http://www.skincareguide.ca/articles/ Articles written by internationally recognised dermatologists. http://www.skincareguide.ca/articles/general_skin_care/age_spots.html As time goes on, we start to notice brown spots and freckles - "souvenirs of Florida" - on the backs of our hands and on other sun exposed areas like the upper chest and face. At first, these brown spots are small and light colored, but eventually they become a cosmetic problem; an obvious sign of premature aging... http://www.skincareguide.ca/articles/general_skin_care/smooth_sailing.html Shaving is like brushing your teeth. It is generally a hassle, but it needs to be done, and the results are always satisfying. That is, unless you have a fight with your shaver every day. Here are some facts and tips to ensure your daily shave goes smoothly... http://www.skincareguide.ca/articles/general_skin_care/skin_care_advice.html Everyone - guests and those who will be in the public eye - wants their skin to look its best on their big day. Here are some simple tips you can follow to help avoid skin problems on your special day... http://www.skincareguide.ca/articles/general_skin_care/ingrown_hairs.html Quite a few men and women are troubled from time to time (or in some cases all the time) by ingrown hairs. For men, ingrown hairs or "razor bumps" are mainly a problem on the front of the neck and under the chin... http://www.skincareguide.ca/articles/general_skin_care/antioxidants_clean.html If you want to protect your skin, think antioxidants. Antioxidants have gained a great deal of attention in recent years, for good reason. They work to combat the free radical cells that damage your skin... http://www.skincareguide.ca/articles/general_skin_care/hormones_skin.html "How to achieve beautiful, supple and young-looking skin." You almost can't avoid it - splashed on magazine covers, reported in newspapers and marketed on television and radio, the message to improve our skin would appear paramount to how we and others view our looks... http://www.skincareguide.ca/articles/general_skin_care/treating_cuts.html We all get cuts and scrapes from time to time, so here are some basic steps to make sure you are decreasing the chance of infection and minimizing scarring... http://www.skincareguide.ca/articles/general_skin_care/resolution_skin.html We all know that aging is a natural biological process that affects all of us. The aging of your skin is also greatly affected by external factors that accelerate this process; particularly smoking... http://www.skincareguide.ca/articles/general_skin_care/dandruff.html We have all seen people with those white flakes on their shoulders, but is it really just dandruff? Is it contagious? Can't they do something about it? http://www.skincareguide.ca/articles/general_skin_care/moisturizers_myth_medicine.html Who doesn't want smooth, hydrated, healthy skin? From basic formulas that claim to keep skin moist, to concoctions that promise an end to aging skin and wrinkles, the choice of a skin moisturizer can be overwhelming... http://www.skincareguide.ca/articles/general_skin_care/skin_discolored_sun.html Melasma is a common increase of pigmentation that occurs exclusively in sun-exposed areas, in particular on the face... http://www.skincareguide.ca/articles/general_skin_care/skin_tags_seborrheic_keratoses.html As time goes on, we all acquire tiny bits of extra skin called skin tags. These can range in size from 1-10 mm, and are flesh colored or brown... http://www.skincareguide.ca/articles/general_skin_care/what_is_in_your_sunscreen.html There is more to sunscreens that meets the eye. Here are a few points you should keep in mind when selecting one... http://www.skincareguide.ca/articles/general_skin_care/learning_about_sun_protection.html Sunshine, although essential for health and well being, is certainly a hazard for the skin. For many people it feels good to spend time outdoors and this makes it difficult to avoid excessive exposure to the sun... http://www.skincareguide.ca/articles/general_skin_care/hands_show_age.html Because of sun and weather exposure, years of minor scrapes and cuts, and for some, constant exposure to water and detergents, our hands sometimes age faster than other parts of our bodies, and detract from our appearance. Fortunately, it is now possible to rejuvenate the hands... http://www.skincareguide.ca/articles/general_skin_care/diaper_rash.html Diaper rash is common in babies and toddlers and is generally caused by the constant wetting and drying of delicate skin and exposure to irritants. No matter how clean and dry you keep your baby's bottom, they will likely develop a diaper rash at some point... http://www.skincareguide.ca/articles/general_skin_care/skin_rashes.html A skin rash shows up as an area of inflammation or change in the texture, and/ or color of your skin. It can be caused by a number of different things including irritation, disease, or allergic/ non-allergic reactions to foods, chemicals, plants, animals, insects or other environmental factors... http://www.skincareguide.ca/articles/general_skin_care/halloween.html