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Psoriasis Management for Teenagers

Psoriasis is a common skin disorder that affects one to two Americans out of every hundred. The condition causes red, raised lesions on drier areas of the body. These areas typically include the elbows, knees, scalp, buttocks or anywhere that experiences friction. The intensity of psoriasis ranges from mild to severe and can even cause arthritis-like joint pain. Psoriasis is a manageable condition, but treatments vary from person to person.

A psoriasis diagnosis can be detrimental to anyone, but it can be especially hard to accept as a teenager. Most teens are already self-conscious, but a skin disorder can cause lasting self-esteem issues. There aren’t as many prescription medications approved by the FDA available for minors to help manage the condition. It’s normal for teenagers to suffer from acne and to experiment with hair and makeup. Teens with psoriasis should talk with a dermatologist to find the best products to keep flare ups under control.

Makeup

A rite of passage for teenagers is learning how to wear makeup. All teens, not just ones with psoriasis, should be choosing products that cater to their own individual skin type. It’s important to hydrate with a hypoallergenic, fragrance-free moisturizer and primer to prepare the skin for makeup application. Those with psoriasis should be using liquid-based foundations, which will provide more coverage to problem areas. Powder foundations can clog the pores, dry the skin out and lead to flaking. It’s important to wash your face and remove all makeup before going to bed.

Hair Care

Changing your hair up is a normal part of being a teenager, but many think they can’t due to the irritation psoriasis causes to the scalp. It’s important to look at the ingredients in the products you’re using to make sure they cater to sensitive skin. Avoid sulfates in shampoos and wash your hair every couple of days.

The National Psoriasis Foundation says that hair dye will do little to affect the condition. It’s suggested to wait until there isn’t a flare up on the scalp. It’s also important to talk to your hairdresser to make sure the products being used won’t cause any irritation.

Acne

Acne is something many teenagers deal with, but those with psoriasis should pay closer attention to their skin care routine. Use a mild, non-drying cleanser once or twice a day to keep your skin exfoliated and clean. Avoid excessive washing and use an oil-free moisturizer to keep the skin hydrated. Greasy moisturizers will block the pores and cause irritation. Using an over-the-counter skin cleanser prescribed by a dermatologist will provide the best results to clear your acne.

Looking for consultation and product recommendations to help manage your psoriasis? Call Knoxville Dermatology Group today to schedule an appointment!

Keep Makeup From Hurting Your Skin

Makeup

Using makeup to cover blemishes may seem like a never-ending cycle – cover one up and another appears. However, proper application and removal of cosmetics can help prevent this cycle. While wearing makeup can clog our pores, it is not immediately detrimental to your skins health. The key is to follow positive practices to protect your skin under the concealer.

  • Makeup has a shelf life. Old makeup can develop bacteria and harbor degraded ingredients that can be damaging to the skin, so check that you’re using healthy products. Liquid foundation lasts about one year and powder products last 2-3 years.
  • Makeup brushes also build up dirt and oil that can clog your pores. Brushes should be cleaned at least once a week to prevent oils from coming in direct contact with your skin. Brushes can be easily cleaned with gentle soap and lukewarm water. This will also extend their shelf life.
  • Finally, keep your face clean. Extra residue is left in the pores even after removing makeup. Wash your face of impurities every time you remove your cosmetics. Not only will you improve your complexion, your moisturizer and skin products will work better, too.

Don’t forget to remove your makeup whenever it’s unnecessary, such as while exercising or sleeping. Apply makeup with piece of mind just by following these simple steps. For questions about skin and dermatology, call Knoxville Dermatology Group at 865-690-9467.

The Differences Between Tinted Moisturizers, Foundations and Alphabet Creams

Learn about tinted moisturizers, foundations and alphabet creams

Image courtesy of stockimages at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

No matter where you look in the makeup aisle, it seems every brand is coming out with its own varieties of foundation and “alphabet” creams. With everything from BB and CC creams to foundation sticks and pressed powder, it can be hard to distinguish which is which. Here’s what you should know:

Tinted Moisturizers

If you’re looking for a lighter alternative to your favorite foundation, particularly in the summer, you might want to try a tinted moisturizer. Tinted moisturizers are lighter than most foundations, and they hydrate your skin while evening out your skin tone. However, it’s important to note that because tinted moisturizers are so light, they won’t hide major acne blemishes.

Foundations

There are dozens of foundation formulas out there for every skin tone including anti-aging, oil-free, brightening and firming. Foundations are great because you can build it up for more coverage to hide imperfections and blemishes. They’ve been around for so long that there are even formulas that can adjust to your skin color and give you the flawless look you want.

BB Creams

BB creams, or beauty balms, are enhanced tinted moisturizers. These advanced creams not only hydrate and even out your skin, they also treat your skin with a dose of anti-oxidants and SPF. If you’re looking for a powerful, lightweight addition to your makeup routine, BB creams are a great option.

CC Creams

The CC in CC creams stands for “color correcting.” Unlike BB creams, which are tinted moisturizers with additional skincare benefits, CC creams are specifically made to correct redness and sallowness in your skin. These specialized creams contain ingredients like vitamin C and E to help fade dark spots.

