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Stimulant induced skin picking

September 7, 2016
Stimulant induced skin picking

Stimulant induced skin picking can be controlled effectively at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center

Stimulant induced skin picking: Cocaine abuse

Stimulant induced skin picking due to excessive and abuse of crack cocaine has become more common as more people use crack disorderly. This has necessitated the sudden increase in negative health issues linked to this habit. Professionally in the medical understanding stimulant induced skin picking is seen as a compulsive foraging response (CICF – ‘cocaine induced compulsive foraging’) but the compulsion to skin pick has also been called psychogenic excoriation, delusional parasitosis, self-inflicted dermatoses, dermatillomania, formication, or hypoesthesia; which is quite surprising considering that there has been so little research on the subject.

Stimulant induced skin picking: Characteristics of skin picking

The features of skin picking may include excessive scratching, picking, gouging, lancing, digging and squeezing of normal or slightly marred skin. Even though the whole body can be involved, commonly the most picked areas include; fingernails, face, lips, scalp, arms and legs. This is made possible because drugs like cocaine, methylephenidate, phenelzine amphetamine and anticholinergic drugs often produce increased nerve activity tactile sensations like burning, tingling and crawling (worms under the skin) that can lead to skin picking. So while it is clearly a chemical reaction to the drugs you’re taking, it can be closely linked with psychological issues such as extreme anxiety or childhood trauma.

Stimulant induced skin picking: So why do some people skin pick excessively, where others don’t?

Studies suggest that it’s a coping mechanism for dealing with emotional pain. Physical pain distracts the individual and can help to alleviate feelings of guilt through self-punishment. Many S-P’s (skin pickers) report increased levels of tension prior to skin picking and a sense of relief or satisfaction following the picking. Some experience an altered state of consciousness whilst picking resembling a dissocialized state. However, lack of pain during picking episodes may also be related to opioid dysregulation. We can see elevated levels of B-endorphin in S-Ps, because pain, in this case through self-injurious behavior, leads to the release of B-endorphins, which in turn leads to the release of tension.

Stimulant induced skin picking: Crack cocaine

Doctor Dalal Akoury who is also the founder of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center registers that cocaine increases the activity of dopamine, a neurotransmitter in the automatic nervous system associated with pleasure which is important for reinforcement of behavior. However, for reasons we don’t have the space to go into, too much use of cocaine can lead to a lack of dopamine in your system, which in turn leads to mood and anxiety disorders. S-Ps often suffers from one or more of the following conditions:

  • Agoraphobia
  • Bipolar disorder (manic depression)
  • Body dysmorphic disorder (hated self-image).
  • Dysthymia (depression tendencies)
  • Eating disorders
  • Kleptomania (compulsive stealing of objects) and
  • Major depression
  • Obsessive compulsive disorder
  • Panic attacks
  • Post-traumatic stress
  • Trichotillomania (hair /eyelash/body hair pulling)

Beside the mention conditions, some studies have also established that more than half of the individuals with serious skin picking conditions also reported a history of body rocking, thumb sucking, knuckle cracking, cheek chewing and head banging. Along-side with all these, skin picking also causes a lot of anguish. Like for instance, the victim can feel embarrassed and this may lead to shame and even impaired social functioning and in some cases people withdraw altogether from social activities and confine themselves to their home. Some people also experience medical complications as a result of skin picking, like ulcers, infections, permanent discoloration and scarring. Remember that too much scratching leads to open wounds and sores and when this is combined with injecting, infection can travel from the skin to the blood, causing serious illnesses such as septicemia or endocarditis. And that should be an incentive for you to schedule for an appointment with doctor Akoury for a more professional medical approach.