With Halloween upon us, adults and children alike are planning costumes for parties, school events and trick or treating. For some adults, it is the one time of year that "the inner child" comes out to play... http://www.skincareguide.ca/articles/general_skin_care/gen_skin_care_art_1.html Do you know that approximately one out of three people do not wash their hands after using the restroom? (US Center for Disease Control, 2005)... http://www.skincareguide.ca/articles/general_skin_care/gen_skin_care_art_2.html It's that time of year; parties, company dinners, family get-togethers and you want your skin to look great through the whole season. Here are some helpful tips to keep your skin looking great for the holidays... http://www.skincareguide.ca/articles/general_skin_care/gen_skin_care_art_3.html Burns are a major cause of preventable injury and death in Canada. In 1998, 300 Canadians died and 3493 were hospitalized as a result of a burn injury... http://www.skincareguide.ca/articles/general_skin_care/gen_skin_care_art_4.html Ear piercing has a long history starting in antiquity. It is still very popular with women, as well as men, and has become more common in children... http://www.skincareguide.ca/articles/general_skin_care/gen_skin_care_art_5.html In some cases warts are just a nuisance, but warts can be unsightly and can interfere with work when they affect the hands or feet... http://www.skincareguide.ca/articles/general_skin_care/gen_skin_care_art_6.html Prevention; it's still the key when it comes to avoiding excessive aging of the skin. The best way to fight photo-aging (damage to your skin caused by getting too much sun exposure) is to protect yourself... http://www.skincareguide.ca/articles/general_skin_care/gen_skin_care_art_7.html Alopecia refers to 'hair loss' and can be classified as scarring and non-scarring forms. This article will address scarring alopecias... http://www.skincareguide.ca/articles/general_skin_care/gen_skin_care_art_9.html Hair loss or "alopecia" can be scarring or not. "Alopecia Areata" is a form of non-scarring alopecia... http://www.skincareguide.ca/articles/general_skin_care/gen_skin_care_art_8.html Vitamin C ( L-ascorbic acid ) is a nutrient that your body is not able to produce itself and therefore you need to eat those healthy fruits and vegetables that contain it. You've heard that vitamin C is used to help treat colds, but did you know that it is also used to prevent and even reverse ageing skin? http://www.skincareguide.ca/articles/general_skin_care/gen_skin_care_art_10.html Moisturizers - Are they really needed? The truth is that moisturizers are a growing component of daily skin care and account for one of the most common over the counter products sold in the world... http://www.skincareguide.ca/articles/general_skin_care/gen_skin_care_art_11.html Winter is here and many of us relate winter weather with suffering from itchy, dry skin. Chapped lips, dry, cracked hands, flaking skin; all signs of the season... http://www.skincareguide.ca/articles/general_skin_care/gen_skin_care_art_12.html Did you know that you have between 2 and 4 million sweat glands? They are present under the lower part of the skin. Their function is to control your body temperature by emitting a watery secretion which in turn evaporates and cools your body... http://www.skincareguide.ca/articles/general_skin_care/gen_skin_care_art_13.html Stretch marks - All of us hate them and yet most of us have them. Fortunately, not all is lost. Is there anything that can be done to prevent them? Most experts say no. Is there anything to treat them? The answer is YES... http://www.skincareguide.ca/articles/general_skin_care/gen_skin_care_art_14.html By now, many people are aware that hyaluronic acid and collagen can be used to fill creases, wrinkles and scars on the face and neck, in both men and women... http://www.skincareguide.ca/articles/general_skin_care/gen_skin_care_art_15.html Although there are different kinds of treatments, procedures and surgery that can assist in improving the look of your skin, it is important that you look after your skin to start with... http://www.skincareguide.ca/articles/general_skin_care/gen_skin_care_art_16.html The skin has evolved to protect us from the harmful effects of ultraviolet light. Sunscreens were first developed to prevent sunburns by blocking UVB; they allowed us to prolong our time in the sun, but that resulted in increased exposure to UVA... http://www.skincareguide.ca/articles/general_skin_care/gen_skin_care_art_17.html Children have a tendency to get cuts, scrapes, burns and other minor skin irritations and conditions. Here are some tips to help you deal with your child's minor skin problems... http://www.skincareguide.ca/articles/general_skin_care/gen_skin_care_art_18.html Hirsutism is a term describing excessive growth of dark, terminal hairs in women in a male-type pattern (i.e. hair on the beard area, chest, and abdomen)... http://www.skincareguide.ca/articles/general_skin_care/gen_skin_care_art_19.html We all have those days where no matter what we do, we can't