Love Your Skin | Last words to say

Let’s get back to the very beginning and being nostalgic.

Love Your Skin is started at August and planned to run for only six weeks. The social cause it is dealing with is the stigma attached to people who live with skin diseases. The rationale behind this choice of topic is that I am actually one of those people who are shameful for what we look like (the story of myself is sharing in the blog as well: https://nodermatologicalshame.wordpress.com/2017/09/17/eczema-i-kind-of-refuse-to-wear-shorts-since-then/).

For actually being a dermatological patient, I am really related to this topic and I feel like I should bring this up and let people out there who also have a hard time dealing with their skin problems know that there is someone supporting them and understanding them. That is what Love Your Skin all about.

I just want to say that those ‘imperfections’ on our body are not going to define who we are. We are more than any ‘imperfections’ on our entire body. And I use quotation marks inside imperfections is because they are made by the society. But think deeply, there is nothing perfect.

Even though I might not be beautiful because of the scars of eczema, you know what, I don’t need to. ‘I am smart, and I am funny. I am real and I am genuine. I am loving and caring, and understanding. I am strong and I am powerful.’  I have accepted the way I look because I can not change it. So I have decided to stop caring what the society thinks,  and just be happy everyday and LOVE MY SKIN.

Now, I will leave my words to people who engaged with us these days. We do appreciate every single story you have shared with us! ❤️

From wiseoncreditcards

My skin was pretty good since I was really little, like, no pimples, white skin tone (As a Asian this is desirable skin tone lol) , until a year ago, due to Uni stress and other personal stuff, My hormones got so messed up and that leads to the outbreak of pimples on my forehead! At first I was really embarrassed and decided to use my bangs to cover the forehead, so no one else can see. I didn’t even tell my friends about the problem because I was afraid they will laugh at me, or joke about this. i was feeling very insecure at that time, and everytime I look into the mirror, I was about to cry. Until one day, my friend accidentally saw this, and talked to me about this. She helped me to been through all the struggles I had, and gave me full support. Now, my skin is getting better and better, and I do not feel that bad anymore. Sometimes you just need someone to talk to, and understand that your look doesn’t represent you, what’s matter the most is how you see yourself.

From tastydietmeal

My dog also has a serious skin problem. He hates taking shower, because he dislikes water. At the same time, he prefers pork liver rather than dog food. All these reasons cause him sheds hair. We have spent lots of money and time to solve his problem.

From dontfeedthebinchickens

I have KP on my arms, that I’ve tried to treat — but dealing with it is so hard, and at the end of the day it’s just a minor cosmetic imperfection. My sister and mom and brother all have it, and I’d never judge them for it… so why should I be judging myself!

From aliciaferguson702

 While I don’t have eczema per se I do have keratosis Polaris (chicken skin)on my upper arms and always have had it. It’s definitely something that makes me self-conscious. It’s crazy how small little comments like asking what’s on your arms can really mess either your self confidence!

Itchy! | Skin Problems in Dogs

Hi lovely people! Happy weekend!

For the past few weeks, we have been focused on skin conditions dealing with human. HOWEVER, today we are going to talk about the cute creatures at your home, DOGS! So if you are a dog owner, STAY TUNED!

If your dog is bothered by itchy ears and paws and is scooting across your floors, and breaks the skin from lots of scratching, you need to be caution. Because these are the symptoms of skin infection.

Yeah, dogs have skin problems too. There are over 160 different skin disorders of dogs. Sounds incredible right? Dog skin problems are often the most common presenting complaints at the veterinarians.

My dog, a Samoyed, has had a serious skin problem since four years ago. The name of the problem refers to as pruritus, a.k.a. itchy skin. In fact, dog itching is the primary complaint associated with to 40% of all vet visits for a skin problem.

Persistent scratching can consume a dog’s life, keeping both the pet and the owner up all night. My hole family was well versed in the sounds of a dog going to town on his own leg in the middle of the night.

In addition to feeling miserable, itchy dogs can develop secondary skin lesions, infections, and hair loss from the trauma of teeth and nails on their skin. My dog, after being itchy for a couple of months, started to smell bad (sorry to say that). That weird smell was because part of his skin was infected by persistent scratching. We have taken him to different pet clinics but all the vets told us that the problem could not be healed and the smell would not disappear.