Stimulant induced skin picking: Cocaine abuse

 

 

 

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Stress

Environmental contaminants and the health of the skin

August 10, 2016
Environmental contaminants

Environmental contaminants and the health of the skin. Actually even the sweets may be contaminated in the process

Environmental contaminants and the health of the skin: Fighting skin aging

The beauty of our skin is seriously under threat from the very things around us. Substances like nicotine from tobacco use are a major factor that contributes too many chronic diseases and reduced life expectancy. Surprisingly the dangers of cigarette smoking is well known by those who uses it yet because of its addictive nature they are just not able to quit smoking. Studies have established that environmental contaminants, toxins contributes significantly to the skin disintegrations. It has also been confirmed that smoking tobacco damages the skin via multiple mechanisms as well. From this point you realize that being addicted to tobacco smoking is not good for your skin and therefore when dealing with environmental toxins and skin aging problems, the need to have the expert’s opinion is very important.

We are going to be talking to doctor Akoury MD who is a veteran addiction expert and founder of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center. It will interest you to note that, doctor Akoury was motivated into establishing this facility up on realizing the rising needs of skin care and the luck of expertise to offer lasting solutions. The primary objective of doctor Akoury and this facility is service oriented solutions. Professionalism is all that matters to us in dealing with all the cases that are brought to us. That is to say that this is the place to be if you or any of your loved ones is having any environmental contaminants and toxins that are ruining the beauty of your skin. If that describes you, then you can schedule for an appointment with us today.

Environmental contaminants and the health of the skin: The facial appearance of cigarette smoker’s addicts

Nonetheless on the molecular level, tobacco smoke produces oxidative stress, impairs circulation, and triggers DNA damaging reactions these effects and many others causes the skin to be more vulnerable to disease and aging. Realistically if you look at the facial appearance of smoker’s they are majorly characterized by;

  • Increased lines and wrinkles
  • Uneven tone
  • Dehydration
  • Dull and frail skin

The good news is that quitting smoking delivers almost immediate and dramatic improvements in the visual appeal of skin, and a more youthful skin appearance in just a few month of post-smoking cessation. In addition to UV radiation and smoking, pollution is a factor in premature skin aging. The epidemiological studies have correlated pollution levels with poor health status. And more specifically, recent studies have related particle pollution to advanced skin aging. Most notably, skin hyperpigmentation and sluggish skin cell renewal has been observed in both human and animal studies.

Environmental contaminants and the health of the skin: Dealing with skin aging

The skin being the visual organ, the beauty industry’s primary objective is to improve the appearance of skin with sophisticated topical treatments and interventions. However, often overlooked is the need support the health and beauty of skin from within through proper nutrition. In addition to the well-documented role of a wholesome, plant-based diet in maintaining the youthful vivacity of the skin, modern nutritional science is elucidating the relationship between specific nutrients and optimal skin health. A visit to AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center will not only help you restore your natural beauty, but also look into your wholesome health. You can talk to us for this great experience today.

Environmental contaminants and the health of the skin: Fighting skin aging

http://www.awaremednetwork.com/

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Get the Latest Anti-Aging Skin Breakthrough

March 10, 2015

Get the Latest Anti-Aging Skin Breakthrough: Gotu Kola the Ancient Herb

Get the Latest Anti-Aging Skin Breakthrough

Get the Latest Anti-Aging Skin Breakthrough and Gotu kola is stealing the show

In the resent past we have been talking about beauty and skin care. A lot is actually being done in this line of business. In fact many people are in very serious business thanks to the ever rising demand in the beauty industry. That is as far as life is concern today. However what many people may not be aware of is that beauty is not just in the modern world, it can be traced from the ancient days and even up to creation. In other words from the beginning beauty was a serious factor and that is why after creating the first man the creator acknowledged that it was good. Now this herb is not new because it has been used for ages however its use in skin care is one that we want to concentrate on. People from different societies has their way of calling so whatever the name you call it gotu kola, centella asiatica, Indian pennywort, brahmi, or spade leaf an ancient healing plant is making a comeback in the modern science of preventing skin aging. Very interesting and you don’t want to miss it therefore get the latest anti-aging skin breakthrough for all your skin care needs with the experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center.

Centella asiatica (often just called centella) is rich in amino acids, beta carotene, fatty acids, and numerous potent phytochemicals. The good news is that experts have established that these extracts are very effective in calming inflammation, speeding up wound healing, stimulating new cell growth, building collagen, and improving blood circulation which is a key factor in skin rejuvenation. It is no wonder that this herb is turning tables round and is becoming a force to reckon with in skin treatment.

