Things You Should Never Do to Your Skin

The skin is your largest, most accessible organ, making self-diagnosis and treatment a common occurrence. Here, top dermatologists from around the country share their advice on what not to do when temptation (or Google) calls.

Picking and Popping

The Derm: Heidi Waldorf, M.D., Director of Laser And Cosmetic Dermatology, Mt. Sinai Hospital, New York City

It was Jerry Seinfeld who gave dermatologists the "Pimple Popper M.D." moniker. The truth is, Mr. Seinfeld, we express, drain, and extract, but, we never, ever pop. The difference lies in the details of semantics and technique. Squeezing a blemish (often with bacteria-laden fingertips), creates a lot of inflammation in the skin, sometimes leaving behind scars and discoloration. If a zit is too big to bear, try to see your dermatologist for an injection of cortisone, or put on a bit of benzoyl peroxide to bring that baby down. Chronic breakouts should be managed with medical regimen tailored specifically to your type of skin and acne.

Pickers, Waldorf and I urge you, find your zen zone. Do not take that anxiety out on the skin (more on this later).

Buying Body Bleach

The Derm: Marta Rendon, M.D., Medical Director, Rendon Center For Dermatology and Aesthetic Medicine, Boca Raton, FL

Over-the-counter bleach is used best for clothes, not skin. Rendon advises that caution should be taken when buying products that contain fading creams because of the potential for skin irritation and contact dermatitis. Uneven skin tone is a very common cosmetic concern, and there are topical medications that can safely address the issue. But when dispensed by a doctor, counseling on optimal use is involved. Although they are on the shelf at your local drugstores, trust us on this one: These bleachers are not for everyone, and sometimes they can do more harm than good.

Putting Toothpaste on a Pimple

The Derm: Valerie Callender, M.D., Callender Dermatology and Cosmetic Center, Glenn Dale, MD

Ahh, yes, this is a favorite of YouTube beauty vloggers—but it's time to put this practice on pause. The skin operates ideally at a pH of 5.5.

When you put toothpaste on to dry out that third eye, it hikes up the pH creating dry skin, irritation, and even discoloration. Callender says that the side effects can "look worse than the pimple!" Keep the paste for those pearly whites.

Comments

is coffee ok when you are pregnant???

Caféine during pregnancy Now that I'm pregnant, do I have to stop drinking coffee and avoid other sources of caffeine? If you're pregnant, it's a good idea to limit your intake of caffeine. But how much is okay? After decades of discussion and conflicting studies, there's still no clear answer on how much caffeine is safe during pregnancy. To err on the side of caution, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) advises pregnant women to limit their caffeine intake to less than 200 milligrams per day, which is about one 11-ounce cup of coffee (See the chart below to get a sense of the amount of caffeine in common beverages and foods.) What are the concerns about caffeine consumption during pregnancy? When you drink a cup of coffee, caffeine crosses the placenta into the amniotic fluid and your baby's bloodstream. While your body goes to work metabolizing and getting rid of the caffeine, your baby's body is still developi...

The 10 Best Exercises for Women

Score a Sexy Rear View The wait is finally over. Spring is here, and unlike this season's seemingly endless anticipation, summer often sneaks up on you. This year you'll be prepared! A tight, toned tush is a key ingredient for rocking your bikini with confidence. And these moves are the best way to get it. Add them to your weekly routine and by the time summer hits, you'll find any excuse to flaunt your rear in a swimsuit! How it works: Three days a week, do 1 set of each exercise back to back. Rest for 1 to 2 minutes, and repeat the full routine 2 more times (3x total). You'll need: A pair of dumbbells (choose a weight that feels challenging for 10 reps), a step, a Swiss ball, a resistance tube or band, and a kettlebell (optional).

4 Things You Can Do This Week to Be a Happier Person

Gabrielle Bernstein shares her tips on how to meditate your way to happiness daily. There’s more to leading a healthy lifestyle than following an eating and exercise plan . Finding happiness in your everyday life can also make a positive impact on your overall health. According to a study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences , happiness has a positive effect in lowering cortisol levels, the stress hormone that is related to health conditions like type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and autoimmune diseases. But if you aren’t feeling that happy on a daily basis, what can be done to change that? Laugh Your Way to Good Health Gabrielle Bernstein, New York Times best-selling author of May Cause Miracles , believes personal happiness — or as she refers to it, “miracles” — can be achieved through meditation. In her newest New York Times best-seller, Miracles Now , she writes that meditation helps “becaus...

beauty

Search This Blog