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Dry Skin? Try Crisco
Are you prone to dry skin this time year? Join the club. A whopping one in five of us has what's
known as "Atopic disposition to dry skin," or xerodermia. The resulting red flakes are due to too few natural moisturizing
factors on the surface of the skin. But if you think you need a prescription skin-care preparation, you're wrong!
"If you have a can of Crisco or a similar shortening in your pantry, you've go the cure," reports New York dermatologist David
E. Bank, M.D. "In fact, it's so good hospitals use it on eczema patients. They even call it "Cream C,"
he reveals. "It's much cheaper than prescription moisturizing creams, yet every bit as effective."
For soothing results, heat a half-cup of shortening in the microwave for 20 seconds. (Always test it
before applying to your skin to make sure it's not too hot!) Slather on hands and feet, cover with socks and gloves
and go to bed, "You'll wake up with skin that's been healed to its silky smooth best," says Dr. Bank.
Scar Therapy Pads
Scar therapy pads reduce the visibility of scars - but less expensive treatments may work just as well. Scar pads
improve the appearance of raised scars, which may be pink or white or lighter than the surrounding skin. The pads work
by applying pressure to the area while holding in moisture.
Alternative: Apply a lubricant, such as pertroleum jelly, to a raised scar a few times a day, then rub the
scar vigorously for 10 seconds with your finger.
Important: These procedures and techniques are for raised scars only. They will have no effect on
flat, discolored skin... or skin that is indented, such as a pockmark. To decrease the chances of scarring and speed
healing, keep wounds covered continuously with an antibiotic ointment, such as Bacitracin.
Neal Schultz, MD, dermatologist in private practice from BottomLine Personal publication
Vitamin A
When applied to the skin, vitamin A improves fine wrinkle lines, reduces skin discoloration and restores a more youthful
glow. Creams include tazarotene (Avage, Taxorac) and tretinoin (Renova, Retin-A). Vitamin A can dry and irritate
skin, so use it only every other night. Apply a pea-sized amount to the entire face 30 minutes after washing.
Caution: If you're pregnant do not use products with vitamin A.
Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid)
Technically vitamin C is citric acid, and AHA, but it also is a potent topical antioxidant. When combined with
acetyl tyrosine and zinc sulfate (Cellex-C), it also stimulates fibroblast activity.
Orange juice or vitamin C supplements won't provide the benefit.
Washing the Telephone
When was the last time you disinfected your telephone? Germs and bacteria found there can cause irritation to the lower
face area and cause more breakouts
Does Diet Affect My Complexion?
Yes, it does. In essence, you are what you eat. Nowadays we realize that antioxidants are present in many foods and are
the best source for them (rather than taking vitamin supplements). Evidence shows that vitamin supplements may, in effect,
be harmful (as opposed to naturally occurring antioxidants). Foods that contain large quantities of antioxidants include green
and yellow vegetables. Green tea has a large antioxidant content as well, and may help to explain the beautiful complexions
of Japanese women. Also, diets high in fats are sometimes associated with increased skin cancer or at least pre-malignant skin lesions.
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