Fantasia Salon / Spa and Wig Specialists

Probably the last thing someone going through chemotherapy and other cancer treatment thinks about is the dry skin and other skin problems that will accompany the treatment. However, once someone has gone through these treatments, it becomes a top priority.

How does one rejuvenate the skin after going through cancer treatment? Although there is a wealth of dry skin solutions on the market, the vast majority of the products can actually cause further damage because most contain chemicals and fragrances which cause dryness. In addition to this, the chemicals can be absorbed into the body which is not a good thing.

Also, the majority of the lotions on the market clog the pores. Because the skin is a major avenue used by the body to eliminate toxins, if the pores are blocked, toxins stay underneath the surface of the skin and cause dryness, rashes and other problems. Cancer experts recommend using skin care products which don’t clog the pores.

A good solution to the problem is Lindi Skin Care products. Lindi Skin has been formulated to meet the special needs of cancer patients. The ingredients are natural botanicals, anti-oxidants, anti-inflammatories, antiseptics, antibacterials and supply good nutrition to the skin. Lindi Skin products do not contain preservatives typically found in most skin products.

The Lindi Skin line has been created in conjunction with patients, cancer survivors, doctors and other medically trained professionals using the latest scientific and medical data to create the state-of-the-art skin care products.

These products were specifically created for those dealing with the effects of cancer treatments so you can rest assured they will give your skin what it needs.

Have you ever heard of contact acne? I hadn’t and neither had the esthetician I checked with. What is it and what causes it?

Contact acne, unlike other acne, is not an indicator of poor health, bad diet or hormonal problems. But it can certainly cramp one’s style. Contact acne, according to Dr. David Eisen of the Acne Treatment Clinic, “is inflammation of the oil gland and hair follicle which results from irritation from sweating that occurs in areas of the body where there is poor ventilation. Bra straps, belts or helmets can cause pimples on the back, tops of arms, forehead and chin as a result of clothing in close contact with the skin.” Dr. Eisen goes on to explain that “although dirt and oil can be washed off the face and body, acne cannot be washed off. If the drain in the sink is clogged, I could scrub the sink all day long and still not unclog the drain.”

According to this same doctor, there is a false notion out there that tanning helps heal summer acne flare ups. I always bought into this one growing up in the Southwest and spent every spare minute in the sun because of it. Dr. Eisen says all you do is darken the skin color to match the color of the pimples, and, as a result, inflammation is less obvious because of the illusion tanning gives.

So, contact acne is a seasonal skin problem, unrelated to regular acne which is a chronic, genetic, hormonal disease. Contact acne is easy and affordable to clear up quickly. Usually it will clear up in 4 weeks to 8 months depending on the severity.

Here are some do’s and don’ts that will help:

DO

• Wash with a gentle soap or cleanser, but limit cleansing to twice daily.
• Keep skin dry, steering clear of tight fitting clothing and sports equipment where possible. Immediately remove sweaty garments after a workout.
• Seek a doctor to treat inflammation when the over -the- counter products don’t clear up the acne.

DON’T

• Pick at the pimples, that will only prolong the healing time of the blemishes.
• Scrub with loofahs or abrasive, harsh chemicals.
• Tan blemishes, it’s a prescription for skin cancer.

All of you bathers, cyclists and runners everywhere, enjoy the great outdoors and don’t sweat the summer breakouts!