|
Skin Type
|
Characteristics
|
Text Link
|
| Normal |
Pores
are medium sized, equal balance of
water and oil, which means this skin
type is naturally well moisturized. |
|
| Oily |
Coarse
textured, pores tend to be larger,
and face looks shiny especially in
the T-zone area (across the
forehead, down the nose and
including the chin). Oily skin is
prone to pimples, blackheads, and
white heads, but having breakouts
does not mean you have an oily skin. |
|
| Dry |
Skin
may be rough textured, flaky or
tight, and very little or no shiny
areas. Skin may look dull, have
small pores, and becomes chapped
when extremely dry. |
|
| Combination |
A
combination of dry and oily areas,
usually oily within the T-zone. The
T-zone extends across the forehead,
down the nose and includes the chin.
A combination skin has dry cheeks
and neck; more people have this skin
type than any other. |
|
| Sensitive |
Any
skin type can be classified as
sensitive. Most sensitive skin is
caused by the use of products that
are too harsh for the skin, thus
causing breakouts, irritation,
reddening of the skin, stinging or a
heated sensation. |
|
| Mature |
Mature
skin types are not determined by
age, but rather by overexposure to
the elements or inadequate nutrition
resulting in extreme skin imbalance.
Skin usually has poor elasticity,
dull appearance, dryness,
superficial lines, and sun-damage. |
|
| All
Skin Types |
|
|
Honey Mixture Improves Skin Conditions
Posted by:
Kimberly Beauchamp, ND (BotanicChoice
04/17/2004)
Healthnotes Newswire (March 25, 2004)—A mixture of honey, olive oil, and
beeswax may relieve the symptoms associated with eczema and psoriasis, reports
Complementary Therapies in Medicine (2003:11;226–34).
Atopic dermatitis (a form of eczema) is a chronic inflammatory skin
disorder that causes dry, itchy patches most commonly seen on the face, the
insides of the elbows, behind the knees, and on the hands and feet. With
repeated scratching, skin infections and abnormal thickening of the skin may
result. The skin may also ooze and form crusts of dried fluid. Eczema affects
up to 20% of people worldwide at some point in childhood; these individuals
also have an increased tendency to develop asthma and hay fever. Children
whose parents have a history of any of these conditions are more likely to
suffer from eczema; malfunctions of the immune system may also be a cause.
Treatments for eczema focus on decreasing inflammation and preventing
infection. Creams and lotions are recommended to maintain skin moisture, and
over the counter and prescription corticosteroid creams are often used to
relieve itching. Corticosteroid creams, however, may cause skin thinning and
can prolong the healing time of injured skin. Newer drugs that target the
immune system (e.g., tacrolimus ointment [Protopic™]) help control
inflammation. Avoidance of substances known to trigger eczema (including
animal dander, dust mites, certain foods, cigarette smoke, chlorine, and
perfumes) can help decrease the number of flare-ups.
Psoriasis is a chronic skin disorder characterized by abnormal cell
formation. Skin cells are produced too quickly, resulting in thickened red
areas covered with silvery scales, usually on the scalp, elbows, knees, back,
buttocks, palms, and soles; these areas may be itchy or painful. Psoriasis
affects about 2% of the United States population and appears more likely to
develop in people who have a family history of the disease.
Part of the immune system is believed to trigger the abnormal buildup of
skin cells seen in psoriasis, so some treatments are aimed at controlling this
immune response. Therapies for psoriasis include creams that contain
corticosteroids, vitamin D, or retinoids (synthetic forms of vitamin A), and
ultraviolet-light treatment. Stronger drugs like methotrexate and cyclosporin
may be prescribed for more severe cases. These drugs can cause serious side
effects including liver and kidney damage, high blood pressure, anemia, and
immune system suppression that can lead to infections.
The new study investigated the use of a topical application of honey, olive
oil, and beeswax for the treatment of eczema and psoriasis. Twenty-one people
with eczema and 18 people with psoriasis took part in the trial. Eleven of the
participants with eczema and ten of those with psoriasis were using topical
steroid creams before the study.
The participants with eczema who had had no prior treatment applied a
mixture of honey, olive oil, and beeswax to the affected areas on one half of
the body, and Vaseline to the affected areas on the other side of the body
three times per day for two weeks. Those with eczema who were using
corticosteroids prior to the study applied a combination of a steroid cream
and the honey mixture to one side of the body, and a Vaseline and steroid
cream mixture to the other side of the body three times per day for two weeks.
The participants with psoriasis who had had no prior treatment applied the
honey mixture to one half of the body and an inert material (paraffin) to the
other side. The participants using steroid creams prior to the study applied a
combination of the honey mixture and a steroid cream to one side of the body,
and a mixture of paraffin and a steroid cream to the other. Both groups
applied their mixtures three times per day for three weeks.
All participants were assessed for signs of redness, scaling, skin
thickening, itchiness, and oozing. Among the participants with eczema who had
used no prior treatment, 80% had a significant improvement using the honey
mixture; the amounts of itching, scaling, and oozing had the most profound
improvements. Among those participants with eczema who had used a steroid
cream prior to the study, a combination of the honey mixture and steroid cream
led to substantial reductions in steroid doses in almost half of the
participants. The honey mixture resulted in a marked improvement in 63% of the
participants with psoriasis who had had no prior treatment. Steroid doses were
reduced by up to 75% in half of the participants with psoriasis previously
using steroid creams, with no deterioration in symptoms.
Honey has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that help to
decrease pain and the appearance of scars, and that lead to faster wound
healing. Olive oil also has antibacterial properties and the ability to
inhibit substances that lead to inflammation. Olive oil and honey both contain
flavonoids that help protect cells and inhibit histamine (a substance involved
in allergic reactions). Beeswax has anti-inflammatory properties and is often
included in formulas to treat burns and other skin conditions.
A natural combination of honey, olive oil, and beeswax can provide
significant benefit to people suffering from eczema or psoriasis. Perhaps the
most significant finding of this study is the ability of the honey mixture to
decrease the need for corticosteroids.
The mixture used in this study is not commercially available but may be
made at home by combining equal parts of raw (unprocessed) honey, beeswax, and
cold pressed olive oil. Start with a small amount of each ingredient (e.g.,
one or two tablespoons). Begin by melting the beeswax in a small pan over low
heat, stirring occasionally. Once melted, remove it from the heat and mix in
the honey, then the olive oil, stirring the mixture until well blended. While
the mixture is still warm, pour it into an airtight container and store in the
refrigerator. The mixture should keep for up to three months. A few drops of
vitamin E oil (from a gel cap) may be added to each batch for longer shelf
life, and to enhance its healing properties.
Copyright ©2003
ESCC, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
