be particularly problematic.  

Sharmani Pillay is a Registered Pharmacist who specializes in anti aging skin care and women's wellness. She owns and operates an online skin care store at PharmacyMix.com and a wellness consulting practice at MidlifeBalance.com .

With the growing awareness about the dangers associated with UV exposure, it’s not surprising that more of us are turning to self tanners to enhance the appearance of our skin. There’s no denying that the glow associated with a tan is irresistible, but you already know that there’s no such thing as safe tan – right?

Self tanners can give you a bronzed look without the danger. Most self tanners use a sugar called dihydroxyacetone that reacts with dead skin cells sitting on top of your skin  and causing them to change color. The result is golden skin that can last up to a week until the skin cells naturally shed.

Proper application is important and here’s how to do it right:

1. Exfoliate with a scrub or washcloth. This will help you to achieve a more uniform appearance.
2. Slather on a moisturizer making sure that you pay particular attention to knees and elbows so that they don’t absorb too much of the self tanner. Try one like Linacare Body Cream or La Roche Posay Lipikar Cream.
3. Shake the self tanner and massage into skin evenly. Be organized and apply to one section of your body at a time. Aim for even application. It may be a good idea to enlist help from a friend for hard to reach areas like your back.
4. Thoroughly wash hands when finished to avoid staining them. Wearing disposable surgical gloves can help.
5. Read package directions to find out how long you should wait until fully dry. It’s a good idea to avoid bathing, exercising or swimming for several hours.
6. Reapply every three to four days to keep the color up.  

Products to consider include La Roche Posay Autohelios or Neostrata Insta-Tan .

Healthy, glorious glowing skin here we come!

Sharmani Pillay is a Registered Pharmacist who specializes in anti aging skin care and women's wellness. She owns and operates an online skin care store at PharmacyMix.com and a wellness consulting practice at MidlifeBalance.com .