Dermavive
Neutriderm
Sunstop
Dermavive
What
is oatmeal?
Oats are a staple in practically every pantry. From bran cereals and oatmeal, to oat flour, most of us have grown up with oats in one form or another in our diet. An oat, like any number of other food ingredients, are versatile entities in that they nourish our bodies from the inside, and benefits our bodies on the outside too.
Avena Sativa L., or oat, is from the Gramineae family of plants. Derivatives from the oat plant are bran, bran extract, grain extract, flour, kernel extract, kernel oil, meal, meal extract, protein and starch. It is the lipid that account for the emollient and moisturising effects of oats on rough, dry and itchy skin. Oats are also long known to relieve the pain of sunburn and skin rashes.
Oats are an excellent alternative as a facial cleanser for a person s with sensitive skin, like infants and small children. Even people suffering from conditions such as eczema will find oats to be soothing and thorough soap alternative.
Top^
What
is colloidal oatmeal?
Colloidal Oatmeal has an anti-itch property that helps eliminate the sensation of itching, and thus reduces scratching. It also has a soothing action helping to reduce and prevent reddening and irritation.
When colloidal oatmeal is dispersed in water, it has a pH of 5.5-6.5, which matches that of the human skin. This protects and preserves the acid mantle of the skin, which prevents bacterial and fungal infections.
When the skin is inflammed or itchy, it may have a pH of 7-8. Because of its buffering ability, colloidal oatmeal reduces this pH to normal physiological levels, namely pH and thus cools the inflammed skin and eliminates the itch.
Colloidal Oatmeal also has a cleansing action. The colloidal particles have a huge surface area, which absorbs dirt and grime from the skin leaving it clean and neutral. This avoids the use of alkaline soaps, which strip the natural oils from the skin leaving it dry and itchy.
Top^
What
is acne?
Acne is a disorder of the skins oil glands (sebaceous glands) that results in plugged pores trapping oil in the follicle and outbreaks of lesions commonly called pimples or zits.
Acne lesions usually occur on the face, neck, back, chest, and shoulders. The follicle inhabits bacteria and absorbs the oil, thus generating a waste product which causes the irritation on the skin.
Individuals with oilier skin conditions generally experience more breakouts of acne as they provide a larger food source for the bacteria to feed on. The irregular hormonal changes that are common amongst teenagers cause an increase in oil product and thus create a higher chance of having a break out of acne.
Although acne is not a serious health threat, severe acne can lead to disfiguring, permanent scarring, which can be upsetting for people who suffer from the disorder.
Top^
What
causes acne?
The exact cause of acne is unknown; however doctors believe it results from several related factors.
One important factor is rising hormonal levels. These hormones, called androgens (male sex hormones), increase in both boys and girls during puberty and can cause the sebaceous glands to enlarge and make more sebum.
Another factor is heredity or genetics. Researchers believe that the tendency to develop acne can be inherited from parents. For example, studies have shown that many school-age boys with acne have a family history of the disorder.
Top^
Who
gets acne?
People of all ages get acne, but it is most common in adolescents. Nearly 85 percent of adolescents and young adults between the ages of 12 and 24 develop the disorder. People of all races can have acne, but it is more common among Caucasians.
For most people, acne tends to go away by the time they reach their thirties; however, some people in their forties and fifties continue to have the disorder.
Top^
How
is acne treated?
By the time many people consult a doctor for their acne, they usually have tried a drawer full of over-the-counter (OTC) medications.
Acne is often treated by a dermatologist, a doctor who specializes in diseases and disorders of the skin.
Dermatologists treat all kinds of acne, particularly severe cases. Doctors who are general or family practitioners, paediatricians, or internists may treat patients with milder cases of acne.
Top^
Neutriderm
What
is dandruff?
Dandruff (pityriasis capitis) occurs when the scalp sheds larger than normal amounts of dead epidermal cells. It is sometimes associated with seborrhea where sebum production is excessive.
Seborrheic dermatitis generally affects body sites in addition to the scalp, including the forehead, nasolabial fold, eyelash and eyebrow regions, and the outer ear.
Top^
How
common is dandruff?
Dandruff affects about 60% of the American population at some point in time, and is the most common scalp condition known today. The peak incidence and severity of dandruff occurs at approximately 20 years of age however it is mostly found in people from 12 years of age.
Top^
What
does dandruff look like?
Dandruff appears on the scalp as small white or grey scales. In the presence of seborrhea, the scales may appear greasy and yellow in colour. The greasy scales combine with exudates to form crusts, beneath which the scalp is red and moist.
Shampooing removes the scales temporarily, however they return within several days. The good news is that it is easy to control with the use of an effective antidandruff shampoo, such as Neutriderm Anti-Dandruff Shampoo.
Top^
What's
the difference between dandruff and a dry scalp?
