health Archives - Made By Risch

The Truth about Tea Tree Oil for Acne

Tea tree oil, also known as Melaleuca alternifolia oil, is known for many different uses, from treating wounds to treating acne. But is it really effective? Or is it more mind over matter? In this research article, we explore the evidence to find the truth about tea tree oil, especially for the application of treating acne. Where Does Tea Tree Oil Come From Tea tree oil, also known as Melaleuca alternifolia oil, is an essential oil obtained from the leaves of the tea tree plant. This plant is native to Australia, particularly the coastal regions of New South Wales and Queensland. For centuries, the Bundjalung Aboriginal people of Australia have used tea tree oil for its medicinal properties, including wound healing and infection prevention. Traditionally, they crushed the leaves to release the oil and applied it directly to the skin (4). The commercial production of tea tree oil began in the 1920s when Australian chemist Arthur Penfold discovered its powerful antiseptic properties. His studies demonstrated that tea tree oil was significantly more effective than conventional antiseptics available at the time (2). Today, tea tree oil is extracted through steam distillation, a process that ensures the preservation of its active components. The oil contains over 100 compounds, including terpinen-4-ol, which is primarily responsible for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects (7). Australia remains the largest producer of tea tree oil, although other countries, such as China and South Africa, have also begun cultivating Melaleuca alternifolia to meet global demand (5). Uses for Tea Tree Oil Tea tree oil has diverse applications, ranging from skin and hair care to household cleaning and aromatherapy. Its antimicrobial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties make it an effective natural remedy for various conditions. Skincare Personal Hygiene Household Cleaning Tea tree oil is a popular natural disinfectant. It can be used to clean surfaces, remove mold, and eliminate bacteria in household spaces (11). Aromatherapy When diffused, tea tree oil purifies the air and alleviates respiratory symptoms such as nasal congestion or sinus infections. Its fresh, medicinal aroma also has uplifting effects on mood and focus (6). Pros and Cons of Using Tea Tree Oil on Acne While it seems that tea tree oil is indeed great for many different applications, the truth is that we have to consider the cons about tea tree oil as well as the pros. Let’s see what they are. Pros Cons Efficacy in Treating Acne with Tea Tree Oil While there is certainly room for more research, the truth about tea tree oil’s efficacy in acne treatment, is that it is backed by scientific research. It addresses acne through two key mechanisms: A randomized controlled trial compared a 5% tea tree oil gel with a 5% benzoyl peroxide gel. The study found that while tea tree oil took slightly longer to show results, it was equally effective in reducing acne severity and caused fewer side effects, such as dryness and irritation (13). In addition, in vitro studies confirm that tea tree oil has broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against skin pathogens, including Staphylococcus epidermidis and P. acnes (15). Scientific Proof for the Use of Tea Tree Oil on Acne Multiple studies and reviews support the use of tea tree oil for acne: Summary and Conclusion Tea tree oil, derived from the Melaleuca alternifolia plant, is a versatile essential oil celebrated for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Its efficacy in treating acne has been supported by numerous clinical studies, which demonstrate its ability to reduce both acne-causing bacteria and inflammation. Comparisons to conventional treatments, such as benzoyl peroxide, highlight tea tree oil’s comparable effectiveness with fewer adverse side effects. However, it is important to use tea tree oil with caution. Undiluted applications may cause irritation, and it is toxic when ingested. Patch testing and proper dilution with carrier oils can mitigate these risks. In conclusion, the truth about tea tree oil is that it offers a fairly safe, effective, and natural alternative for managing mild to moderate acne. Its growing popularity in dermatology and skincare reflects its scientific backing and potential as a holistic solution for acne treatment. References

The Truth about Tea Tree Oil for Acne Read More »

