This Is the Time of Year That People Lose More of Their Hair—but No One Knows Why

In our society, a full head of luscious locks gives your face an attractive and youthful glow, but we can’t all bask in the fountain of youth forever. As the days go by, Father Time steals our taut skin, our limber joints, and eventually our thick mane of hair. But a new study reveals that age may not be the only hair loss culprit—the seasons play a role too.

In fact, summer and fall are the most popular seasons to search for “hair loss” on Google, according to a study from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. The researchers used Google Trends, a tool that shows how certain keywords or subjects have been searched over time, to track people’s patterns for hair loss web searches during a 12-year period. As the results pooled together, hair loss searches peaked in summer and fall amongst eight different countries across the globe.

But the catch here is that the study can’t explain why there’s greater hair loss during these two seasons. One hypothesis that’s been circulating in the medical community is the importance of scalp hair, which is needed to protect the tops of our heads from damaging sunburns. But as the days shorten and temperatures cool in late summer and fall, the biological need for this protective head of hair lessens, which means hair loss increases.

And that’s why future research is still needed to confirm the connection and reasoning behind seasonal changes and hair loss.

“This finding is clinically relevant for patients presenting in the summer and fall months with worsened hair loss and has implications in assessing the effectiveness of therapies,” senior author Shawn Kwatra, MD, said in a statement. “Future research will further clarify this association and examine the physiology of the hair cycle.”

Besides cluing you into what season it is, here are eight other things your hair is trying to tell you about your health.

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This Is the Time of Year That People Lose More of Their Hair—but No One Knows Why Health – Reader's Digest

This Incredibly Rare Condition Gives You a Perfect Memory

Whether you’re eight years old or 80, everyone has certain basic types of memory. There is short-term, long-term, and even skill and fact-based forms of recollection, just for starters. But think about it—can you remember exactly where you were and what you were doing on March 14th, 2007? Most people have no clue. If you have highly superior autobiographical memory (HSAM), however, you’re likely to remember practically everything about that day.

Sounds crazy, right? But the evidence is solid. Studies show that while most people will forget a certain event after just one week, HSAM participants can recall it for over a decade. Borrow these habits of people with an impressive memory, and you could improve your own retention.

Only around 60 people in the world have been diagnosed with HSAM so far, Curiosity reports. (Here’s where you can learn about one of those 60 people, Markie Pasternak, the youngest person ever with this condition.) And unfortunately, researchers still don’t understand exactly what gives certain people this amazing power. Here’s what they do know, though: While people with HSAM recall memories with the same parts of their brain as everyone else, brain scans have revealed differences in the structure of areas linked to autobiographical memory creation. What’s more, people with HSAM also tend to obsessively collect, clean, or organize things.

Let’s face it—having a perfect memory sounds pretty great. But if you’re not blessed with a foolproof recall, you can always train like a memory champion with these pro tricks to getting a superhuman memory.

[Source: Curiosity]

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This Incredibly Rare Condition Gives You a Perfect Memory Health – Reader's Digest

We Tried 7 Neck Masks—Here’s What Worked

Best for: Pre-event primping

In a less-than-ideal start, I accidentally applied the protective film from the Talika Bio Enzymes Anti-Aging Neck Mask ($11), thinking it was the mask. After that initial mishap, the “second skin” easily stayed put for 30 minutes. The results were, in a word, impressive. The direct-hit hyaluronic acid and collagen formula had clearly nestled into my deep neck lines, plumping them and making them less visible.

Bottom line: While the groves didn’t vanish completely, I’d absolutely use the mask before a big event. “Deep wrinkles are very hard to eradicate even with lasers,” confirms Debra Jaliman, MD, board-certified NYC dermatologist, Assistant Professor of Dermatology Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and author of Skin Rules: Trade Secrets from a Top New York Dermatologist. Psst…Here are other secrets for putting your best face forward in photos.