The main difference is that flakes from dandruff are medium to large in size. They are usually white and oily-looking, and are believed to be caused by Malassezia, a naturally occurring fungus found on the scalp.
By comparison, dry scalp is characterised by small, powdery flakes that result from dryness and/or excessive itching. The dryness comes from your scalp lacking in natural oils.
Top^
What
are the causes of dandruff?
Internal Causes
- Hormonal imbalance
- Poor health
- Excessive perspiration
- Poor hygiene
- Allergic hypersensitivity
- Lack of rest
- Emotional stress
- Excessive consumption of sugar, fat and starch
- Improper nutrition
- Heredity pre-disposition
People of all ages get acne, but it is most common in adolescents. Nearly 85 percent of adolescents and young adults between the ages of 12 and 24 develop the disorder. People of all races can have acne, but it is more common among Caucasians.
For most people, acne tends to go away by the time they reach their thirties; however, some people in their forties and fifties continue to have the disorder.
External Causes
- Excessive use of hairsprays and gels
- Improper use of hair-colouring products or excessive use of electric hair and curlers
- Cold weather and dry indoor heating
- Tight fitting hats and scarves
- Infrequent shampooing of the hair or inadequate rinsing
- Stress, anxiety and tension
Top^
What
is Vitamin E?
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that acts to protect your skin cells against the effects of free radicals, which are potentially damaging by-products of the body’s metabolism.
The Neutriderm Moisturising Lotion with Vitamin E reinvigorates and regenerates the skin cells to ensure you skin remains healthy.
Top^
Sunstop
Uses the Latest Technology for Sunscreen Cream Protection.
Why
do you need sun protection?
Sunlight contains ultraviolet (UV) rays that are harmful to your skin and eyes, which is strong enough to cause ageing of the skin and skin cancer. Water, sand, concrete and snow can reflect and even increase the burning effect of the suns rays.
Ultraviolet rays can pass through clouds, fog and haze as well as through water so protection is required even when swimming. The risk of skin cancer today is much greater than it was 20 years ago. The main reason for this is our outdoor lifestyle and ozone depletion, which allows harmful light-rays/UVA-B to pass through the atmosphere and cause skin damage and cancer.
Some people such as outdoor workers, sports people, fishing and boating enthusiasts for numerous reasons are unable to limit their exposure to a period of time that equates to fifteen times their unprotected exposure limits.
Top^
Who
is at the greatest risk from sun-related skin cancer?
No one is safe from sun-related skin cancer however there are several factors that can dramatically increase the chances of an individual getting skin cancer.
Fair-skinned individuals have the highest chance of getting damaged by the suns rays as are individuals that are under medication that has negative effects when that individual is exposed to the suns rays.
If you are suspicious of marks on your skin that are larger than 5mm or that change colour consult a dermatologist immediately.
Top^
What are
some sun protection guidelines?
- Reduce sun exposure between 11am and 4pm: The suns rays are strongest between 11am and 4pm so try to plan your outdoor activities before or after this time.
- Wear protective clothing: Tightly woven, light weight and loose fitting clothes should be worn and special UV clothes are also available.
- Wear a hat & sunglasses: Most of skin cancers occur on the face and neck, and need extra protection. Wear a broad rimmed hat and sunglasses that can help prevent damage to your eyes.
- Use a Sunscreen with SPF of at least 15 or higher: should be applied to clean, dry skin 15-20 min. before sun expose. Look for "broad spectrum" on the label which offers protection against UV-A and UV-B.
Top^
What steps
can be taken to protect our children?
- Do not expose your babies skin to direct sunlight and remember that he or she can sometimes burn even if shaded on sunny days.
- Protect even dark-skinned babies, as they too can occasionally burn when young; all young skin needs protection.
- Encourage young children to wear a sunscreen during the summer months and to apply it carefully themselves.
- Always select products giving high protection (SPF 15 to 30) for your child.
- Encourage your child to wear a hat, ideally with some neck protection, during school breaks and when outside in summer.
- Look at the range of specially designed sun-protective clothes for children; protect much of the body from direct sunlight.
- Set a good example - behave sensibly in the sun yourself and explain to your child why this is necessary. By setting an example, and making sure your children understand the dangers of sun exposure, you can lay the foundations for sensible behaviour in the future and help to ensure that they have healthy skin throughout their lives.
Top^
Key Facts
to remember.
- Babies especially less than 12 months should be kept out of sun at all times.
- Research suggests that if everyone used an SPF 15+ sunscreen regularly at least until the age of 18, the number of people getting melanoma could be reduced by over 70%.
- Examine your skin regularly and look for any unusual changes. If you are concerned about a skin lesion or unusual change or growth, consult your doctor as soon as possible.
- Remember skin cancers can be cured if detected and treated early.
Top^