The Truth About Sunburn

Leave a Comment / Articles / Marista

Understanding Sunburn, Sunstroke, and Sun Safety: Protecting Yourself and Your Loved Ones Spending time in the sun can be one of life’s simplest joys. From lazy beach days to outdoor sports, sunshine is often associated with fun and relaxation. However, the sun’s powerful rays can also cause significant harm if you don’t take proper precautions. The truth is that sunburn and sunstroke are among the most immediate dangers of too much sun exposure, but the long-term effects on your skin can be even more alarming. This article will explore the risks, explain why children are particularly vulnerable, and provide actionable tips to protect yourself and your family. What Is Sunburn? Sunburn occurs when your skin is exposed to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun for too long, resulting in damage to skin cells. The redness and pain associated with sunburn are your body’s inflammatory response to this cellular damage. Depending on the intensity of exposure and your skin type, sunburn can range from mild redness to severe blistering. How Does Sunburn Damage Your Skin? Sunburn isn’t just a temporary discomfort—it causes real harm to your skin at the cellular level: Understanding Sunstroke Sunstroke, also known as heatstroke, occurs when your body overheats due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures and direct sunlight. This is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. Symptoms of Sunstroke: Why Children Are More Vulnerable Children are particularly susceptible to sunstroke because their bodies are less efficient at regulating temperature. They can become dehydrated more quickly and may not recognize the symptoms of overheating until it’s too late (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2023). The Dangers of Repeated Sunburns While a single sunburn may seem harmless, the truth is that repeated sunburns and exposure has cumulative effects that can last a lifetime. How Sunburn Affects Little Kids Children’s skin is thinner and more delicate than adults’, making it more prone to sunburn. The truth is that even mild sunburn in kids can have severe consequences, including dehydration, fever, and discomfort. The Long-Term Impact on Kids Tips to Prevent Sunburn and Sunstroke Prevention is key to protecting yourself and your family from the sun’s harmful effects. Here’s how you can stay safe: 1. Use the Highest SPF Sunscreen You Can Find 2. Apply Regularly, Especially After a Swim Even water-resistant sunscreens lose effectiveness after swimming or sweating. Reapply sunscreen frequently to maintain protection. 3. Wear a Wide-Brimmed Hat A wide-brimmed hat shields your face, ears, and neck from direct sunlight. For children, hats with chin straps are a great option to keep them secure. 4. Wear Protective Clothing Lightweight, long-sleeved shirts, dresses, and pants made of breathable fabrics like cotton or linen can help block UV rays while keeping you cool. Choose clothing with a UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) rating for added protection (American Academy of Dermatology Association, n.d.). 5. Avoid the Sun Between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. UV rays are strongest during this time, so try to plan outdoor activities for the early morning or late afternoon (Cancer Council Australia, 2023). 6. Be Extra Cautious with Kids 7. Don’t Rely Solely on Umbrellas While umbrellas provide shade, UV rays can reflect off surfaces like sand, water, and concrete, reaching your skin. Use umbrellas in combination with other sun protection measures (Skin Cancer Foundation, 2023). 8. Stay Hydrated Dehydration can exacerbate the effects of sunburn and sunstroke. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially if you’re active outdoors. What to Do If You Get Sunburned Despite your best efforts, sunburn can still happen. Here’s how to manage it: Conclusion The truth is that protecting yourself and your family from sunburn and sunstroke isn’t just about comfort—it’s a crucial step in safeguarding your long-term health. Whether you’re heading to the beach or spending time in your backyard, adopting sun-safe habits can make all the difference. By using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and staying out of the sun during peak hours, you can enjoy the outdoors without putting your skin at risk. And remember, children rely on you to protect their delicate skin, so take extra care to keep them safe. A little preparation goes a long way in ensuring that your sunny days are filled with nothing but happy memories. Stay safe, stay cool, and enjoy the sunshine responsibly! Sources

The Truth About Sunburn Read More »

