A new study in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology finds that slightly cold temperatures may worsen itch from allergic reaction and skin inflammation. The researchers reported that intense cold has been known to reduce the itch response, but slight cold, especially in cases where the temperature changes from normal, to slightly cold, back to normal actually makes itchiness worse.
This has important consequences for people experiencing skin allergies, irritation, dry skin, or more advanced skin inflammation, such as in eczema, because this means that physically moving through various temperatures can make itchiness better or worse.
This would be especially important to keep in mind during winter months, where skin allergy sufferers may be moving from warm air to cold air, back to warm air.
This change in temperature, combined with dry, cold air, and winter fabrics such as wool, acrylic, and knit can make dry skin and eczema symptoms worse.
If you live in a place with a cold season, be sure to keep your skin well hydrated, and to avoid multiple, rapid temperature changes. This will reduce the itchiness factor.
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Copper is an important factor in the synthesis of collagen and elastin, the two components which give skin its underlying tone and elasticity. Copper can be ingested as a mineral, like in vitamins, (though this is risky, because you need to have beware of taking too much). If too much copper is bad for you, too little is also bad for you.
Copper deficiency can actually lead to dry skin and rashes. Rather than risking the problems of taking copper orally, you can now get it in your skin care products. This may be one of the safest ways to add copper to your healthy skin routine.
Several studies have been completed which show that copper benefits skin by improving skin thickness, and reducing facial pigmentation, fine wrinkling, and sun damage. Using a skin cream containing copper resulted in rapid improvements in the level of skin clarity, improved elasticity and skin thickness, and in the reduced visual appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Copper seems to work by enhancing the skin’s natural cell turnover; rebuilding the protective layer. It also seems to aid the skin in its capacity to remain hydrated, and to aid in destruction and removal of damaged cells.
Tests have shown that copper increases collagen and elastin production even more than Vitamin C.
Choosing the right kind of copper cream is important. You want to make sure the ingredient list contains copper peptide, and try to keep the number of other ingredients to a minimum. You don’t want to have too many extra ingredients which might diminish the effects of the copper, or cause damage/irritation to your skin. Look for creams/products containing copper 2 peptides, as these are the ones with the most well-known skin rejuvenation effects.
If you’re thinking of adding copper to your skin care regime, consider:
Osmotics Blue Copper 5 Firming Elasticity Repair
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Salt from the Dead Sea has been well known for its therapeutic effects since ancient times. In fact, writings from 2000 years ago revealed that Dead Sea salts helped heal the human body.
The Dead Sea is located in Israel, less than an hour’s drive from Jurasalem. The Dead Sea joins Israel and Jordan, and is sometimes called the Sea of Peace.
More relevant for our needs (given that this is a skin care website and not a geography one!) is that the Dead Sea is the lowest point on earth, as well as the largest natural “spa” in the world.
The Dead Sea is 1,373 feet below sea level, and contains mineral rich waters and world-famous black mud; both said to provide natural health and beauty benefits to visitors and consumers.
The Dead Sea is considered it’s own “micro-universe” in that it even has its own climate! The Dead Sea is the saltiest and most minerally rich body of water in the world. The waters of the Dead Sea contain 27% salt, compared to the normal 3% in regular sea water. While normal ocean water is made up of about 80% sodium, the balance of salts in the Dead Sea are magnesium, potassium, bromides, and calcium chloride.
The Dead Sea is so salt rich, in fact, that every bather actually floats on the surface of the water and doesn’t sink.
The combination of warmth and minerals makes bathing a very pleasant experience.
That sounds great, you might be thinking, but what are the skin benefits of the Dead Sea salts?
Glad you asked. Studies have been conducted on the health benefits of bathing in Dead Sea salts, and they have reported the following results:
Dead Sea salts have the following beneficial effects on the skin and body:
- They provide relief from skin and joint inflammation
- They stimulate circulation
- They enchange cell regeneration
- They improve skin tone
- They cure muscular pains
- They reduce feelings of stress
Studies of psoriasis patients treated in a 10% salt bath 3-4x/week had marked improvement in their condition in just one week. These patients had significant relief from itching, skin scaling, and sleep disturbances.
What makes the Dead Sea salts so helpful? It has to do with the various elements: magnesium, calcium, potassium, bromides and sodium. Magnesium helps to combat stress and decrease fluid retention, which calms the nervous system and slow the aging process. Calcium prevents water retention while it improves circulation and strengthens bones and nails. Potassium helps balance skin moisture, and is a crucial element for proper cellular balance.
The bromides relax stiff muscles and prevent delayed soreness. Sodium helps maintain proper flud balance and immune system functioning.
You can see that bathing in all of these minerals could have profound effects on both our skin and our general health and well being.
So far, no studies have reported side effects from using Dead Sea salts in your skin care routine.
If your skin could use a little calming, balancing, and hydrating nutrition, consider using Dead Sea salts.
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