The incurable, chronic skin disorders can be a nightmare for the unfortunate dog and frustrating to the dog owner and veterinarian. So my advice for you guys is to take your dog to a veterinarian as soon as possible once you see he or she is scratching crazily.

Hope you enjoy reading this post!!!

-CCH

Beauty Talk: Skin Care Tips for Acne Prone Skin

Good afternoon people who are reading this article right now!

Firstly, a good news is that you are not going to miss out a list of good skin care products for acne prone skin!

For this past week, we have been asking people who successfully control their acne conditions for some recommendations and looking through beauty websites and YouTube videos. All of these are done because of you guys! We try to gather as much information as we can and compare and contrast those products and lastly summarise the best ones in this article. So make sure you are not missing out!

We know that in our last post we said natural ingredients are better for our skin than commercially-produced skin products. However, it is unrealistic to put on a natural mask everyday. We recommend you to have a natural skin routine during the weekends when you have a completely chill time at home. If you are a busy bird or just want to get lazy, here are some comparatively good skin products that you can find in shopping centres.

 

TIP #1: Moisturiser and Hydrating Toner are the most important

Acne prone skin tends to have oily skin type. Here is the thing: if you do have overflowing oil and sebum, there is a high chance that your skin is not well balanced and probably, dehydrated. It is the condition where your skin is dry inside and often feel tight, but it produces too much oil on the outside. It is the sign that your skin need moisture and hydration.

Mario Badescu – Acne Starter Kit $44

The four-piece collection with bonus Drying cream features an ingredient mix of salicylic acid, colloidal sulfur and zinc oxide to banish blemishes and reveal healthy, clear skin. Includes Acne Facial Cleanser (60ml), Special Cucumber Lotion (60ml), Oil-Free Moisturizer SPF 17 (30ml), Drying Mask (15ml) and Drying Cream (sample size).

‘I bought this kit after suffering for weeks with bad breakouts randomly and my normal cleanser routine just wasn’t working anymore. I was made aware of Mario Badescu products because of being a more natural approach to killing acne bacteria and it works!! My acne is minimal and my skin appearance is less red and i can honestly say most mornings i leave the house with no makeup anymore. Would definitely recommend this product to anyone who is suffering from occasional/alot of breakouts and need a good easy fix. Not to mention they products are so reasonable!’

 

TIP #2: Don’t skip sunscreen

Whether you have acne prone skin or other skin types, sunscreen is essentials. The main cause of aging is UVA and UVB. When exposed to infrared heat from the sun, acne flares up even more. Not only is this type of heat damaging, it can irritate the skin.

We know that most of people who refuse to wear sunscreen is that they hate the way sunscreen feels greasy on their skin. But trust us when we say there are dozes of well-formulated SPFs that can protect your skin without making your face feel slimy.

Skin Ceuticals – Ultimate UV Defense SPF30 $40

• Broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection
• Nourishing formulation
• Ideal for daily use and high-altitude climates
• For all skin types
• PABA-free, oil-free, and fragrance-free

‘I NEVER thought I could use thick, luxurious creams on my oily, acne-prone skin, but this sinks in so well and even seems to add a plumpness and glowy effect. I use it on my face, neck, and chest everyday and feel well protected from the Florida sun. No break-outs or unwanted shine. I don’t know how they do it. I used Simply Clean, Renew/Oily, and Ultimate Defense and love the results. Good stuff!’

 

TIP #3: Never ever forget to cleanse

Cleansers formulated for oily skin lift away excess oil as well as the makeup, bacteria, and debris that oil can trap in your pores. Look for ingredients such as salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide if you don’t have sensitive skin. These ingredients absorb oil and fight blemishes before they begin.

If your face seems to get oily no matter what you do, it’s tempting to take on cleansing as a full-time hobby, washing your face every chance you get. It will definitely take a while for you to find the right first cleanser, but you will eventually find them.

Elta Md – facial cleanser $31

Elta MD Foaming Facial Cleanser is an innovative formula with a bromelain and apple amino acid blend. Its self-foaming action gently yet thoroughly removes makeup, oil and other impurities. Patients with even the most sensitive skin can experience deep-pore cleansing without drying or irritating their skin.

‘The dermatologist recommended this cleanser for my 15 yr old daughter and we both love it. The doctor recommended it because acne medication is drying my daughter’s skin and this cleanser is not drying, irritating nor causes breakouts. I love it because it leaves my face clean but not dried.’