The truth about Baby Skin

Leave a Comment / Articles / Marista

Baby skin is truly a wonder of nature! It is delicate, soft, and (mostly) fragrant, yet it is also highly sensitive and vulnerable. It is often a source of joy for parents, but it also requires diligent care and attention. Baby skin works differently than adult skin, owing to its structure and function, and it is particularly susceptible to environmental factors, infections, and irritants. In this article, we will explore the truth about how baby skin functions, why it is so sensitive, and how to protect it effectively. How Baby Skin Works Baby skin undergoes rapid development and adaptation after birth. While it appears smooth and flawless, the structure of infant skin is quite different from adult skin. Being the biggest organ and the protective layer, it is a crucial part of the baby’s defense system, but it is still developing and functions less effectively than mature skin. Skin Structure and Function The skin is composed of three primary layers: the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue. In infants, each layer has unique characteristics that impact its function. The Role of the Skin Barrier The primary role of the skin is to act as a barrier against harmful external elements. The truth is, for newborns and infants, this barrier is still developing, and it continues to mature during the first year. An underdeveloped skin barrier means that water retention is weak, contributing to dryness. Furthermore, baby skin can absorb topical agents more rapidly, leading to a higher risk of irritation and systemic effects from substances applied to it (4). Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL) is significantly higher in infants than adults, which means babies lose more moisture through their skin, making hydration critical (5), both through oral intake (drinking fluids) and topical application (creams). Additionally, a baby’s skin microbiome—the community of beneficial bacteria on the skin surface that helps fight off pathogens—takes time to develop, leaving infants more vulnerable to infections (6). What Does Baby Skin Look Like? Baby skin is often described as flawless, but the truth is, it is not always as perfect as it seems. Several conditions are common in newborns due to their immature skin and its developing functions. Common Characteristics of Baby Skin Why Is Baby Skin So Sensitive? Baby skin sensitivity stems from its underdeveloped structure and function, which limits its ability to defend against external aggressors. Several factors contribute to this sensitivity: Protecting Baby’s Skin Given the sensitive nature of baby skin, it is important to adopt gentle care practices that provide protection while allowing the skin to develop naturally. There are a lot of noise about how to care properly for your baby’s skin, and there are so many products available, each one seeming more important than the next. But the truth is that baby skin doesn’t need so many different products for it to develop and grow strong. Here are some strategies to protect baby skin effectively: 1. Moisturization Since baby skin loses moisture rapidly, it is crucial to use moisturizing products that lock in hydration. Opt for fragrance-free, colorant-free, hypoallergenic lotions or creams formulated for sensitive skin. Ingredients like shea butter, glycerin, and ceramides can help support the skin’s barrier function (5). Always be wary of products containing SLS or SLES, as this is a known skin irritant. Moisturizers should be applied right after bathing, when the skin is still damp, to help seal in moisture. Regular use of emollients can also help reduce the risk of conditions like eczema (2). Read this article for more information on the treatment of eczema. 2. Gentle Bathing Frequent bathing can strip away the natural oils that help protect the skin, so it is recommended to bathe babies only two to three times a week. Use lukewarm water and mild, soap-free cleansers to avoid drying out the skin. Be sure to avoid hot water, as it can exacerbate skin dryness (4). After bathing, pat the skin dry rather than rubbing, which can cause irritation. Focus on gently cleaning areas like the diaper region, neck folds, and behind the ears (7). 3. Clothing and Diapers Dressing babies in soft, breathable fabrics like cotton can reduce the risk of irritation. Avoid fabrics like wool or synthetic materials that can cause friction and lead to rashes. Keep clothing loose to allow air circulation and prevent overheating (5). When it comes to diapers, frequent changes are essential to prevent diaper rash. Diaper rash occurs when moisture, urine, and feces irritate the delicate skin. Using barrier creams containing zinc oxide can create a protective layer on the skin to prevent diaper rash (6). 4. Sun Protection Baby skin is especially sensitive to the sun, and direct sunlight should be avoided as much as possible, especially in babies younger than six months. Use protective clothing, wide-brimmed hats, and seek shade when outdoors. If sun exposure is unavoidable, use broad-spectrum sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30, formulated for infants (1). 5. Minimize Use of Harsh Products Babies do not need perfumes, dyes, or harsh chemicals on their skin. Opt for products labeled “fragrance-free” and “hypoallergenic” to reduce the risk of irritation. Similarly, avoid laundry detergents with fragrances or additives that can linger on clothes and irritate baby skin (2, 4). Although the use of fabric softeners are taken for granted, consider eliminating using it at all. By simply adding bicarbonate of soda to the wash, the smells are removed and replaced with a natural clean smell, but without the additives and irritants generally found in fabric softeners. 6. Watch for Signs of Irritation Even with the best care, baby skin may (and probably will!) still react to new products or environmental changes. Look for redness, dryness, bumps, or rashes as signs of irritation. If a rash develops, remove any potential irritants, and consult a pediatrician if the condition worsens or persists (6). Conclusion The truth is that baby skin, while beautiful and soft, requires careful attention and care due to its unique structure and function. It is thinner, more permeable,

The truth about Baby Skin Read More »