control our hair. Below are some tips which will help you take better care of your hair... http://www.skincareguide.ca/articles/general_skin_care/gen_skin_care_art_20.html It's summer! That means vacation, beaches, tennis and of course sun shine. Although we get Vitamin D from the sun, it is thought that you really don't need more than minutes of sunshine a week in order to get the required amount... http://www.skincareguide.ca/articles/general_skin_care/gen_skin_care_art_21.html Pityriasis capitis is an excess of white scales or skin flakes on the scalp that itches. It is caused by a yeast that is normally present on the skin that combines with the secretions of the oil glands... http://www.skincareguide.ca/articles/general_skin_care/gen_skin_care_art_22.html Our skin is host to a number of bacteria, most of which are beneficial. Including the friendly flora in our gut, more than 200 species of bacteria reside within the tissues exposed to the external environment... http://www.skincareguide.ca/articles/general_skin_care/gen_skin_care_art_23.html Okay, today may not be the hottest day of the year, but for one in twenty people, excess sweating is a daily problem that the rest of us can only relate to on extremely hot days... http://www.skincareguide.ca/articles/general_skin_care/gen_skin_care_art_24.html Unwanted hair is a major self-esteem issue for many patients and the desire to deal with this embarrassing problem has fuelled proliferation of safe and effective treatment modalities. Traditionally, waxing, shaving, electrolysis, tweezing and threading have been commonly used to combat unwanted facial and body hair... http://www.skincareguide.ca/articles/general_skin_care/gen_skin_care_art_25.html We've all had them, a nasty hangnail. They seem to come from nowhere and then you snag them on something and ouch! Hangnails are simply dead skin - skin that's dried out and needs to be cared for... http://www.skincareguide.ca/articles/general_skin_care/gen_skin_care_art_26.html Adults all over the world are thinking about their skin right now! Wrinkles, puffy eyes, dull complexion, are conditions that more than just several of us try to avoid... http://www.skincareguide.ca/articles/general_skin_care/gen_skin_care_art_27.html It's Fall and we all know we need to take extra care of our skin in the summer due to an increase in sun exposure, but that should actually continue all year round... http://www.skincareguide.ca/articles/general_skin_care/gen_skin_care_art_28.html It turns out that a-hydroxy acids (AHAs) are important components of optimal skin care and their benefits have been studied and documented for some time now... http://www.skincareguide.ca/articles/general_skin_care/gen_skin_care_art_29.html It's that time of year when students all over the country are going back to school. Here are a few tips that will help keep their skin great for that first day back... http://www.skincareguide.ca/articles/acne/learning_about_acne.html Acne, often thought to be only a teenager's skin problem, is actually a condition that can affect adults both male and female, although it generally begins during puberty. Taking a proactive approach to treating acne is very important. How you look after your skin every day, along with the treatment you and your doctor select are key steps in your fight to eliminate pimples, preventing scarring and eliminating your acne... http://www.skincareguide.ca/articles/acne/hormonal_treatment_of_acne.html Hormonal treatments, including oral contraceptives, have long been recognized by dermatologists to be an effective treatment option for women who have acne, no matter how severe... http://www.skincareguide.ca/articles/acne/acne_myths.html Have you been told that you shouldn't eat chocolate because it causes acne? Or how about French fries? Pizza? Wrong! That's just a myth, and while certain foods can make acne worse for some people, researchers have found that it does not cause it! ... http://www.skincareguide.ca/articles/acne/discussion_about_acne_scars.html We all aspire to a smooth, clear complexion. When pimples arise, the need to flatten them out and squeeze is understandable. Unfortunately though, this may lead to short and long-term problems such as persistent redness, large brown stains... http://www.skincareguide.ca/articles/acne/acne_treatment_pinpoint_the_trigger.html From the occasional pimple during times of stress to the familiar breakouts before menses, acne affects almost all women at some time in their lives. While acne commonly develops during the preteen and early teen years, it can also arise in young adulthood and persist for years... http://www.skincareguide.ca/articles/acne/unseen_impact_of_acne.html Acne is universal. At some time or another we all experience this annoying disease. As teenagers we are frustrated with unsightly blemishes, and as adults, we are dismayed that we can still get acne... http://www.skincareguide.ca/articles/acne/acne_art_1.html Acne affects an estimated 99% of people - mostly teenagers and young adults - at some point in their lives. Although acne is temporary, lasting