Resurgence Articles

Once you outgrew those awkward teen years, you probably thought that your skin problems were long gone. Unfortunately, skin problems such as acne can persist long into your adult years, and especially during menopause.

Rosacea and Menopause

When many women see red bumps and pimples, they often assume it's acne, but an entirely different skin condition could be to blame: rosacea.

Some common symptoms of this inflammatory disease are blushing and redness, the appearance of pimples and bumps and broken blood vessels. Hot flashes from menopauses may also exacerbate the condition. Before you assume you've got rosacea, however, you should see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis.

Following are some tips for reducing rosacea symptoms.

If you exercise, (which you should!) do it in cooler temperatures, such as early morning or late evening. Never workout in the heat. Not only will it exacerbate your skin condition, but the sun's rays can fry your skin.

You should also skip the spicy foods and hot beverages. Drink tea or coffee at room temperature and avoid foods that are hot and spicy or contain certain seasonings, such as cumin or pepper. Foods that trigger a flare-up can also be different for everyone; keep a food log to note those items that make your condition worse, and then avoid them.

Keep an eye out for potential irritants. Skincare products such as witch hazel, different perfumes and alcohol can worsen the symptoms of rosacea. Instead, opt for gentle, fragrance-free skincare products.

Wear sunscreen faithfully. Apply a sunscreen with at least an SPF 15 each and every day, at least 20 minutes before going outdoors. The sun exposure from just driving can worsen skin problems.

You should also avoid stress, hot baths and extreme exercise. These can cause rosacea to flare up. Always opt for lukewarm baths (less drying for the skin anyway), and practice a few stress management techniques such as visualization and deep breathing, and stick to low-intensity workouts.

While there is no cure for rosacea, following these few tips and tricks can lessen the appearance of the condition dramatically. Consult with your doctor for possible medications or treatments to help lessen rosacea symptoms.


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Most of us know that a diet rich in omega 3s is good for our bodies, but it's also great for skincare too. Essential fatty acids allow your skin look more youthful along with boosting brain power, so next time you're at the supermarket, skip the steak and reach for the salmon.

If you're not so hot on the idea of increasing your intake of fish, try swallowing a little golden pill every day to get the recommended dosage of omega 3s.

So just what does that healthy fish oil do for you?

Omega 3s are an essential fatty acid which is vital for proper cell function in our bodies. Fatty acids allow essential nutrients to enter cells and ensure waste products are properly removed. Since your body isn't able to make its own fatty acids, the reserve must constantly be replenished from food intake.

There is such a thing as good and bad fatty acids, though. A diet high in saturated fat clogs cell membranes depleting the health of your body along with the appearance of your skin. A diet rich in omega 3s, however, increases the fluidity of cells so connections within the brain are quicker and stronger. Both your brain and your body work better.

Unfortunately, the average Western diet is severely lacking in healthy omega 3s and remarkably high in bad for you saturated fats. To up your intake of healthy fatty acids, opt for a diet rich in DHA and EPA, both of which are present in fish and seafood. If you want consume your essential fatty acids, stick to the oily fish, such as salmon, halibut, mackerel, tuna, sardines, trout, eel and herring. The effect of a diet high in fish and seafood is well-known; omega 3s are a magic elixir in skin supplements, quite possibly the real fountain of youth. They keep skin cells strong and moist, which is essential for younger looking skin.

Studies show that a diet low in fatty acids, about 99% of US diets, can lead to dry skin and premature wrinkles. Upping your intake will do wonders for the smoothness and radiance of your skin so add omega 3 supplements to your anti-aging diet to look younger and boost your brain power.


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So you've managed to get control of acne and breakouts, but you're left with those pesky visible pores. You may think you've lost the battle with those larger-than-life sized pores, but there are a few different options you have for treating them.

Two things are to blame in the case of large pores: genetics and age. Get to the root of the problem by using a low-strength retinol or vitamin C serum. Both are antioxidants that help to increase the collagen and elastin production to give skin a smoother appearance. Neutrogena has a pore refining cream that can help reduce the size, or try The Body Shop Vitamin C Serum. You can also try visiting a dermatologist or spa to get microdermabrasion treatments. This type of skin treatment sloughs off the top layer of dead skin revealing, newer, fresher skin underneath. Microdermabrasion will also help the antioxidant creams penetrate the skin more quickly. There are also a few microdermabrasion at-home kits that are easy to us and more convenient for some. Remember, as with any new skincare routine, it can take time to see results. Wait 4-6 weeks to see a reduction in the size of pores before making a decision whether or not a product is working.

Hiding large-sized pores with makeup is also a possibility. A great product generating lots of buzz in the makeup community of late is foundation primer. This not only helps foundation go on smoother, but will also help prolong a flawless face. A good primer helps even out skin tone and will prevent foundation from sinking into pores. When the primer dries, then apply foundation. Cream or cream-to-powder formulas work better than liquid varieties (and won't clog pores causing more breakouts) which can settle in pores, making them even more obvious. For a final step, use a brush to apply a light dusting of loose powder to give a flawless, airbrushed look. Oil of Olay offers a great foundation called Complete Radiance, and look for a light, translucent powder to finish the look, such as Calvin Klein Loose Powder.

Reducing the appearance of pores is really about an all-around healthful skincare  routine. Opt for makeup products that are noncomedogenic, and always remove makeup each night before bed, no matter how exhausted you are. Exfoliate a few times a week and you should see brighter, more radiant skin in no time!



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