Skin Exfoliation Exposed

Leave a Comment / Articles / Marista

Understanding the What, Why, and How of Healthy Skin Exfoliation Skin exfoliation is a fundamental practice in skincare routines worldwide, but there are still a lot of questions and misconceptions regarding this practice. Is it truly necessary? How often should you do it? And what is the best way to do it? In this article, we will unravel the essentials of skin exfoliation, exploring its definition, benefits, and best practices, including how often you should exfoliate. This article aims to address all these issues and provide a clear understanding of how exfoliation fits into a balanced skincare regimen. 1. What is Skin Exfoliation? Exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells from the outer layer of the skin, the stratum corneum. Just like the rest of the human body, the skin is constantly renewing itself. New skin cells form in the lower layers of the epidermis and migrate to the surface over time. These cells eventually die, creating a layer of dead skin on the surface. While some dead cells shed naturally, being removed by our clothes and the towel when drying after a bath or shower, others stick to the skin, leading to dullness, rough texture, clogged pores, and uneven skin tone. There are two primary types of exfoliation: 2. Is Skin Exfoliation Necessary? The question of whether exfoliation is essential or even necessary, often arises in skincare discussions. While it is not strictly “necessary” for everyone, skin exfoliation offers several significant benefits, even for those with specific skin concerns. Benefits of Regular Exfoliation When Exfoliation Might Not Be Necessary Not everyone needs to exfoliate regularly. For those with sensitive skin or skin conditions like eczema, exfoliation can sometimes do more harm than good. Over-exfoliating can damage the skin barrier, leading to increased irritation, redness, and even triggering or worsen breakouts. People with naturally dry or sensitive skin should exfoliate less frequently or opt for gentler exfoliants, such as enzyme-based products. In short, while exfoliation is indeed a beneficial skin procedure, it is not a one-size-fits-all practice. Understanding your skin type is crucial for determining whether you can add it to your skin routine, and if you can add it, which one is the best to use for your skin. 3. How Often Should Exfoliation Be Done? The frequency of exfoliation depends largely on your skin type, the type of exfoliant you’re using, and your skincare goals. Here are some general guidelines based on skin type: 1. Oily or Acne-Prone Skin People with oily or acne-prone skin can typically exfoliate 2 to 3 times a week. Oily skin can tolerate more frequent exfoliation because the oils help to protect the skin barrier during the process. Chemical exfoliants like salicylic acid are often recommended for this skin type, as they can penetrate deeper into the pores and help reduce excess sebum. 2. Dry or Sensitive Skin For dry or sensitive skin, once a week is usually enough. Over-exfoliating can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to further dryness and irritation. Gentle exfoliants, such as enzyme-based or mild physical exfoliants, are ideal for this skin type. 3. Combination Skin People with combination skin should focus on treating different areas of the face accordingly. Oily areas, like the T-zone, can be exfoliated 2 to 3 times a week, while drier areas should be exfoliated less frequently, about once a week. 4. Normal Skin For those with normal skin, exfoliating 2 times a week is a good balance. Both chemical and physical exfoliants can be used depending on personal preference, but alternating between them is often a good approach. 5. Mature or Aging Skin Mature skin tends to lose its natural exfoliation rhythm as cell turnover slows down with age. Exfoliation can be done 1 to 2 times a week, depending on how sensitive the skin is. Chemical exfoliants, particularly those containing AHAs like glycolic acid, are effective for aging skin, as they promote collagen production and enhance skin elasticity. Safe Exfoliation Practices Regardless of your skin type, it’s important to exfoliate correctly to avoid damaging your skin: Conclusion: Skin Exfoliation Exposed Considering all of these factors, it is clear that exfoliation can indeed be a valuable part of a skincare routine when done correctly. It helps improve skin texture, unclog pores, and enhance the effectiveness of skincare products. However, it’s essential to tailor the frequency and type of exfoliation to your skin’s unique needs to avoid damaging the skin barrier. While exfoliation offers a host of benefits, it’s not strictly necessary, or even profitable for everyone. Sensitive or dry skin types should approach exfoliation with caution and prioritize gentle methods. Skin suffering from eczema or similar skin conditions should not practice exfoliation at all, as this might increase and worsen existing outbreaks, or trigger an outbreak. Also, exfoliation should not be done on any broken skin, irrespective of the cause. The key is moderation and listening to your skin’s signals. Exfoliating 1 to 3 times a week, depending on your skin type, is generally safe and effective for most individuals. And remember: always follow up with moisturizer and sun protection to keep your skin healthy and glowing. By understanding the science behind exfoliation and its potential benefits and risks, you can make informed decisions to achieve radiant, healthy skin. References:

Skin Exfoliation Exposed Read More »