So what really are we talking about when we say “get the latest anti-aging skin breakthrough”? Pay keen attention to what the experts are saying about this herb. Both history and science are in agreement of gotu kola’s effectiveness in protecting the beauty of your skin and therefore when you’re picking hat product, be careful to read the ingredient to find out if it has the content of gotu kola.

Get the Latest Anti-Aging Skin Breakthrough: A Long History of Skin Healing

History has it that only few medicinal plants have weathered the storm as centella asiatica. Actually there’s evidence that it was used even by prehistoric man a known in Chinese medicine as gotu kola, it’s listed among the “miracle medicines of life” and mentioned in legends as the herb that helped a famous sage live for over 200 years.

The Indians has baptized it in so many names including mandukparni, jalbrahmi, and just plain brahmi (not to be confused with bacopa monnieri, another ayurvedic plant also called brahmi). A centerpiece of Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years, it’s used to treat infected wounds, syphilis, eczema, psoriasis, lupus, and female disorders. However the English refer to it as pennywort for because of its coin-shaped leaves. It was one of the earliest treatments for leprosy. In France, centella was first identified and accepted as a pharmaceutical agent in the 1800s for its use treating diarrhea, dysintery, and female issues including infertility.

This herb is the magic of both ancient and current time. It can be used in so many ways like being taken internally as tea or other beverage, it’s considered an effective treatment for fever, dysentery, hepatitis, and new findings indicate that it boosts memory and relieves depression and anxiety. In Thailand, centella is drunk as a cold beverage and considered a turn-back-the-clock health tonic.

Get the Latest Anti-Aging Skin Breakthrough: What the Science Shows

According to the Indian Journal of Medicine gotu kola is known as a “potential herbal cure-all” while a research summary published in Phytomedicine, says: “Centella asiatica has been subjected to quite extensive experimental and clinical investigations.”

Recently, researchers delving into how gotu kola heals wounds have identified specific plant chemicals called triterpenoid saponins and inparticular the asiaticoside, brahmoside, brahminoside, madecassoside and madecassic or madasiatic acid, the finding established that these have been very helpful in healing wounds by boosting antioxidants, increasing the blood supply to the area and strengthening the skin.

A further study done recently in 2012, experts applied saturated the skin of rats with open wound with centella asiatica and found that the formulation inhibited bacterial growth, fueled the growth of new skin cells and increased skin tensile strength and resilience. There’s also adequate evidence that gotu kola helps repair veins. Recent research shows that centella, unlike some herbal extracts, is able to penetrate the skin well enough to be utilized effectively. Nonetheless the scientists are experimenting with applying gotu kola to treat burns, prevent scars, treat psoriasis, and decrease stretch marks. Moreover it is believed that centella circulation boosting abilities are so powerful that it’s been used as an effective treatment for varicose veins and broken capillaries and to break down cellulite by shrinking the connective tissues that bind fat cells under the skin.

Get the Latest Anti-Aging Skin Breakthrough: the benefits of Gotu Kola

Skin care formulations use gotu kola for its ability to boost collagen and decrease inflammation. As with many plant-based compounds, you’re most likely to find a bioactive level of gotu kola (which may be listed as centella asiatica) in organic or all-natural product lines. Like for instance the following products are rich in gotu kola as their major ingridient:

Annmarie Gianni Anti-Aging Products – Annemarie’s anti-aging facial oil or anti-aging eye cream, both of which contain gotu kola extract as well as numerous other beneficial herbs and oils. Annemarie provides an excellent explanation of the role of gotu kola in skin rejuvenation.

Sundari Gotu Kola Products – Sundari gotu kola and yucca facial serum, in which gotu kola oil and sea algae extracts enhance skin renewal while yucca oil boosts skin hydration. Then there’s Sundari gotu kola and Indian asparagus mask, formulated for intensive firming action.