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We Tried 7 Neck Masks—Here’s What Worked Health – Reader's Digest

Bridal Beauty Countdown: How to Get Glowing Skin in One Month

Daily: Targeted face mask

Early on, get into the habit of a weekly mask ritual. Take two minutes to sit back and de-stress, while giving your skin some TLC. What’s great about face masks is that there’s a formula (or, more likely, a few) to treat whatever ails you, err your skin. Say buh-bye to dullness with radiance-boosting vitamin C. Try: Tatcha Violet-C Radiance Mask or Que Bella Professional Vitamin C Peel-Off Mask. Hydrate parched skin with a hyaluronic acid-enriched sheet mask like Innisfree Skin Clinic Mask Hyaluronic Acid or Karuna Hydrating+ Face Mask. Congested skin? Choose formulas containing charcoal or clay (these are the best clays for a clear complexion), which help detoxify, purify pores, and banish breakouts. Try: Yes to Tomatoes Detoxifying Charcoal Mud Mask or Glamglow Supermud Clearing Treatment. Find out more about the best face mask for your complexion concerns.

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Bridal Beauty Countdown: How to Get Glowing Skin in One Month Health – Reader's Digest

What Your Fears Reveal About Your Personality

Fear of clowns means you value honesty

Does the idea of Pennywise make your heart drop? Not to worry, you aren’t alone. According to an article in Scientific American, clowns are portrayed as “tricksters” whose masks give them the feeling that they can abandon typically acceptable social behavior. So it’s no surprise that coulrophobia is quite common—nearly one in 10 adults fesses up to having it. In a University of Sheffield study, 250 children aged 4 to 16 were asked how they felt about clown images. The conclusion from this study was that the children simply find them to be “frightening and unknowable.” Carlin Flora writes in Psychology Today, “Because reading facial expressions has long been a key to survival, our inability to discern a clown’s expressions (and true intentions) underneath the what covers their face raises automatic suspicions.” People who are afraid of clowns tend to pride themselves on their honesty, transparency, and straightforwardness, and expect others around them to do the same. However, your nonsensical and overly logical nature may sometimes prevent you from kicking back in social situations. Although you don’t need to do it at the circus, don’t be afraid to clown around every once in awhile. (This may shed some more light on why people are so afraid of clowns).

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What Your Fears Reveal About Your Personality Health – Reader's Digest

The Best Face Wash for Your Skin Type

Oily skin

You might be tempted to strip every last bit of oil from your skin, but using an overly drying cleanser can actually make your skin even slicker (along with these 11 surprising reasons your skin is greasy). “If a cleanser is too harsh or pulls too many oils from the skin, this can lead to rebound oil production and can disrupt the natural balance that we need,” says board-certified dermatologist Kally Papantoniou, MD, FAAD. She recommends Neutrogena Rapid Clear Oil-Eliminating Foaming Cleanser, which reduces shine but doesn’t contain harsh ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, which are notorious for drying out acne-prone skin. Don’t miss these other 11 beauty secrets women with oily skin should know.

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How to Get Rid of Chest Acne for Good, According to a Dermatologist

What is it?

Chest breakouts are caused by the same condition that affects the face, acne vulgaris. “Regardless of location, the root causes of acne are excess oil and dead skin cells, which clog the pore leading to P. acnes bacteria overgrowth and inflammation,” said New York City dermatologist and RealSelf contributor Sejal Shah, MD. Check out these surprising home remedies for acne.

There’s a chance it’s not acne: Visit a dermatologist to confirm that the pimples you’re seeing are actually caused by acne. Here’s a list of seven skin conditions that look like acne but aren’t. According to Dr. Mazloom, other skin conditions that sometimes appear on the chest, can look like acne. Pityrosporum folliculitis—caused by yeast taking up residence in the hair follicle—can look like acne but isn’t. Dr. Mazloom added, “Isolated chest acne is uncommon. However, certain conditions such as acne fulminans and acne conglobata, which are subtypes of acne can commonly present with acne eruption on the chest. Also medications such as high-dose intravenous or oral corticosteroids, and certain chemotherapy drugs can cause acneiform eruptions commonly on the chest and back.”

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Can Activated Charcoal Really Improve Your Skin? Experts Weigh In

You’ve seen ominous-looking black charcoal products in skin care and even dental products. (It’s even been used in ice cream!) Activated charcoal has gotten a lot of media attention, but some experts aren’t convinced it lives up to expectations.

