Hold the face wash - bacteria is good for your skin?
September 4, 2012
If you care about your skin, then you've probably developed a face washing routine. These can be simple - a cleansing wash at night or in the morning - or complex, with numerous washes, exfoliators, toners, creams and lotions. But if your regimen includes antibacterial soap, you may want to think twice. It may come as a surprise that there are some bacteria that shouldn't be washed away, because they are good for your skin, according to the Daily Mail.
Referred to as "good bacteria," some microbes can help keep your immune system in shape and also ward off wrinkles. They help keep our faces moist and also fight the "bad bacteria," which is responsible for some of the most common skin woes - redness, spots and blemishes, the news source reports.
On top of that, a recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America (PNAS) suggested that an ingredient known as triclosan, commonly found in antibacterial soaps, may impair muscle function and cause other health issues.
Some facial creams on the market are attempting to include ingredients in their products that include the beneficial bacteria. And while it's never a bad idea to use creams and lotions to help your skin, it's wise to shop around, do thorough research, and speak with a skin professional to find the best routine for your skin.
Of course, many people will find that no matter how much lotion and cream they slather on their skin, they're still prone to facial lines and wrinkles. That's why, as people age, many opt for cosmetic procedures to help combat these signs of aging. Injectable treatments such as Botox, Dysport and Juvederm are all popular choices for those seeking minimally invasive procedures to help maintain a youthful appearance.
According to the Physicians Coalition for Injectable Safety, patients considering injectables should be aware that there could be some minimal bruising after the procedure. To reduce the risk of this side effect, the group suggests avoiding medications or supplements that thin the blood, including ibuprofen or Advil.
Most injectable procedures will require more than one visit to your board-certified plastic surgeon, which means patients should try and plan ahead. If you know you're going on vacation or will be unable to visit a doctor, discuss your options with the doctor who will be administering your treatments.
The mission of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) includes medical education, public education and patient advocacy. Plastic Surgery News Briefs are summaries of current stories found through various news and magazine outlets that relate to or mention plastic surgery and cosmetic procedures. The views expressed in these news articles do not necessarily reflect the opinions of ASAPS, but are merely published as an educational service to our members and the general public. For additional information on these subjects and other plastic surgery related topics, please go to www.surgery.org
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The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), is recognized as the world’s leading organization devoted entirely to aesthetic plastic surgery and cosmetic medicine of the face and body. ASAPS is comprised of over 2,600 Plastic Surgeons; active members are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (USA) or by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and have extensive training in the complete spectrum of surgical and non-surgical aesthetic procedures. International active members are certified by equivalent boards of their respective countries. All members worldwide adhere to a strict Code of Ethics and must meet stringent membership requirements.
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