by Q Pro-team | Jan 23, 2013 | 1.1 Resources & Tips
Tips for Staving off Keratosis Pilaris
It’s believed that keratosis pilaris effects more than 50% of the world’s population. Though there’s no way to prevent or cure keratosis pilaris, you can help smooth away the annoying bumps through simple lifestyle changes:
1. Avoid hot water and long baths
Use lukewarm water rather than hot water and limit shower time or bath time to less than 10 minutes because hot water and long showers or baths remove oils from your skin.
2. Avoid harsh soaps
Use gentle soaps like Basis or Dove that are made for sensitive skin and dry skin. After washing, your skin should become soft and smooth, not tight or dry.
3. Keep moist
After cleansing or bathing, gently pat your skin dry with a towel and immediately moisturize your skin with a moisturizer that contains lanolin, petroleum jelly or glycerin.
4. Use a humidifier
Use a humidifier is another effective way to keep your skin moist by adding moisture to the air inside your home. You can use a portable humidifier or install one with your furnace.
5. Get more sunlight
Daily sunlight provides you with more vitamin D which is beneficial to clearing your keratosis pilaris. But you should always use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 to avoid sun damage.
6. Eat well
Foods like salmon, walnuts, flax & hemp seeds, liver, sweet potatoes, carrots and leafy greens, that are high in omega fatty acids or vitamin A can really help moisturize your skin from the inside out carrying away your body’s toxins that cause skin inflammation.
7. Don’t pick the bumps
Squeezing or picking your bumps can aggravate the condition, and even cause scarring in some cases.
Looking for a more effective way to put an end to your keratosis pilaris? Consult a dermatologist or skin specialist for a thorough assessment, they will discuss treatment options to best suit your needs.
by Q Pro-team | Dec 4, 2012 | 1.1 Resources & Tips, 2.9 Hair Loss Treatment
Tips to prevent hair loss
It’s believed that more than one third of the world’s population are suffering from hair loss. While we cannot stop natural hair loss, there are many preventable types of hair loss that can be avoided through simple lifestyle changes. Here are some tips to stave off unnecessary hair loss:
Wash hair daily
Dirt increases the chance of infections caused by bacteria, which can damage hair follicles and lead to hair loss. Wash hair with mild shampoo and conditioner designed for your hair type. Avoid rinsing hair with very hot water and always dry and comb your wet hair gently.
Get enough sleep and reduce stress
Getting a good night’s sleep, managing pressure, and avoiding stress, is important for our overall health and that includes our hair health. People are less likely to experience hair loss when they’ve had adequate sleep and feel comfortable within their environment.
Exercise regularly
Exercise increases blood circulation which is vital for optimum hair growth. Physical activity also improves our overall well-being, which reduces the risk of illness and the use of medications, thus preventing hair loss caused by drugs and disease.
Drink plenty of water each day
Similar to our skin, our hair is comprised of about 20% water. Water helps carry off toxins from both our skin and hair. Drinking 4 to 8 cups of water a day are required to maintain vibrant, healthy hair.
Eat a nutritionally balanced diet
Like other parts of our body, hair also requires energy for peak performance. Protein, iron, and Vitamins A, B, C and E are among the most important nutrients to support healthy hair growth. To strengthen your hair, add the following nutrient rich foods to your diet: meat, fish, dairy, eggs, squash, oranges, lemons, apricots, raisins, avocados, spinach, beans, green peppers, kale, carrots, nuts, and sesame.
Along with a balanced diet, multi-vitamin and multi-mineral supplements may also be beneficial for hair growth. Talk to your doctor to find out which supplements are right for you.
Avoid overheating hair
Constant heating can make hair brittle and fragile, even damage hair follicles. Set your hair dryer on low temperature levels or let your hair dry naturally.
Try not to dye
Frequent use of chemicals like hair dye may cause hair breakage and hurt your scalp, thus affecting the hair growth.
Avoid tight hairstyles
Tight hairstyles such as pigtails, braids, or cornrows can cause traction hair loss due to frequent twisting or pulling of the hair.
Reduce drinking and stop smoking
Studies have shown that excessive alcohol consumption may prevent nutrients from being absorbed properly by the body. Smoking can also destroy hair follicles by interfering with the blood and hormone circulation of the scalp.
Massage scalp regularly
Massaging stimulates the blood circulation of the scalp; this can help lead to healthy hair by increasing the amount of nutrients being absorbed.