Exposing regular charcoal to high temperatures and a gas such as oxygen makes it develop more pores, turning it into “activated charcoal.” Those pores, plus the carbon in it, attract substances and soak them up like a sponge. Doctors use activated charcoal to remove toxins from people who have overdosed, but it might have some beauty uses too.

The idea is that if activated charcoal can attract toxins in the stomach, it can do the same for your skin. Theoretically, it could act like a magnet to remove the oil and dead skin cells clogging your pores, says Ivy Lee, MD, a dermatologist based in Pasadena, California, and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at UCLA. “If it purifies toxins in our GI tracts it will probably purify toxins on our skin as well,” she says. “The tough thing is, there’s not evidence for this. There’s no scientific evidence that it purifies the skin.” Dr. Lee says she wouldn’t rely on charcoal to clear up your acne, but it could be worth a try if a gentle cleanser isn’t working for you.

For instance, activated charcoal could be a good middle ground between gentle cleansers and harsh acne treatments. (Make sure you’re not using too many skincare products, though.) Heavy-duty zit medications could leave your skin parched and flaky, but activated charcoal isn’t as likely to dry your skin, says board-certified dermatologist Sejal Shah, MD, FAAD, contributor for RealSelf.

“Prescription-strength retinoids are fairly drying, and charcoal may not be as drying as something like that, or even some over-the-counter retinoids,” she says. After all, charcoal will strip away some oils, but not as many as a harsh chemical would, says says board-certified dermatologist Kally Papantoniou, MD, FAAD.

If you do use charcoal for acne, don’t expect immediate results. (Here’s another way to get rid of acne once and for all.) Like any product, it might take a couple weeks, or even months, before your skin gets much better, says Dr. Papantoniou. Plus, even if activated charcoal leaves your face shine-free at first, your skin will continue producing oil throughout the day, says Dr. Shah, so you won’t be able to give up your blotting paper for good.

In addition to targeting acne and oil, charcoal cleansers usually have a gritty texture acts as an exfoliant. For most people, that’s fine a few times a week—max—but overdoing it could actually make your skin worse, says Dr. Shah. “If the skin senses it’s too dry, it will produce more oil,” she says. (Here are some other reasons you might have oily skin.)

In fact, grainy charcoal might not be your best bet, even for that occasional exfoliating, says Dr. Papantoniou. You can exfoliate your skin two ways: with physical scrubbing or chemicals. In general, chemicals will be gentler on your skin, says Dr. Papantoniou. “When scrubbing, you’re just getting the superficial top layer off, which can aggravate things,” she says. You might irritate the area, creating light brown or pink spots where the inflammation is. Exfoliating chemicals like glycolic acid or salicylic acid, on the other hand, actually even out your skin tone while removing the dead cells. (But don’t make these exfoliating mistakes.)

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Just like how coarse charcoal can scrub your skin, some products say the black paste could actually whiten teeth naturally by scrubbing away stains. Surface stains on your teeth might be no match for activated charcoal—but neither is your enamel, says American Dental Association dentist Genaro Romo, DDS. “The enamel on your teeth is the white part, the glossy kind of porcelain look that makes your teeth whiter,” he says. “When you take something abrasive, you wear away your enamel, and it never comes back. Now your teeth start to look dull, darker, yellower.” He recommends using whitening toothpaste with a soft toothbrush, which will get rid of pesky coffee stains without hurting your enamel.

Even though it’s far from being a miracle product, activated charcoal could be a good option for anyone looking for a more natural skin-care regimen. Just keep in mind that even natural products can irritate your skin, says Dr. Shah, and they won’t necessarily be as good as the products your dermatologist prescribes. “Yes, active charcoal is great because there is a very natural element to it,” she says, “but by the same token, if you have very severe acne, you’re not necessarily doing yourself a service by not seeking out potentially more effective treatments.”

Feel free to try active charcoal for something different, but stick with these beauty secrets for oily skin if you want lasting results.

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Can Activated Charcoal Really Improve Your Skin? Experts Weigh In Health – Reader's Digest

These 3 Skin-Care Products Literally Erased My Hormonal Acne Scars

The teenage years are when most adolescents suffer from acne flare-ups and cystic pimples. Lucky for me, I had clear, porcelain, glowing skin. I never even used skincare products! Yep, not a drop—true story.