Bellanina Skin Care – Gotu kola takes center stage in Bellanina’s gotu kola + coconut serum, which binds the extracts in an exfoliating base of alpha-lipid acid.

The greatness of this herb will only be news to you until you try its application. You can seek for more information about the applications of this herb from the experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center and explore its usage for the beauty of your skin and wound healing generally.

Get the Latest Anti-Aging Skin Breakthrough: Gotu Kola the Ancient Herb

 

 

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The Best Care for Your Skin Type

February 24, 2015

The Best Care for Your Skin Type: Dry or Oily Skins

The Best Care for Your Skin Type

The Best Care for Your Skin Type are simple and direct, they include, cleansing, moisturizing and applying retinol

If you were to find the best care for your skin type then the genesis would be finding out the right ways to making your skin complexion glow irrespective of your skin type (whether you have oily, dry, or a combination of both skin). If you have been keen in following the trends in beauty and skin care, you must have noticed that there are only three categories of skin types. That is to say dry skin, oily skin or a combination of both. Therefore it is obvious that skin type is either of the three and that should form the basis of your skin care regimen depending on the individual skin type. The problem we are facing in our various societies is that many people are ignorant of their skin type. This lack of knowledge is the root cause of all the skin care problems we are facing. In situations like this, skin care plans are more of hit or miss variety. The purpose of this article is to educate you in identifying your skin type so that you are able to take the right precautions where is necessary. Talking to experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under Doctor Akoury’s care, we were able to gather the following important skin care information that we want to share with you following.

The Best Care for Your Skin Type: Know Your Skin Type

Are you among the people struggling to know their skin type? If you are, then this article going to address your situation and by the time we are done you will be home and dry. But don’t worry if you still have some pending concerns then you can schedule for an appointment with doctor Akoury today for one on one interview and all your concerns will be addressed professionally. In the meantime look at the following descriptions and see which one suit you best.

Dry skin – Dry skin can be flaky and easily irritated. It’s more sensitive. If your skin has these qualities and also tends to react to some (or all) of the skin products you have tried, then there is possibilities that you have dry skin. Remember that the extreme version of dry skin is sensitive skin.

Oily skin – The main test for finding out if you have oily skin is to explore whether at some point you have a feeling of some oil on your face. Most people can feel a little oil by late afternoon, however when the oily feeling is consistently around midday, the we can make a conclusion that you have an oily skin. Oily skin rarely reacts negatively to skin products like dry, sensitive skin types do. It has slightly better natural sun protection, but is also prone to acne.

Combination skin – If the description of dry skin matches your cheeks, but the description of oily skin matches your T-zone (nose and brow area primarily), you have combination skin.

Matching skin care to skin type is important. Dr. Akoury notes that there are two commonly used skin care products that just about everyone can steer clear of toner and too-frequent exfoliation, both of which can strip away the protective layers of your skin. If you have a good skin care regimen, you don’t need either one, although you could plan for a semi-annual exfoliation as seasons change.

The Best Care for Your Skin Type: Caring for Dry Skin

Dry skin needs babying and lots of tender, loving care. Here are the key components of dry skin care:

  • Cleanse – When cleansing, ensure that you only use gentle cleansers. The exercise (cleansing) is better done at night so that you don’t have to repeat the same in the morning. Mild cleansers are best for all skin types including Purpose, Dove bar soap, or Cataphyll cleanser. These cleansers should easily remove makeup as well as dirt.
  • Apply retinol – Stick to a retinol for anti-aging. Retinol can be very good for dry skin. However, not everyone with dry skin can use retinol products due to sensitivity. If irritation appears, the frequency of use can be decreased.
  • Use products rich in hyaluronic acid – The other thing that can go on underneath a moisturizer is a hyaluronic acid product. That molecule is very hydroscopic it pulls water in around it. That would be a great augmenting moisturizer for someone with dry skin.
  • Moisturize – The stratum corneum, which is the dead skin cell layer that protects the surface of the skin, tends to get easily interrupted with dry skin. If you want to try to repair that then looking for moisturizers which contain phospholipids, cholesterol, and essential fatty acids is ideal, and particularly CeraVe Moisturize in the morning (with an SPF of 30) and more moisturizer before bed, using a thicker cream, such as Olay’s Regenerist.