from a few months to a few years, early therapy is necessary to prevent scarring and dyspigmentation, which, untreated, can persist for life... http://www.skincareguide.ca/articles/general_skin_care/struggling_with_mirror.html As we age, the skin droops and develops wrinkles, lines and furrows. Depending on your skin type, you may find your skin to be pre-disposed to wrinkling. But thanks to diligent research and new advances, there are a number of solutions to combat facial lines... http://www.skincareguide.ca/articles/general_skin_care/rejuvenating_face.html Facial rejuvenation is the term used to encompass all forms of restoring a youthful appearance to the face. It includes the broad categories of... http://www.skincareguide.ca/articles/general_skin_care/getting_rid_tattoo.html Tired of your tattoo? Don't despair; most tattoo colors can be eliminated or lightened by a laser. Skin colored tattoos however, may undergo irreversible ink darkening. This includes white... http://www.skincareguide.ca/articles/general_skin_care/cosmetic_surgery.html The North American public's increased demand for cosmetic surgery has been well documented. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons... http://www.skincareguide.ca/articles/general_skin_care/laser_hair_removal.html Many men and women have hair that they want to thin out or eliminate. Over the past 10 years laser hair removal has advanced to the point where black and brown hair can be reliably and safely treated with lasers... http://www.skincareguide.ca/articles/general_skin_care/excess_sweat.html It is sometimes said that men perspire, and ladies 'glow' - but for many, male or female, excess sweating is a medical condition which has in the past been difficult to control. Approximately 2-3% of the population suffers from excess sweating, also known as hyperhidrosis... http://www.skincareguide.ca/articles/general_skin_care/no_sweat_wedding.html On Saturday I got an email from a mother-of-the-bride who had been troubled by sweating for many years and wanted BOTOX treatment to control this problem - in time for her daughter's wedding NEXT Saturday... http://www.skincareguide.ca/articles/cosmetic/scg_ca_cosmetic_1.html Almost every one sweats as a normal reaction to stress such as heat and exercise. However, some people sweat excessively underarms, on the hands or the feet, causing severe social and psychological embarrassment... http://www.skincareguide.ca/articles/cosmetic/scg_ca_cosmetic_2.html Cellulite - the unsightly dimpling, padded or "orange peel" appearance of the skin is probably one of the most aesthetically troubling concerns of women. Although a lot is known about its appearance, there is lack of good studies assessing the effectiveness of possible treatments... http://www.skincareguide.ca/articles/general_skin_care/gen_skin_care_art_26.html Adults all over the world are thinking about their skin right now! Wrinkles, puffy eyes, dull complexion, are conditions that more than just several of us try to avoid... http://www.skincareguide.ca/articles/index.html When you talk to a dermatologist about allergies, you may think of a condition called allergic contact dermatitis... http://www.skincareguide.ca/articles/eczema/sensitive_skin.html Is your skin easily damaged or irritated? Is your skin dry, delicate and prone to irritant or allergic reactions? Does your skin have a reduced tolerance to cold, heat, wind, temperature changes, or pollution? If you answer yes... http://www.skincareguide.ca/articles/eczema/itchy_red_hands.html Do you have itchy, red hands? You are not alone, this very common condition affects about 10% of women and 4% of men. It's most common for people that do a lot of work in a wet environment... http://www.skincareguide.ca/articles/eczema/eczema_itch_that_rashes.html Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is an intense itch that can lead to insomnia, irritability and stress. When you scratch, it aggravates the rash and creates an itch-scratch-rash cycle that can lead to a thickening and roughness of the skin... http://www.skincareguide.ca/articles/eczema/dry_skin_prevention.html Winter is coming, and shortly after the cold weather arrives doctors will be seeing the annual surge of people troubled by dry, itchy winter skin and by hand eczema. Much of this seasonal misery can be easily prevented... http://www.skincareguide.ca/articles/eczema/scg_ca_eczema_2.html Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a chronic, recurring skin inflammation that appears as blisters that dry to become a scaly, itchy rash. People with eczema often have a personal or family history of allergic conditions... http://www.skincareguide.ca/articles/fungal/feet_carry_feat.html Walking, running, jumping, skipping - these are but a handful of activities our feet do, yet most of the time we take them for granted. That is, until we get an infection. While our feet are sturdy -- containing 26 bones, 33 joints, 107 ligaments and 19 muscles -- they are susceptible to disease... http://www.skincareguide.ca/articles/fungal/healthy_nails.html Nail fungus