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By Kathryn Khadija Leverette
Avoiding the Pitfalls of Mechanical Exfoliation
The debate has always been heated among skin care specialists and dermatologists as to the risks and benefits of scrubbing one’s countenance and body parts. The dangers of creating microscopic tears in the skin are very real, especially if a scrub contains granules with irregular edges, like crushed walnut shells [more...]
By Kathryn Khadija Leverette
Those Rough and Bumpy Arms and Legs
Guide to the Management of Keratosis Pilaris
What does KP look like? This annoying skin disorder, called keratosis pilaris (KP), is characterized by thousands of hard, non-inflammatory keratin plugs that cover the hair follicles, making the skin rough and pebbled, in appearance and to the touch. And, it worsens dramatically [more...]
By Kathryn Khadija Leverette
Tinea Versicolor Fungal Infection
The non-contagious fungal rash of tinea versicolor is a chronic, asymptomatic superficial infection characterized by light scaly, macular patches. These patches range in color from light pink to deep tan. Although the name suggests a variety of colors, the hue of all patches is about the same in any one individual.
The areas [more...]
By Kathryn Khadija Leverette
Pseudofolliculitis barbae, known as razor bumps, is the number one complaint among black men and women who shave. Caused by stiff beard hair and a genetically-caused curved follicle, the hair tips reverse their course and literally penetrate and grow back into the skin, like a horseshoe, before they would normally exit. Similar to hundreds of [more...]
By Kathryn Khadija Leverette
Cold, dry air, wind, low humidity, heaters, air conditioners and hard water can spell disaster for skin, sinuses and scalp. Interior HVAC, airplane cabin pressure, space heaters, car heaters and A/C, long hot showers, hard water, decreased water intake, dehydrating beverages, and cold, allergy and flu medications (antihistamines, decongestants and antibiotics) all aggravate the [more...]
By Kathryn Khadija Leverette
Who Needs Sunscreen and Why?
Darker and olive skins are just as vulnerable as lighter skin tones to the “ravages” of sun. Sun damage produces many “looks” including chronic sunburn, redness and spider veins, deep wrinkles and fine lines, sagging skin, a rough, leathery skin, hyperpigmentation (uneven skin tone, dark spots and hormonal patches called melasma), [more...]
By Kathryn Khadija Leverette
How to Remove Dark Spots and and Brighten Uneven Skin Tone
Of all the skin disorders that affect the darker races, hyperpigmentation is the chief complaint. Skin problems, medications and medical conditions can lead to skin discoloration, including acne, razor bumps, shaving irritation, hormonal melasma, chemical irritation, eczema, friction, electrolysis, allergic reactions, abrasive scrubs, scrubbing, product overuse, [more...]
By Kathryn Khadija Leverette
Laundry Products Must Be Free of Perfumes and Dyes
Problem: Laundry detergents and fabric softeners can leave harmful residues that can irritate sensitive skin, cause a severe case of contact dermatitis, and worsen your acne or eczema.
What to look for: Acne or dermatitis on one side of your face and neck where you sleep, along the [more...]
By Kathryn Khadija Leverette
A Guide to Lifestyle Issues That Affect the Skin
Reduce your stress. Do whatever it takes. Stress, a major acne aggravator, is caused by the wear and tear of day-to-day living and changes that take place in your life, both good and bad. Moving is comparable to the death of a child in its ability to [more...]
By Kathryn Khadija Leverette
Homecare and Lifestyle Changes
A daily system of antibacterial and exfoliating products is needed to treat acne. True control means no physical sign of the disease shows in its active stage. Since acne is a treatable condition with no cure, most adult acne sufferers will be tied to a basic acne-fighting regimen for life, along with [more...]
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