If you have other good products to recommend, please comment down below in the comment box. Help each other out and LOVE YOUR SKIN.

Have a good weekend!!!

-CCH

 

 

 

Skin Rash | I overcame it when I didn’t see it disgusting

Q: When do you start to have that obvious skin issue on your body?

A: At my first year of university, about 2 years ago. I don’t know what is the correct name for my skin issue. Different doctors give me different names. But I think it is kind of a skin rash.

Q: How does that happen? What triggers it?

A: It happened all in a sudden. Firstly, it started around my neck area and stayed there for a pretty long time. I thought it was just a normal allergy that would gone quickly. But no, not at all! It expanded, to the upper part of my body. Later there was a time of a crazy outbreak which was possibly caused by pressure. My skin went bumpy and left very obvious red dots around my chest. I couldn’t help.

Q: How do you control and manage it?

A: My uncle introduces me to a traditional Chinese doctor. He is really nice which makes me feel better and comfortable enough to depend on him and the medicine he gives to me. I can tell his medicine works out because the rash stops to expand. However, the rash is a chronic disease, like a cold. It will relapse if I loose my attention. I now stay away from seafood, mangoes and pineapple.’

Q: Will the rash affect your mental state? For example, will it give you extra psychological baggage?

A: For sure. I was in a terrible rage everyday. I felt angry about myself. Also during that time, I was afraid to wear revealing clothes, like tank tops. However, it was not a serious mental issue for me after I overcame it. Those scars and red dots on my body were no longer my shame and not the thing that keep me away from wearing tank tops.  

Q: How did you overcome it?

A: I overcame it when I didn’t see it disgusting. When the rash is getting well, scars will become light in colour little by little. They are still there but look more acceptable.

-CCH

Acne | ‘Mine just can’t easily go away’

‘I had acne firstly in the middle school. It went really bad after I came back from Bali. That was like a trigger, bringing all the extra damp out of my body. It was not a pleasant experience for me.’

‘I feel my anger every time when the breakout and pimple on my face are uncontrollable.’

‘For some people, their acne is temporary and can be healed. But mine just can’t easily go away. It is so stubborn.’

‘My acne is caused by the dampness inside of my body and also the typical adolescence thing.’

‘Skin is the reflection of the condition of your body. It is the mirror of what’s inside of you.’

‘Acne like mine, needs a change in life style, from the inside to the outside. For example, less alcohol, less smoke, no spicy food, etc.’

‘You need to be very patient in dealing with acne. I have been trying so many different ways and products for a very long time. And I am still on the way.’

‘There is not a very efficient and useful skin care product for the acne skin on the market now. Some only can soothe the condition but can not cure the root.’

‘My condition gets better because of Traditional Chinese medicine.’

‘When I take the medicine, I always make sure that for the next ten days or half a month I won’t go out and meet anyone. Because the medicine leads the acne to burst out and then heal itself. And it takes time.’

‘Maybe others don’t care about the redness on my face, but I think it doesn’t look good.’

‘There is a period of time that I couldn’t leave home without makeup. I feel like everyone is looking at my plain face.’

‘Acne will definitely affect the mental state, but for me, it just for a while.’

-CCH

If you can’t eat, don’t put it on your skin | 5 best ingredients for your skin

How to care for sensitive skin??

First thing first: what is sensitive skin? There are four types: 1) acne 2) rosacea 3) burning and stinging  4) contact dermatitis. Each of these creates different symptoms, but they all have one thing in common – inflammation.

So WHAT, exactly, creates irritation for the inflammation?

Almost most people don’t realise it, their favourite skin care products can be significant contributors of harmful ingredients, toxins and chemicals. The majority of store-bought, commercially-produced beauty products come packed with artificial colours, fragrances, preservatives and stabilisers that can easily be absorbed through the skin’s pores, potentially causing a range of negative long-term health effects.

The wrong product or wrong ingredient can result in tightness, redness and generally unhappy skin, which isn’t anybody’s idea of a good time.

The GOOD NEWS is that there is still plenty of natural ways to make your skin looks its best without needing to buy expensive and harmful commercial products. When you use natural products, not only are you beautifying your skin, but also you are stimulating your immune system.

5 BEST INGREDIENTS FOR YOUR NATURAL SKIN CARE

1. Coconut Oil

This ingredient has enormous benefits!! It can strengthen underlying epidermal tissue, remove dead skin cells, protect us from sunburns and contain antibacterial, antiviral, anti-fungal and antioxidant (just remember these four are all good words) properties.

