Acne is a skin gland that has clogged up usually on the face, back, neck, chest, and shoulders. There are different types of acne: whiteheads, blackheads, papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts. It is one of the most common skin diseases and it usually clears up by age 30. However, some people may have it in their 40s and 50s. If home treatment does not help, then meet with a health professional for recommendations or a prescription.
Hormonal fluctuations or changes, heredity and some medications.
Skin Protection Factor (SPF) is a number given to sunscreen or sunblock that represents the amount of time that you can be exposed to sun. For example, SPF 15, means that you can be outside for 15 minutes. You should apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside to prevent burning and sun damage. Using sunscreen not only prevents burning, but also prevents the damaging effects that cause premature wrinkles and sunspots.
Get to know your skin and your own pattern of moles, freckles, and birth marks. Look at the entire body every month or two. Watch for changes in the number, size, shape, and color of pigmented areas. Consult a dermatologist if any changes are noticed. Individuals at high risk should be examined by a dermatologist on a regular basis.
How to do the Self Examination If you find a mole that has the ABCDs, then you should promptly consult a dermatologist.
A=Asymmetry (one half does not match the other half)
B=Border irregularity (ragged, scalloped, undefined)
C=Color (pigmentation not uniform)
D=Diameter (usually larger than 6 mm; but they can be smaller as well)
Ultraviolet (UV) light damages the fibers in your skin, called elastin. This degradation to the elastin results in the skins’ inability to “snap back after stretching,” which causes wrinkles. Gravity also drags down the skin. Cigarette smoking also contributes to wrinkle production. Smokers usually have more wrinkles than those who don’t smoke. Age spots are also common and they appear on the face and hands. Sometimes they are called “liver spots” but they have nothing to do with the liver. They are caused by sun exposure. Numerous skin care products made for men are available at affordable prices that can help with wrinkle prevention and reduce the size and appearance of dark spots.
This is also called male-pattern baldness, which is one of the most common causes of hair loss in men and is usually inherited. The younger the hair loss begins means that you will have greater baldness later in life. In male-pattern baldness, hair loss typically results in a receding hair line and baldness on the top of the head.
Medicines may also help slow or prevent the development of common baldness. One medicine, minoxidil (brand name: Rogaine), is available without a prescription. It is applied to the scalp. Both men and women can use it. Another medicine, finasteride (brand name: Propecia) is available with a prescription. It comes in pills and is only for men. It may take up to 6 months before you can tell if one of these medicines is working.