The Best Care for Your Skin Type: Caring for Oily Skin

If you have oily skin, you’ll have an easier time finding friendly skin care products which will not irritate however your only challenge would be managing the oil:

  • Cleanse – People with oily skin or acne should wash with a gentle cleanser morning and evening. Doctor Dalal Akoury is offering the following tip for cleansing properly: Use your fingertips and rub it in for 30 seconds before rinsing.
  • Use salicylic acid – Apply an alcohol-free salicylic acid product, such as a Stridex pad, or a salicylic acid medicated cleanser on the oily areas of your skin. This should be done two or three times a week.
  • Apply retinol – Retinol products also cut down on oil production and reduce the appearance of large pores. They are a good anti-aging choice for those with oily skin, who are less likely to find them irritating than those with dry skin.
  • Moisturize – Use an oil-free moisturizer with SPF 30. This will be very helpful for your skin generally.
The Best Care for Your Skin Type: Caring for Combination Skin

People with combination skin (both dry and oily skin) will follow the same basic routine, but have to make it a balancing act, drawing from skin care routines for both oily and dry skin:

  • Cleanse. Stick to gentle cleansers. Avoid using medicated cleanser completely and instead keep it mild. Once daily should be fine unless you have significant oil in some parts of your face.
  • Spot-treat with salicylic acid. Apply this to the greasier areas of your face a daily basis.
  • Moisturize. Go for oil-free products with SPF 30 and spot-treat the drier areas of your face with richer moisturizer.

Finally take some time to come up with certain skin care routine that’s right for your skin type. I believe that by now you’re sure of your skin type and how to care for your complexion, however if you’re not the all is not lost, you can still schedule for an appointment with doctor Akoury and explain to her about the products you are using and how they affect your skin. She will be able to evaluate your condition based on her professional observation and results of test done on you. With the help of this professional and a little work and commitment on your part, you can achieve a healthy glow, no matter what your skin type.

The Best Care for Your Skin Type: Dry or Oily Skins

 

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Foods That Make You Look Older Faster

February 20, 2015

Foods That Make You Look Older Faster: The Experts Opinion on food for better skin texture

Foods That Make You Look Older Faster

Foods That Make You Look Older Faster are both in your hands. Choose wisely what to eat for the good health of your skin.

Have you noticed that in most cases when you are just from the holidays you often have some changes on your skin? Actually there’s a reason for that and it begins with you you’ve been feeding on. We want to look at the various foods we eat that can be of great disadvantage to us. There are those foods that make you look older faster and such makes justification to the phrase what you eat affects your skin either for better or worse. Remember that these are foods we use daily and we are not pointing them out to scare you. However we appreciate that while a few tolerances won’t age you overnight, an unceasingly poor diet can accelerate the aging process of your skin (and teeth) over time. Therefore if you want to keep that good look on your face, doctor Akoury recommends the following foods to be consumed in moderation:

  • Sweets
  • Alcohol
  • White wine
  • Charred meat
  • Salty foods
  • Processed meat
  • Spicy food
  • Red meat
  • Energy drinks
  • Lemonade
  • Anything caffeinated
  • Trans fats
  • Coffee
  • Black tea

Foods That Make You Look Older Faster: Sweets

Sugar overload may kick-start a process called glycation. When you eat more sugar than your cells can process, the excess sugar molecules combine with proteins, creating advanced glycation end products appropriately referred to as AGES. Ultimately, AGES may damage your skin’s collagen which is the protein that keeps skin firm and youthful. Besides this too much sweet stuff is also bad for your smile. This is because when sugar sticks to your teeth, they promote the formation of bacteria, decay, and discoloration. Doctor Akoury advices that every time consumes something sweet always drink water afterwards to remove any buildup.

