Discoid eczema is a common type of eczema. It looks like an oval or round lesion and it can be very itchy. Who all can get discoid eczema? Discoid eczema is also known as nummular eczema or dermatitis. It can occur at any age including, childhood, but it is more common in adult males. Anyone can get discoid eczema, but people with atopic eczema, infected eczema, or allergic contact dermatitis are more likely to develop it. It can also develop in those who had eczema as a child. It also has an association with chronic alcoholism. What causes discoid eczema? There are many causes of discoid eczema. they are as…

Asteatotic eczema is also known as eczema craquelé. It is another form of eczema that is more common in older people. It usually affects the shins, but can also affect other areas such as the thighs, tummy, arms, and back. If your home is warm and dry during the winter, you will be prone to develop this type of eczema. In asteatotic eczema, the skin becomes very dry, scaly, and rough. What causes asteatotic eczema? Drying of the skin (more common during the winter season) can cause epidermal water loss and this will lead to asteatotic eczema. Medications such as diuretics can increase the drying effect. Other factors include decreased…

Hanbang is traditional Korean medicine, it involves the use of herbal remedies to treat illnesses and maintain health. It is originally influenced by traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It features unique ingredients and preparation methods. These ingredients and preparation methods can also enhance cosmetics, which helps to treat and maintain our complexion health. The plant compounds present in the products are critical to understanding hanbang. Many K-beauty products contain herbal ingredients (like ginseng, ginger, licorice, and honeysuckle extracts), but not all of those products are hanbang. Hanbang skincare’s most important factor is phytochemical effects. Hanbang ingredients vary; all contain polyphenols, antioxidants, and anti-carcinogenic agents that prevent free radicals and protect the…

Wakame seaweeds are marine plants and algae that grow in oceans, rivers, and lakes. It is a natural ingredient to use in skincare. It is rich in vitamins and minerals: it contains high levels of B vitamins: B1, B2, B3, B6, and B12. It also contains calcium, sodium, iron, and potassium. Tyrosinase Inhibitier: tyrosinase is an enzyme that is responsible for the skin colour, too much of it can lead to hyperpigmentation and wakame seaweed has shown to inhibit the effects of tyrosinase. It helps in promoting collagen and elastin: as we age the skin loses its elasticity leading to fine lines and wrinkles, but wakame can help to promote…

What is AA cream? AA stands for “Anti-aging”. It is used to reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots. It may contain: Retinoids Vitamin C AHA/BHA/PHA’s Antioxidants Peptides Coenzyme Q10 Epidermal growth factor. that can help to stimulate collagen production. Benefits of using AA creams: It can help with fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots and it can also act as a moisturizer. Cons of using AA creams: AA creams won’t work for everyone, they will only work for a few individuals. Many of these creams also have false claims and misleading statements. What is a BB cream? BB stands for “Blemish Balm” or “Beauty Balm”. BB creams may contain:…

Benefits of Ginkgo biloba extract: Antioxidant: ginkgo biloba has a lots of flavonoids and terpenoids, these antioxidants protect the skin from free radicals, slow down aging. Anti-inflammatory: ginkgo biloba also has the the ability to fight some inflammatory conditions, but more evidence is needed. It may improve the flow of blood: it can also be seen as a blood thinner and can help in the flow of blood thus preventing blood clots. It can help with cardiovascular diseases: by improving the flow of blood, ginkgo biloba can also prevent various heart diseases, hypoxia, platelet aggregation, and reduce capillary permeability through the release of NO and prostaglandins. It has neuroprotective properties:…

This oil is made from traditional olive oil and it has a lot of benefits that make it suitable for all skin types. Benefits of using Castile oil: It is anti-bacterial: castile oil can be used to fight bacteria’s that can cause diseases. Oleic acid: this fatty acid is essential for the body and is useful for people with dry skin. Linoleic acid: this fatty acid is involed in sebaceous lipid synthesis and contributes to the formation of ceramides. It has anti-microbial (prevent bacteria) and anti-proliferative properties that can inhibt the growth of inflammation caused by free radicals. It contains palmtitic acid: the rapid oxidation of linoleic acid leads to…

Soapwort extract or Saponaria officinalis is a plant that is native to Southern and Central Europe, Asia Minor, and Western Siberia. The extract is made from the roots, though the leaves and stems may also be used. Benefits of using Soapwort extract: Contains saponins: saponins have health-promoting componants that effect the immune system and helps the body to fight against cancers, and also lower cholesterol levels. They also decrease blood lipids, lower cancer risks, and lower blood glucose. Antioxidant: soapwort can protect the skin from free radicals and UV damage Anti-inflammatory and can soothe the skin: It can also reduce inflammation like redness, swelling, pain and in turn give a…

Bisabolol or alpha-bisabolol is a colorless oily liquid and is the main component of chamomile essential oil. It is also present in the bark of the Candeia tree of Brazil. Benefits of using Bisabolol: Anti-inflammatory: bisbolol can reduce inflammation like redness, swelling, and pain. It can also reduce irritation and soothe the skin. It can help with hyperpigmentation: bisabolol can help with hyperpigmentaion and melasma and this was done by giving bisabolol in a base-cream preparation to 28 females (the cream was applied once a day to the back for 8 weeks). These 28 women also applied a vehicle control cream to the pigmented skin. After 8 weeks of treatment,…

Deodorant: It decreases smell. It masks and fights odour-causing bacteria (it works to mask odour and reduces the skin’s pH making it underisable for bacteria, with deodorant you will feel the wetness, but there wont be any bad smell). It works best when applied during active hours. Antiperspirant: It decreases sweat. It plugs eccrine glands from secreting sweat (it reduces how much you sweat by forming little plugs in the eccrine glands and thus reduce wetness). It works best when applied at night. If you flip your antiperspirant around and check the active ingredients, you will see an aluminium based salt (aluminium chloride, aluminium tetrachloride, aluminium zirconium, etc). Most of…