Research even shows that coconut oil is strong enough to fight chronic skin diseases.

Use coconut oil on your skin to help cleanse, moisturise, remove makeup, heal wounds or scars quicker, and prevent razor burn.

Healthy skin is just like any other organ. It needs oxygen and nutrients to be brought to the cells and toxins need to be washed away.

2. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil has been used for hundreds of years in Australia to fight breakouts, redness and inflammation on the skin. I always prepare one from The Body Shop at home just to prevent a sudden breakout on my skin. Its phytochemical makes it one of the most versatile and popular natural skin care essential oils.

3. Raw Honey

Unlike most honeys available in grocery stores, raw honey is unheated, unprocessed and unpasteurised. It is one of the best natural sources of nutrients, enzymes, vitamins and skin-boosting acids.

Benefits include: reduce breakouts, provide moisturising properties, contain antiseptic qualities, encourage wound healing, fight allergies or rashes and help to reduce scars.

Also it makes a great homemade natural skin care product as an acne cure because it can be used in facial cleansers even on sensitive or mixed skin types.

4. Avocado

Avocado can reduce inflammation of the skin when applies topically and can do the same internally when eaten. It is an ultra-moisturising fatty fruit that contain vitamins A, D and E and are able to penetrate the skin.

DIY a homemade avocado face mask: mix avocado with essential oils, honey or a carrier oil. It can replenish hydration and leave skin feeling dewy.

5. Aloe Vera

Most people associate aloe vera with healing sunburns, but do you know it also can fight inflammation, redness and itching? In traditional Chinese medicine, aloe vera has been used to treat skin diseases for hundreds of years.

The gel found in the centre of the leaf and the latex just beneath the leaves’ skin can be used as a natural skin care remedy for burns, frostbite, psoriasis and cold sores.

Applying unprocessed, whole-food ingredients onto your skin will make you LOVE YOUR SKIN

-CCH

ECZEMA | ‘I kind of refuse to wear shorts since then’

If your not aware already all this week from September 11th – 16th 2017 is Eczema Awareness Week. 

I have eczema ever since I was a child, probably back to the third grade of primary school. It started with a small red area on my wrist. The condition was not that bad although it was itchy and bleeding all the time when I scratched it. Because I thought it was really cool, to have something special on my body that no one else has.

Then when I grew up, the red area of eczema started to expand. It appears on my antecubitals and thighs. The size of it was really big and easy to notice in summer. Every time when I wear tops with short sleeves or shorts, friends would ask me ‘what happened to you? Did you get burned or something? Looks scary’.

I kind of refuse to wear shorts since then. I hate people staring at me, hate answering that question over and over again, and hate myself looking ugly.

Luckily, my eczema stopped for a while but now it’s on the jawline of my face and neck. I sometimes use concealer to cover it up but it only makes it worse when I wash my face. It hurts when the make-up remover is applied.

I have seen many doctors and they all prescribe the same things. There is no cure but the product that effectively ease my itchy skin is suggested by one of my friends who has severer eczema than me.

I still have the scarring under my knees and arms and the fresh red area on my jawline and neck.

-CCH

R U OK | Where To Seek Peace Of Mind?

Good morning dear visitors! Hoping you have a free distress morning because it is finally Friday! Almost make it to the weekends [clap clap].

A quick catch up on last week’s post:

When we think about skin diseases, we normally will picture the symptoms. Therefore, the stuff on the inside is forgotten. The mental health of patients sometimes falls apart and affects personality, self-image and self-esteem, and produces feelings of social isolation. Emerging adults are affects

“There is no single disease which causes more psychic trauma and more maladjustment between parents and children, more general insecurity and feelings of inferiority, and greater sums of psychic assessment than does acne vulgaris.”

                                                                        – Medical researchers Sulzberg and Zaidens

However, we are not only saying that and then leaving you in the no-man’s land with no physical solutions. In this post, we will provide solid ways to help you to seek peace of mind.

#1 ON-CAMPUS MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

Do you know that almost every university has the mental health services in place?

In the survey we conduct days ago, 50% of the respondents have no clue of the university’s mental health support. This program is in its infancy.

Each mental health centre will have several GPs who will use their professional knowledge and do their best to prevent students from feeling uncomfortable, objectively analysing their emotional states and overcoming their setbacks.