Foods That Make You Look Older Faster: Alcohol

The goodness of the skin begins with possessing a healthy liver. The proper functionality of the liver will mean that toxins which could potentially affect the skin are expelled naturally through your body systems. However if toxins build up in your liver, and aren’t broken down properly, your skin can develop a variety of issues, like acne, sallowness, and wrinkles. Drinking can also trigger rosacea outbreaks. Besides its effect on the liver, alcohol is dehydrating and bad for your sleep, which is another factor associated with accelerated. Inadequate sleep is linked to wrinkles, uneven pigmentation, and reduced skin elasticity.

Foods That Make You Look Older Faster: White wine

White wine falls into its own category because of its surprising dental damage. While a glass of red will give you instant wine mouth, the acid in white wine damages your enamel and makes your teeth more prone to longer-lasting stains. So if you always end your day with a glass of chardonnay, your teeth may be more vulnerable to those coffee stains the next morning. In the event that you have taken white wine, always brush your teeth immediately after drinking. Brushing already acidic teeth can further the erosion of your enamel. You need to give your teeth time to re-mineralize after being bathed in an acidic beverage.

Foods That Make You Look Older Faster: Charred meat

That black char on your burger? It may contain pro-inflammatory hydrocarbons, which could present a problem since inflammation breaks down the collagen in your skin, explains Dr. Akoury. You don’t necessarily need to banish BBQ from your vocab, but at least make sure you scrape off the black stuff, and clean the grill afterward so you don’t contaminate your next meal.

Foods That Make You Look Older Faster: Salty foods

You might not cook with salt, but that doesn’t guarantee your intake is low. Many canned foods are preserved with sodium, which can make you retain water and cause a ‘puffy’ look. Watch out for these 13 foods that are saltier than you realize, and if you need a quick fix, combat fluid retention with a moisturizer that contains caffeine (it’s known for reducing puffiness when applied topically).

Foods That Make You Look Older Faster: Processed meats

Ye we like them, the Deli meat, sausage, and bacon. But many of these meats have sulfites and other preservatives, which can trigger inflammation in the skin, and accelerate the appearance of aging. They also tend to be high in salt, which can make you look puffy. And besides, processed red meats have been linked to heart disease. Try swapping the deli meat on your sandwich for chicken or turkey. If you can’t say goodbye for good, use less meat, and load up on veggies.

Foods That Make You Look Older Faster: Spicy food

Spicy food aggravates rosacea-prone skin, but it can also do damage during menopause. It’s believed that the blood vessels in the skin are more reactive then. Since spicy food dilates your blood vessels, menopausal women may find their skin looking freckled and less youthful during this time. Don’t worry about indulging in the occasional spicy curry, but regular flare-ups could lead to spider veins, puffiness, and permanent redness. It is advisable to order your food mild when possible.

Foods That Make You Look Older Faster: Red meat

Fatty meat generates free radicals. Free radicals are in search of missing electrons, they snag electrons from healthy cells, damaging them in the process. This damage ultimately affects your skin’s ability to protect itself and generate collagen.

While it’s fine to eat a burger here and there, don’t make it a daily habit. You’re better off with leaner meats, like a turkey burger or chicken. And remember to load up on antioxidants, both in your fridge and in your beauty bag: Antioxidant-rich foods and serums help combat age-promoting free radicals. Therefore look for serums rich in vitamin C commonly known as ascorbic acid.

Foods That Make You Look Older Faster: Energy drinks

Energy drinks may make you feel like you have the pep of a kid, but they have a not-so-youthful effect on your teeth. In fact, teeth exposed to energy drinks were stripped of more enamel than sports drinks. The less contact they are with your teeth the better. Finally all foods that make you look older faster are not strangers in your life. In fact they are always very appealing and luring. Resisting them may not be easy and that is why consulting with the experts periodically will be necessary. Visit AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under Doctor Akoury’s care who is also the CEO and the founder of the same. Schedule for an appointment with her today on phone and find natural means of disconnecting yourself from all these wrong stuff for the benefit of your beautiful skin.

Foods That Make You Look Older Faster: The Experts Opinion on food for better skin texture

 

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