I remember how lucky I felt to not have to suffer the emotional stress and embarrassment of having a face covered in craters, redness, hyperpigmentation, and dry flakey skin… until it happened to me.

Around the time I went to college, I started noticing small breakouts along my jawline and had no idea why. I wasn’t doing anything different than I had been doing my whole life. And ironically, the better care I took of my skin, the more acne I got. I was embarrassed and depressed.

Naturally, I ran to the local pharmacy and purchased cult-favorite skin care products, including Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser paired with Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer SPF 15, which resulted in nothing. Nada. If anything, my skin looked and felt worse.

That’s when I got serious and made an appointment with a dermatologist, who put me on topical and oral medications to treat what turned out to be hormonal acne, due to the fact that I had stopped taking birth control. Board certified dermatologist Debra Wattenberg, MD, explains, “Hormonal acne tends to develop post-teenage years and is commonly distributed along the jawline, neck, and cheeks. It often presents with cysts that are caused by fluctuations in hormones, specifically increases in androgens like testosterone.” Causes of hormonal acne, according to Dr. Wattenberg, founder of NY Skin RX, include irregular periods, discontinuation of birth control pills, and menopause. The cysts that develop from hormonal acne are deep and hard to treat, so Dr. Wattenberg commonly recommends antibiotics, birth control pills, and anti-androgens such as Spironolactone, which dials down male hormone expression in the body. These are the clear signs you probably need prescription acne treatment.

Unfortunately, that’s not the happy ending to the story. Although my acne slowly cleared up, it left behind terrible scars, including hyperpigmentation and discoloration of the skin, which is usually caused by excessive picking at areas of irritation, popping pimples the wrong way (here’s the right way to pop a pimple, if you must), and picking away at pimples as they are healing.

I struggled to find the solution to correct my damaged skin. I tried Sephora’s top picks for scarring from holy grail dermatologists and celebrities such as Kate Somerville, Dr. Dennis Gross, Dr. Jart, and more. Once again, I was left feeling hopeless that my skin would ever be the same.

After months of research on powerful skin care ingredients such as Vitamin C, turmeric, and retinoids, I finally found my skincare saviors: Peter Thomas Roth’s Acne Clearing Wash and Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum mixed with a K-Beauty staple, Skin & Lab’s Red Serum, have worked their magic to completely clear my hyperpigmentation, scarring, and redness. This product combination is a skin care miracle like I have never experienced before.

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Here’s how they work: The Acne Clearing Wash has 2 percent salicylic acid, which helps eliminate the breakout cycle while removing excess oil, makeup, and bacteria. “Salicylic acid helps to destroy the attachments between skin cells, which allows exfoliation of the skin and helps to unclog pores,” explains Dr. Wattenberg. “It also has anti-inflammatory properties.” The formula soothes and conditions the skin with allantoin and pro vitamin B5, leaving it thoroughly clean and residue-free.

The star ingredient in Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum is obviously Vitamin C, an antioxidant that helps to destroy cell-damaging free radicals, according to Dr. Wattenberg. It decreases inflammation from acne and helps to reduce redness, scarring, and pigmentation. This particular formulation has rose extracts to hydrate the skin, and it adds its own anti-inflammatory properties to decrease the chance for discoloration.

Skin & Lab’s Red Serum has one of the most powerful super-fruit products to slough away dead skin and prevents pore congestion. “These products exfoliate the skin, increasing cell turnover, preventing pigmentation, and scarring,” Dr. Wattenberg explains. “The anti-inflammatory effects of the vitamin C prevent superficial reddening of the skin. Salicylic acid can dissolve the keratin plug that causes a blackhead—it dissolves oil and dead skin cells, making pore look smaller. It also decreases oil production because it’s lipophilic, or water-loving, and has the ability to penetrate the pore, destroy the oil and unclog the pore.”

With this trio of products, my skin has not looked and felt this good since 2008. (Yes, that is an accurate number).

I wish I could tell you that the road to finding the products that work best for your skin ailments is quick and easy, pain-free, and not at all emotionally draining, but everyone’s experience is different. Luckily, you’re one step closer to trying something that your skin and soul will thank you for!