DD Creams

Made to be the end-all-do-all cream, DD creams combine the same benefits of BB and CC creams, but focus mainly on anti-aging. These “dynamic do-all” creams will even out your skin tone and help to fight premature aging and wrinkles.

There are tons of products out there for your complexion, but figuring out what will work best for your skin type can be difficult. Set up an appointment with us today so that we can help you put your best face forward.

When to Throw Away Makeup

Healthy skin

Let’s be honest – we don’t always replace our makeup and skincare products when we should. We try to squeeze out every last drop of foundation, scrape up as much mascara as possible and scoop out the last bit of eye cream to get our money’s worth. But dated products can have harsh repercussions on our skin.

“Unopened, well-formulated cosmetics can remain stable for a couple of years at room temperature,” says Ni’Kita Wilson, a cosmetic chemist at Cosmetech Laboratories in Fairfield, NJ. “But the clock starts once you bring a product home and open it. When air hits the formula, certain ingredients starts to oxidize and degrade.” What’s more, you transfer germs every time you touch your lotion, foundation, etc. It can be hard to distinguish when to replace your products because most makeup and skincare products don’t come with an expiration date.

Makeup and skincare products should enhance your natural beauty, but if you continue to use expired products, it can cause a bad skin reaction. Irritated eyes and skin rashes are just a couple of bad consequences. It helps to write the date you opened the product on the outside of the bottle or container. This will help you keep track of your products’ lifespans.

To avoid irritation and infection, follow this timeline from POPSUGAR:

PRODUCT TOSS IT . . .
Mascara 1 year
Foundation 1 year
Concealer 12-18 months
Powder 18 months
Blush/bronzer 18 months
Cream blush 12-18 months
Eye shadow 18 months
Eyeliner 18 months
Liquid eyeliner 6 months
Eyeliner 18 months
Liquid eyeliner 6 months
Lipstick/lip gloss 18 months
Lip liner 1 year
Nail polish 1 year
Makeup sponges Wash after each use, then throw away after a month

 

When to Throw Away and Replace Makeup/Skincare Products

Toss-It-or-Keep-It-

Spring cleaning shouldn’t be limited to an annual affair. Each season should bring about a switch in your skincare routine and a purge of old, outdated makeup and skincare products.  How do you know which products will go the distance and which ones need to be tossed? Use our 3-6-9 month rule.

3 months: Items you use daily like loofahs, mascara, liquid eyeliner and your toothbrush should be replaced every three months if they last that long. These products contain moisture and are more susceptible to growing bacteria. TIP: Purchase these daily items around the same time. This will help you keep up with when to replace them.

6 months: Replace shadows and powders every six months. They have a longer shelf life and can last that extra three months, but it’s all about how you maintain them. Clean brushes help these products last longer, so give them a thorough rinse  every now and then.

9 months: The rest of your products should last at least nine months. Make sure to keep your products away from excessive heat. Items like lipstick and facial wipes should last for at least nine months, but consider purging around the one-year mark.

Don’t wait for spring to give your skin care products a make-over. Establish a year-round replacement schedule to ensure you’re using only the best care items and products on your skin!

If you have any questions about changes in your skin, please call us today at 865-690-9467. Skin health is an important part of total body wellness. Schedule an appointment with one of our board certified physicians to get your skin the care it needs so it can reach its fullest, healthiest potential.

When to Say, “Throw It Away!”

If you looked into your makeup bag right now, would you find a tube of neon lip gloss or bright blue eye shadow from the nineties? Old makeup isn’t just bad style, old makeup can also be bad for your skin. Aside from expiration dates and common sense, here are some tips on when to say, “Let’s throw it away!”

To keep it simple, use the 3-6-9 rule when deciding which beauty products need replacing.

3: You will want to replace products used daily every three months. Things like loofahs, mascara, liquid eyeliner and your toothbrush. These products have more moisture than shadows and powders and are therefore more susceptible to growing bacteria. Purchasing these products at the same time is an easy way to make sure you’re replacing them when they should be.

6: Products that are less likely to harbor bacteria should be replaced every six months.  Products like foundation, blush and bronzer have a longer shelf life and can last longer. Keep foundation in a cool place to prevent melting and separation. For blush and bronzer, pay special attention to brushes you use for application. It’s not necessary to replace brushes every six months, but be sure to give brushes a thorough rinse and clean every now and then.

9: The remainder of your products last at least nine months. Eye shadows and lipstick will last the longest of your beauty products. Trends and fads will probably force you to switch before expiration dates. These products will be fine to use for at least nine months, but consider switching for style’s sake around the one-year mark.

Are you experiencing signs of dry holiday skin? During the holidays, or anytime throughout the year, skin health should be taken seriously. Please call us today at 865-690-9467 if you have any questions about your skincare routine or changes in your skin. Schedule an appointment with one of our board-certified physicians to get your skin the care it needs so it can reach its fullest, healthiest potential.