Looking to put an end to hair loss? Consult a hair therapy specialist for a thorough assessment, they will determine if you are a qualified candidate and discuss treatment options to best suit your needs.
by Q Pro-team | Nov 1, 2012 | 1.1 Resources & Tips, 5.1 Other Treatments
A Good Facial Is All About A Good Esthetician
In order to have a good facial, the first step is to find a qualified esthetician that brings with them years of experience. We’ve collected a few tips to keep in mind when searching for a knowledgeable esthetician:
- A good esthetician is passionate about skin health. They are gracious, welcoming and responsive.
- Complete cleanliness and sanitation are non-negotiable. Their workstation should be spotless and your esthetician should wash their hands before commencing treatment. If you see a dirty environment, that’s not a good sign.
- Your esthetician should ask questions in order to give you a professional facial that’s fully customized to suit your skin type and concerns.
- Look for a strong communicator, someone to guide you through the treatment process before, during, and after the procedure. A great esthetician will also make the process relaxing, and follow your lead in all aspects of conversation.
- They should also ask about your home skin-care habits and provide impartial advice on how to maintain your skin between facial treatments.
- If you have a skin problem that requires attention from a medical doctor or dermatologist, a good esthetician will let you know.
by Q Pro-team | Oct 15, 2012 | 1.1 Resources & Tips, 3.6 Spider Veins Removal
How to prevent spider veins
Though the exact cause of spider veins is still unknown, there are various factors that may contribute to their development. Based on those factors, we’ve created a list of the top tips to help reduce the risk of spider veins:
1. Don’t cross your legs
Sitting cross-legged can restrict circulation and blood flow to the legs. Raising the legs above heart level on the other hand, will help boost your blood flow, and prevent those pesky spider veins from forming.
2. Maintain a healthy weight
Extra weight needs extra work from the veins to circulate blood all over the body. Maintaining an ideal body weight will help to avoid unnecessary pressure on your veins.
3. Keep moving
Prolonged standing and sitting can cause blood pooling and increased pressure within the veins. If you have to sit for a long period of time, move your legs frequently and take a brisk walk about every 30 minutes. Or if you have to stand for an extended period of time, shift your weight from one leg to the other every 10 minutes.
4. Exercise regularly
Regular exercise like walking, running, cycling, hiking and swimming can really make a difference with your blood circulation. These activities can reduce pooling and stress within the veins and ultimately strengthen your veins.
5. Wear comfortable clothes
Avoid wearing clothes that are too tight, as they may constrict the blood flow of your body.
6. Eat foods with high fiber
Constipation can contribute to the development of spider veins. Foods that are high in fiber such as vegetables, fresh fruits and whole grains can help to avoid constipation, thus preventing spider veins. Controlling your salt intake is also important because over consumption of sodium can also lead to the development of veins.
Healthy habits and good lifestyle choices can definitely help to prevent spider veins, but if you have unfortunately already experienced them, rest assured there are methods to reverse their appearance. Consult with a vein specialist and treat them as quickly as you can.
by Q Pro-team | Sep 24, 2012 | 1.1 Resources & Tips, 2.1 Acne Treatment
Comedogenic Acne
Many people use cosmetic products to enhance their appearance. Unfortunately, some may experience the breakout of comedones (pore blockages) after use, which is commonly known as comedogenic acne or acne cosmetica.
Comedogenic acne occurs when cosmetic or skincare products build up on our skin and block the pores. It is caused by external pore clogging as opposed to common acne conditions that are triggered by factors such as diet, stress and hormones, etc. Fortunately, acne cosmetica is usually mild and doesn’t often lead to acne scarring.
Comedogenic acne is a rash-like bump, red or pink, tiny and slightly raised off the skin. They often appear in multiples on the face, scalp or forehead.
There are a lot of makeup and skin care products that label themselves as “non-comedogenic,” though unfortunately you can’t always rely on that claim.
Comedogenic acne is more likely to occur if makeup, sunscreen or other skin care products with comedogenic ingredients stay on our skin for an extended period of time. To avoid a breakout of comedones, it’s important to keep your skin and your makeup clean – and never go to bed with your makeup on. Acne is frustrating, but it can be controlled! If you do have acne cosmetica, the first step is to consult an acne expert to ensure proper diagnosis and optimal treatment.