Here are more ways to treat five common types of acne scars.

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These 3 Skin-Care Products Literally Erased My Hormonal Acne Scars Health – Reader's Digest

8 Things Dermatologists Never Put on Their Faces

Loofah

“I wouldn’t recommend using a buff puff or loofah. It all comes down to the transfer of bacteria. Loofah sponges are intimate with many unclean areas of the body and then sit around allowing bacteria to multiply within the nooks and crannies of the sponge. Just like kitchen sponges, this common cleansing tool should be tossed. What to use instead? Your hands and a gentle cleanser.” —Joel Schlessinger, MD, board-certified dermatologist and RealSelf contributor. You won’t even believe how gross it is to share a loofah.

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The Gross Reason Why You Should Think Twice Before Sitting in a Hotel Chair

Let’s face it—staying healthy on vacation isn’t necessarily as easy as it looks. Not only are you running on less sleep than normal, but every new environment exposes your system to hundreds upon thousands of foreign bacteria and germs. (And that’s not the only reason why you always get sick on vacation.)

But if you think the hotel room can keep you safe, you might want to think again. Sure, that temporary home-away-from-home may look clean, but there are plenty of germ-ridden spots in your lodging—and in pretty unlikely places, too. Disease-ridden hotel hair dryers and nasty kettles are just the beginning of your troubles. As for the grossest spot in your hotel room? We’d be willing to bet that it’s the chair.

“Many guests sit on them naked, and yes, some leave stains behind,” Jenna, a hotel maid in New York told Women’s Health. “And much of the time, the stains are basically just dabbed with cleaner until they can’t be seen anymore.” She recommends laying a towel or sheet down before taking a seat.

If you don’t properly check your hotel room for bed bugs, the little pests could make a home out of the chair, too. Not only do they give you the creepy-crawlies on vacation, but you can also carry them back home on your clothes or luggage after your stay.

Plus, don’t even get us started on the germiest spots in airplanes. Thinking about staying home from now on? We don’t blame you—in fact, we’ll probably join.

[Source: The Sun]

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The Gross Reason Why You Should Think Twice Before Sitting in a Hotel Chair Health – Reader's Digest

17 Daily Habits of People Who Never Get Acne

They never skip a face-wash

Wondering how to prevent acne? You might start by considering your choice of skin cleanser and how often you use it, says Joshua Zeichner, MD, director of Cosmetic and Clinical Research and assistant professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai in New York City. “While having acne does not mean that you are dirty, washing your face has been shown in studies to improve the appearance of acne,” he says. Using a gentle skin cleanser that effectively removes dirt, oil, and makeup from the skin can help maintain a healthy skin barrier. ” The key is to actually wash your face. Every. Single. Night. Skipping your daily face wash regimen, he adds, may lead to breakouts as dirt, oil, and makeup can block your pores. Here’s why adults get acne and what you can do about it.

 

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17 Daily Habits of People Who Never Get Acne Health – Reader's Digest

If You Have Osteoporosis, Living In Certain Cities Could Make It Worse

You just love the hustle and bustle of the big city, but if you live in one of the most polluted cities in America, you could be endangering your bones.

New research in the Lancet Planetary Health suggests that contamination and smog in the air may increase the risk for the brittle bone disease osteoporosis and related fractures.

Researchers crunched hospital admission data for 9.2 million Medicare participants in the Northeast/Mid-Atlantic between 2003 and 2010, and found that even a small increase in levels of ambient particulate matter, PM_2.5 —that’s itty bitty bits of dirt in the air—may lead to an increase in bone fractures in older adults. What’s more, this risk was greatest in low-income communities, the study showed.

There’s more: Eight years of follow-up data from 692 middle-aged, low-income adults in the Boston Area Community Health/Bone Survey showed that participants living in areas with higher levels of PM_2.5 and black carbon, a component of air pollution from automotive emissions, had lower levels of a key calcium and a bone-related hormone (parathyroid hormone or PTH) and a greater decrease in bone mineral density than those exposed to lower levels of these pollutants.

This study highlights several firsts, including the first association of pollution with PTH as well as a stronger bone-depleting effect in low-income individuals.