is an infection that can be embarrassing when you want to put your best foot - or hand - forward. But no need to cringe when you want to shake hands with someone or you have to avoid your favorite sport because of pain... http://www.skincareguide.ca/articles/fungal/strange_nails.html Nail fungus, or "onychomycosis" is an uncomfortable and unattractive condition that affects millions of people across North America. The bad news is it can be contagious, but the good news is that it is treatable. http://www.skincareguide.ca/articles/fungal/fungal_inf_art_1.html At the gym and at the pool on your winter vacation, you always want to put your best foot forward. Here are some tips to prevent fungal infections - for healthily and better looking toe nails... http://www.skincareguide.ca/articles/fungal/fungal_inf_art_3.html Nearly half of all nail changes are due to fungal infection. The term, onychomycosis refers to a fungal infections of the nail. Fungal infections of the nails are common around the world... http://www.skincareguide.ca/articles/fungal/fungal_inf_art_4.html Onychomycosis is an infection of the toe nails or finger nails by fungi. It can be very uncomfortable, even painful and embarrassing. The most common spot is the toenail, especially the big toe... http://www.skincareguide.ca/articles/fungal/fungal_inf_art_5.html Walking is one of the best forms of exercise, but sore feet can impede a good habit. When feet get sore from common rashes, it is important for your health to seek treatment... http://www.skincareguide.ca/articles/herpes/facts_cold_sores.html Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus. There are two types of this virus and cold sores are usually caused by type 1 (known as HSV-1). The other type of herpes simplex virus, HSV-2, usually causes genital herpes. In general, we are infected with HSV-1 when we are children... http://www.skincareguide.ca/articles/herpes/facts_genital_herpes.html Millions of Canadian men and women have genital herpes - an infectious, sexually transmitted virus. Genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus; there are two types of this virus and genital herpes is usually caused by type 2 (known as HSV-2)... http://www.skincareguide.ca/articles/herpes/to_prevent_cold_sores.html Cold sores are very common and quite contagious. Sometimes referred to as fever blisters, cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex1 virus (HSV-1)... http://www.skincareguide.ca/articles/herpes/herpes_art_1.html Everyone with shingles has had chickenpox at some time. Nearly 99% of adults have had chickenpox at some point in their lives, meaning that nearly all adults are at risk for shingles... http://www.skincareguide.ca/articles/lice/head_lice_the_facts.html Despite the prevalence of lice in Canadian schools each year, at least a third of Canadian parents surveyed - 36 percent - do not feel very confident about identifying lice or nits in their child's hair... http://www.skincareguide.ca/articles/lice/children_and_lice.html When you send your children to school, there is a good chance that they will be exposed to head lice - its about that simple. Lice are wingless bugs that live in hair. Lice feed off blood in the skin and are about the size of a sesame seed... http://www.skincareguide.ca/articles/psoriasis/is_it_psoriasis.html Scaly skin is not to be taken lightly. It is a very real disease that often impacts a person's self-confidence and self-esteem. Some people - including some doctors - tend to think that skin disease is trivial... http://www.skincareguide.ca/articles/psoriasis/living_with_psoriasis.html Psoriasis is a difficult to treat (chronic relapsing) disease that affects the skin and occasionally the joints. About 2 % of the population will have the disease... http://www.skincareguide.ca/articles/psoriasis/sun_and_psoriasis.html Psoriasis is a common, chronic, non-contagious, recurring skin condition that usually takes the form of itchy, red, scaly, well-defined, thickened patches of varying sizes. These patches may appear on a small area of your body or may be very extensive, and any part of the skin on your body and on your nails can be affected... http://www.skincareguide.ca/articles/psoriasis/psoriasis_art_1.html.html Psoriasis is a condition that can cause discomfort, pain and emotional stress. There are a number of treatments available for patients, including new biologics that may be appropriate for people that have not had success yet with other treatments... http://www.skincareguide.ca/articles/psoriasis/psoriasis_art_2.html.html Psoriasis vulgaris, the most common form of psoriasis, is an autoimmune disease. Approximately 1/3 of patients with psoriasis have a relative with psoriasis, and 85% have a link with the HLA-Cw6 gene... http://www.skincareguide.ca/articles/psoriatic_arthritis/achy_joints_itchy_skin_psoriatic_arthritis.html Psoriatic arthritis is a less common form of arthritis and occurs in approximately 30 per cent of people who have psoriasis (a disorder causing areas of the skin to become inflamed and be covered with silvery or grey scales)...