Don't be so Sensitive!

We all have a favorite tried and true product that has seen us through the years.  Whether it’s the perfect shade of lipstick or the flawless finish of a particular foundation, sometimes we may find that our love for a product goes unrequited. Over time, you may notice that the product you’ve been devoted to doesn’t love and your skin the way it used to. Don’t be so sensitive! Various internal and external factors may hinder the way the skin responds to different ingredients and may cause sensitivity resulting in some serious changes. When you’re skin deems a substance to be a threat, it will signal to you that it may be time to make a change. Some warning signs may include:  

-Peeling

-Tightness

-Redness

-Burning or stinging

-Hives & Rashes

-Swelling & Puffiness

-Irritations

-Itching

If your skin is prone to sensitivity, pay close attention to the ingredients that make up your products and cosmetics. Avoid any product with fragrance, additives and preservatives, parabens, and certain dyes.  Be sure to take caution with soap. Soap is extremely alkaline and may strip the skin of its moisture leaving it raw, itchy, and peeling. Lastly, if you are on any acne medication (especially those containing benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid), be sure to stay hydrated and keep your skin moist. 

McLean Derm has Been Challenged!

We like to practice what we preach here at McLean Dermatology, so I am challenging my entire office to follow a diet low in carbohydrates and free of gluten and processed foods for the next month, and we want you to join us! I will be here to help you along the way with weekly tips, tricks, and support to get you through the month. Why? Because going gluten-free is only half the battle when it comes to "eating clean." Eating whole, nutrient-dense foods that do not come out of a package is not only great for your skin but also for your overall health!

It may be difficult at first, but adequately preparing yourself for the change will allow for an easier transition. 

The key to staying on track is knowing what to reach for and what to avoid:

Diets don't have to be monotonous either! There is so much you can do with a natural, low carb, gluten-free diet to keep it interesting and fun without taking a step into the "gluten-free" aisle of carbohydrates, preservatives, and other sugars. We will be posting weekly recipes of gluten-free treats we are trying ourselves! 

Join us in our challenge! If you do decide go gluten-free, we’d love to hear from you! Send us recipes, photos, or even stop by to let us know how you’re doing. Good luck! I know you can do it! You won’t be disappointed with the results you see in your skin!

5 Power Foods for Your Skin

You are what you eat! Your Skin reflects your overall health. Eliminating packaged and processed foods from your diet and replacing them with nutrient-dense whole foods will prevent and treat health conditions. Incorporating these 5 power foods into your diet will promote skin health in various ways.

 

1. Avocados are great for the tone, texture and strength of your skin because they are dense with vitamins C & E. These vitamins are antioxidants that promote cell turnover and reduce inflammation that triggers rosacea, acne, eczema, and psoriasis. Avocados are known as the "fattiest" fruits because they are high in omega-9 fatty acids, which are healthy fats. This fat, along with the oil of avocados, provides moisture to the skin, which can prevent eczema flareups, reduces redness and irritation associated with acne and rosacea, and helps to prevent wrinkles.

2. Kale is a green leafy vegetable high in fiber, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, copper, vitamin A and vitamin C. These nutrients have detoxifying properties that help to cleanse the liver as well as anti-inflammatory properties which reduce the development of acne, rosacea, hair loss, and skin rashes. Vitamin A is effective at treating acne and acne scarring while vitamin C and copper encourage collagen development and, ultimately, help prevent aging.

 

3. Tumeric has several health benefits. It has been found to have anti-inflammatory properties, and is therefore, suggested to reduce the incidence of acne, hair the incidence of acne, rosacea, hair loss, and psoriasis. Studies have also found that it works like medicines that treat diabetes, as well as several other conditions, and may reduce symptoms of insulin-sensitivity, which has been associated with hormonal imbalances that affect the skin and hair.

4. Coconut Oil has several skin benefits. It's antibacterial mechanisms help to prevent acne flareups. It provides moisture to the skin which helps prevent eczema flareups and leave the skin bright and plump. Coconut oil has ferulic acid which reduces inflammation, which also reduces acne, hair loss, and rosacea flareups. Its antioxidant effects help with cell turnover and anti-aging. Coconut oil also has anti fungal properties which can reduce the incidence of dandruff and perioral dermatitis.

5. Salmon is another great source of antioxidants and natural oils that leave your skin, hair, and nails feeling firm, bright, and hydrated. The omega-3 fatty acids promote hair and nail growth, reduces bad cholesterol, helps with heart health, and improves vitamin absorption. This source of protein also satisfies hunger cravings quickly.


Written by: Seville Nagia