Still, more studies are needed to validate the findings and see how well they hold in other populations, explains study author Diddier Prada, MD, PhD, a cancer researcher at National Cancer Institute in Mexico City, Mexico.

Exactly how pollution can lead to bone loss is not 100 percent understood, but Prada believes it is similar to what has been observed with smoking. “Smoking shows reductions in PTH and in BMD, but also increases the risk of bone fractures,” he says.

The real question is what can be done to preserve bone in the face of pollution. “People should use personal air filters, but we are convinced that the best solution is working on clear air policies, reducing particulate air pollution concentrations and annual average limits, which will be reflected in better human health and reduced costs in health care,” he says.

Other hacks such as slowing down when biking or running outside may help protect your lungs from pollution.

Pollution causes many health problems, not just brittle bones, says Richard S. Bockman, MD, PhD, chief of the Endocrine Service at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City. The lungs, heart and all other body systems are also negatively affected. “Particulate matter triggers an inflammatory response in the airways which can lead to asthma,” he says.

“There is not any doubt that pollution, whether particulate matter, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide or nitrogen oxides, is toxic, and we should do whatever we can to lower these levels across the board.”

Doing everything to keep our bones strong is an important way to stave off fractures. This includes:

• Getting enough calcium and vitamin D
  Too many people fall short of getting the calcium and vitamin D they need for strong bones, Bockman says. “Every day we lose 300 mg of calcium and if we don’t replace it, we are starving our bones.” Exactly how much you need every day depends on your age and sex. This calculator can give you a more precise idea. Great sources of calcium include dairy and leafy green vegetables. Vitamin D helps the bones absorb calcium. For vitamin D, the current recommendation for men and women younger than 50 is 400 to 800 international units (IU) daily, and this number increases to 800 to 1,000 IU after age 50. Should you get your vitamin D levels checked?
• Exercising
  Regular weight-bearing exercise such as jogging or tennis along with muscle strengthening moves can help keep bones in prime shape.
• Avoiding bone-robbing habits
  Avoid smoking and limit alcohol to two to three drinks per day for stronger bones. There are some other “harmless” habits that could be contributing to osteoporosis too.
• Knowing what you are up against
  If your mother had osteoporosis, you are at risk too, he says. Other risks include being over age 50, female and menopausal. If you are small and thin, you are also at a greater risk for osteoporosis.
• Getting screened
  Current U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Guidelines call for osteoporosis screening in women aged 65 years and older and in younger women with an increased fracture risk. There are no screening recommendations for men. Discuss your risks with your doctor to make sure you are doing all that you can to keep fractures at bay. Certain medications are available to help maintain bone density and stave off fractures.

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This Is How You Can Score a Pro Facial for $50 or Less

If you’re looking for a free facial…

Skin Laundry, which has 12 locations in four states, offers a free 15-minute laser and light facial for first-time costumers. The two-step facial uses a YAG laser to penetrate 2.5 millimeters below the skin’s surface for vanquishing dirt, dead skin cells, debris, excess oil and bacteria. While the laser cleans the skin, it also reduces hyperpigmentation, which causes redness, and boosts collagen, which smooths and tightens the skin. After, the IPL Light system treats sun spots and kills acne-causing bacteria for brightened and cleaned skin. It’s one of eight ways to get rid of acne once and for all—and it’s free. The next time, though, the facial costs $65.

If you want to get glowing skin during your lunch break…

Consider getting a peel, which will also help prevent and treat wrinkles. In 15 minutes, your skin will absolutely glow from a stop at BeautyRx’s Peel Bar at Blushington Makeup & Lounge, with locations in New York City, Texas, and California. While your skin is prepped with a toner and then painted with Dr. Neal Schultz’s Tetrafoliant 30 percent peel, you can sip on a complimentary glass of wine or bubbly. After two short minutes, the peel—which costs $50, a major savings from the regular $225 at Schultz’s Upper East Side office in NYC—is removed and topped with his Nourishing Moisture Cream.

If you want a deep cleansing facial…

Head to your nearest Ulta for Dermalogica’s Deep Pore Cleanse FaceFits treatment. For $10, a technician performs Face Mapping and assesses your unique skin type before performing the facial using a double cleansing technique followed by exfoliating and hydrating products. You’ll leave with Dermalogica’s Skin Smoothing Cream and Skinperfect Primer SPF30 applied for a flawless finish, along with a complete “Skin Fitness Plan” prescription.