The service is free and easily-accessible to all students, professors and staffs.

To make an appointment, you can visit your school’s website and type in ‘mental health service’ and THERE YOU GO.

#2 EVENTS

Events about mental health can be a pathway to reflection and self-knowing and give you the confidence to express and shout about your anxiety.

It is also good for outsiders to gain a quick insight of the culture of mental health disorders.

‘The Big Anxiety’ is the biggest mental health and arts festival that will take place from September 20 to November 11 around Sydney. It brings together artists, scientists and communities to question and reimagine the state of mental health in the 21^st century.

#3 CONVERSATIONS WITH OTHERS

Reach out to your beloved partner or family members or friends. They may not be as effective as a psychological agent is in solving your problem but having someone to talk to and vent out frustration is surprisingly therapeutic.

Here are our three suggestions for you!

Happy Friday and Love Your Skin ❤

-CCH

There is pride in rarity. World Vitiligo Day 2017.

Such a nice article about vitiligo! Have learnt more about this skin condition! As you said, vitiligo is a beautiful mark on skin which makes people unique and they feel proud about having it. Sometimes it is just sad when people talk about skin diseases in a weird tone. They just don’t know their words can have a severe effect on sufferers’ mental health. I think I have to reblog this and to educate a wider base public about skin diseases. My blog is also focused on skin diseases which is called ‘Love Your Skin’. It is all about support people who live with skin diseases and encourage them to love their ‘rarity’, in your words (which is a beautiful description). If you are interested, you can click on this link: https://nodermatologicalshame.wordpress.com/.

-CCH

You Are Not Alone! 3 Stars With Skin Conditions Prove The Disease Can’t Keep Them Down

Happy Saturday ❤️ 

Have you ever envy celebrities of having that ‘perfect skin’? And feel confused that why they always look flawless on magazines, tv shows, red carpets and selfies?

You have to remember that they have professionals that are doing their makeup and they have lights setup everywhere.

Even the most glamorous top stars deal with skin problems. So if you have ever freaked out living with red, itchy skin, know you are not alone!

Kim Kardashian

“I have psoriasis, there is nothing I can do about it so there is no reason why I should feel uncomfortable.”

On the reality show Keeping Up with the Kardashians, Kim Kardashian revealed how much she was affected by psoriasis by rolling up her jeans and baring her midriff on in 2011. There are big red blotches that ran up her right leg and covered her arms and body.

She doesn’t try to cover psoriasis on her body anymore ever since that episode.

“Sometimes I just feel like it’s my big flaw everyone knows about it, so why cover it?”she wrote on her app,

“I’m always hoping for a cure, of course, but in the meantime, I’m learning to just accept it as part of who I am”.

Winnie Harlow

“It’s ok to look different.”

Winnie Harlow was scouted for the show America’s Next Top Model by Tyra Banks and made it to the final six of that season.

Her looks are distinctive due in part to suffering from the skin condition Vitiligo.

She has revealed openly about the bullying she endured as a child due to the way she looked.

In her TED talk, her message to young women is to stop comparing themselves to others. Because there is no mould that we as human beings all fit into in the world filled with ‘photoshopped perfection’.

“I have vitiligo. Today a kid told me ‘I think God couldn’t choose which colour to make you, you are beautiful like the rainbow!'”

My Pale Skin

*To be honest, this YouTube channel is the inspiration for this cause.

Em Ford made this video based on the real comments that were left under images of herself without makeup on social media.

People criticised on her acne skin by using words like disgusting, ugly, gross, horrible, revolting, etc.

The most important message carried in this short video is – You look beautiful. You are beautiful.

“No matter how flawed you feel, no matter how upset you may about the way you look. Believe in yourself and never let anyone tell you are not beautiful, not even yourself.”

She also received thousands of messages from people all over the world who suffer or have suffered from acne and experience insecurity or self confidence issues:

• Acne makes me feel worthless
• 27 years old, so fed up
• 25 years old, I still struggle
• I get bullied because of my skin
• I wanted to kill myself
• People make fun of me
• I feel dirty
• I feel so ugly
• It makes me depressed
• I hate myself
• It ruined my life
• It gives me anxiety
• Makeup is my savior
• People don’t understand
• I’m learning to love myself
• I’m Finally accepting myself

You can watch her video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWTRwj9t-vU&t=94s

– CCH