Archive for February, 2012
How to Use an Astringent Skin Toner in Your Skin Care Routine
Astringents are commonly referred to as toners and are basically used to remove oils and tighten the skin. Natural ingredients, such as green tea, witch hazel, calendula, chamomile, yarrow, nettles, sage oil and avocado oil, are the basis for a great number of the most gentle and effective astringents. Sometimes alcohol-based astringents are used to cleanse oily skin, but these can prove to be excessively drying and strip the skin of essential oils it needs for maximum health.
A truly effective astringent skin toner should improve the circulation to skin tissues and cause them to tighten, control surface oil and lower the skin’s pH after cleansing. The toner also prepares your skin by removing all traces of leftover makeup and opening the pores prior to applying moisturizer. You can determine what type of astringent to choose based upon your skin type and needs. An astringent can be used to calm and soothe irritated skin, promote healing and remove excess oils to prevent potential blackheads and blemishes, as well as to firm the skin to minimize the appearance of wrinkles, prevent sagging tissues and improve the appearance of the skin overall,
First, your should wash your face with a gentle cleanser that is suitable for your skin type, whether dry, normal, combination, oily or sensitive. Avoid harsh cleaners or soaps which could strip the skin, especially since you will get that extra cleansing step from applying an astringent. Dry your face with a soft, clean towel, preferably made from natural materials. Use a cotton ball or soft tissue to apply toner to your face with gentle strokes, first on your t-zone and then lightly on your cheeks. Let the astringent dry on the surface of your skin and then apply moisturizer. You will find that your skin seems more receptive to the moisturizer and absorbs it more quickly. Also, using a toner inhibits surface skin oil and prevents breakouts. This three step cleansing process should be done twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening.
Daily use of an astringent skin toner helps to make your skin more clean, clear and healthy. By tightening your skin and removing surface oils and bacteria, you can dramatically improve your complexion.
Hair Loss Thyroid Problem
Your hair represents your health. Losing you hair is worrying enough, but sometimes it’s related to other health problems. Hair loss can be caused due to physical situations like hormonal changes, nutritional deficiencies, surgery, medications or thyroid disease in particular.
It is very common in U.S. American Academy of Dermatology’s Data says, nearly half of all adults will experience hair thinning by age 40 in U.S.A. But thyroid patients may loss hair earlier and quickly than usual.
Thyroid diseases can be broadly divided into the following categories:
1: Hyperthyroidism – Overproduction of thyroid hormone
2: Hypothyroidism – Underproduction of thyroid hormone
3: Benign (noncancerous) thyroid disease and Thyroid cancer
When it comes to hair loss thyroid problem, a rapid loss of hair is experienced due to underproduction or over productions of the thyroid hormone and it is also one of the main identifying symptoms.
Where thyroid gland is located?
It is located in the base of the neck on both side of the larynx (voice box) lower part.
Steps to take for hair loss with thyroid condition
Get Evaluated
If you are dealing with a thyroid problem and losing hair, a good idea would be to get evaluated by dermatologist. They might do some tests to find out the other causes of hair loss such as infection etc. other then the thyroid problem.
Is it your Thyroid Drug?
Make sure the hair loss is not because of your medications, if you are on medications like levothyroxine (i.e., Synthroid, Levoxyl, Unithroid, Levothroid) and still losing hair, then it’s time to take action. The side effects to these drugs could be prolonged or excessive hair loss. Consulting a doctor on this would be good.
Are you undertreated?
Make sure you are not undertreated, not taking right drugs or not being at the right TSH, as it could result in hair fall.
Have Patience
If your dermatologist has concluded, you have thyroid related hair loss, then you have to have patience to settle down. Hair loss will slow down and may stop once hormone levels get stabilized and function is normal range. But this can take a few months time.
What about other alternatives?
Portsmouth University Professor, Dr. Hugh Rushton says, in one of the studies he found that 90 percent of women having thin hair due to lack of iron and the amino acid lysine. Lysine helps transport iron which is the most important elements in the body and essential for many metabolic processes. Meat, eggs and fish are the only food sources of lysine. Alternatively Supplements are also available for lysine.
Prescription Treatment for losing hair
A good idea would be to consult a doctor for a prescription treatment. In some cases, Drug treatments are recommended by dermatologist. Rogaine and Propecia are the most popular drugs. Caution: These are not safe to be taken during pregnancy.
Hair loss with thyroid problem may be stopped or lower down as the thyroid hormones get controlled and function properly. Thyroid knowledge of losing hair will help you take quick action to prevent and control hair.