If you want bang for your buck…

Head to the Minnesota School of Cosmetology in Plymouth or Woodbury, where a stress relief facial costs $20 and a custom spa facial is $30. Because the service is conducted by a student (under supervision), the high-quality facials are cheaper than most spas. Even better, seniors receive 20 percent off on all services, with the exception of package prices. Check out nine other services seniors didn’t know they could get for free or discounted.

If you want your skin to feel refreshed…

Chicago-based Tasty Facial Bar offers its 30-minute, $59 cleansing facial at a discount of $20 off for first-time clients. At $39 for a facial that cleanses, exfoliates, steams and moisturizes, you can splurge for an added extraction ($20). If you don’t need a professional to tell you what specific skincare problem ails you, try one of these DIY face masks.

If you want a last-minute glow…

Pop into your nearest Sephora and see if the cosmetics store offers one of two free 15-minute mini facials, the Mask & Moisturize or the Peel & Perfect. While you can make an appointment online, walk-ins are welcome. If you’re looking for other services on a tight timeline, check out these 6 incredible beauty salons and lounges.

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If you’re a Groupon junkie…

Los Angeles is a city filled with people chasing youth, which makes a professional facial under $50 hard to find. Groupon, the discount marketplace, is one of eight savvy ways to save big when you shop online. The site has great deals for Los Angeles residents, as well as the rest of the country. CBD Spa at Vortex Advanced Esthetics Spa has a 56 percent discount for one infusion facial; normally $95, the Groupon deal will only cost you $42 (before the tip, which should always be applied to the full-price service).

If your skin is congested…

Head to New York City’s Lower East Side’s Seasons Spa for a budget-friendly facial, which focuses on cleaning pores and removing whiteheads and blackheads. The facial ($50) includes a cooling mint mask—an ingredient known for its cooling properties—that helps prevent redness. For frequent guests, a membership will lower the cost of this 60-minute facial from $50 to $45.

If you’re looking to help your teen get clearer skin…

Urban Euphoria, a salon and spa in Greenwood, Indiana, offers education and guidance to teens 17 and younger through every step of the facial. The 25-minute, $30 facial breaks down the basics of cleansing and moisturizing. Meanwhile, you can treat yourself to a vitamin C anti-aging facial ($50), which fights against free radicals, sun exposure, and biological aging, in the same time frame.

If you’re looking for customization…

Mezzaluna Day Spa, located in Bergen County, New Jersey, offers a $50 customized facial. Within 30 minutes, you can fight signs of aging, prevent acne, and improve your skin’s texture with a specially designed treatment plan.

If one too many people tell you that you look tired…

Face. Brow & Beauty Bar in downtown Miami will brighten up your skin with a mini facial ($40), so even if you are tired, you’ll be home in no time. “The mini facial quickly targets skin ailments for those who are tight on time but need a moment to themselves,” according to the website, which promises a “glow on the go!”

If you want targeted treatment…

Luxury beauty retailer and spa Bluemercury, which has about 140 locations across the country, is a great spot to get a variety of treatments for less than $50. Its eye-zone treatment is only $30, while a glycolic peel clocks in at $35; the same goes for a Vitamin C treatment, also $35. A vitamin oxygen blast treatment is the most expensive, but at $45 still falls $5 short of $50. Most of these treatments will also help avoid that dreaded winter pallor.

If you want an enzyme treatment…

This Kansas City spa offers the works to its customers. Facial Bar has a 30-minute, $50 facial called “The Works” that cleanses and adds one to two enzyme- and/or acid-applications. The esthetician will also add a treatment serum cocktail and mask before finishing the service with SPF-infused moisturizer, the most important part about leaving the house every morning. Not wearing sunscreen, even on cloudy days, is one of the biggest mistakes you may not know you’re making when it comes to protecting your skin.

If your skin looks ashy…

Beauty Spa by Amy, located in Lexington, Massachusetts, offers microdermabrasion services for $49. This crucial skincare service exfoliates all the dead skin piling on your face, revealing smoother skin underneath. It also helps products like squalane oil penetrate deeper into the skin.

If you have back acne…

Oftentimes, the skin you can’t see gets little attention. In2u Beauty Bar in Miami offers a $50 back facial service to help treat ingrown hairs and acne-prone skin. Added bonus: The beauty bar also uses products that are completely organic, vegan, andgluten-freee. If you’re looking to make the switch to all-natural products, here are the 11 most effective natural beauty products you can buy.

The post This Is How You Can Score a Pro Facial for $50 or Less appeared first on Reader's Digest.

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This Is How You Can Score a Pro Facial for $50 or Less Health – Reader's Digest

I Tried an At-Home STD Testing Kit. Here’s What Happened.

I’m a total wimp when it comes to going to any type of doctor’s office. While I can appreciate the importance of doctors and totally agree that you should see yours regularly for check-ups, I try to put my appointments off as long as possible, especially my yearly gyno visit (because who really wants to ask these 10 totally embarrassing questions at the lady doctor?). So when I found out that I could do an at-home STD testing kit, I could hardly contain my excitement. No getting completely undressed and wearing one of those paper robes that never seem to fully cover you and somehow always manages to rip right down the butt (probably due to all the nervous sweating). No having to put my feet in the stirrups. And no trying to make small-talk while my inner most lady parts are probed and poked.

Thanks to myLAB Box, I was able to do an entire STD test (vaginal swab and finger prick) from the comfort of my very own living room while sitting on the couch in PJs. MyLAB Box was founded by two female entrepreneurs who champion the “safe is sexy” motto with the premise of providing quick, easy, and at-home STD tests. The company offers numerous kits that test for diseases like HIV, chlamydia, herpes, and gonorrhea. You have the option to pick which kit you want and how many tests you want done. For example, there’s four panel, eight panel, and 13 panel test kits, along with single tests that range anywhere from $79 for one test to $499 for a comprehensive test for two people. Men and women have access to most of the same tests, however, may have to give different samples, like urine, blood, and swabbing either the inside of the penis, vagina, or anus. (By the way, did you know you can get an at-home colonoscopy test these days too?)

I tried out the four panel Safe Box which tested for HIV, chlamydia trachomatis, neisseria gonorrhea, and trichomonas vaginalis. The kit arrived in a tiny box that had all of the necessary items, like those extra long Q-tip things, alcohol pads, band aids, gauze, a finger prick, and liquid filled test tubes. Before doing the tests, I created my online account where I was able to track my shipment and access lab results.

Time to test

Now I was expecting a detailed novel when it came to instructions, (after all, this is medicine), but they were actually pretty brief. Too brief in that I really had no idea what I had to do with what equipment. And the pictures they provided only made things more confusing. What the heck was I looking at? Is that the female anatomy?

After semi-figuring out what I was supposed to do with each tool, I began the test. I swabbed the inside of my vagina with the long Q-tip and immediately stuck it in the test tube. “Wow, that was easy,” I thought. While I was a lot more comfortable doing it myself, I did worry that I did it incorrectly or didn’t stick the Q-tip up far enough. Don’t doctors go to medical school to learn all this? I, clearly, did not.

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Things got a little harder for me when it came time for the blood test. When I was younger, I had to be pinned down by both my mom and the nurse when it came time to get my shots. I’d kick and scream and cry and yell “I hate you” over and over again, so you can imagine how thrilled I was that the STD testing requires a finger prick. Luckily, the kit comes with two of everything because the first time I attempted to do the finger prick blood test, I chickened out and had to toss the first finger pricker in the trash. With a little encouragement from my big sister via text (Thanks, Court!), I was able to do it the second time around. After pricking my finger, I squeezed out the blood and filled four tiny circles on a mini sheet of paper that reminded me of face oil blotting sheets.

The entire test took about 15 minutes to complete. And even though the instructions could definitely use some improvement, the test was easy to do overall, even for us non medical professionals. Once everything was finished, I put the test tubes in plastic hazard bags back into the original box and then into the USPS shipping envelope they send you with the kit. I dropped it in a regular ol’ blue mailbox and that was it. I was expecting to receive my results the next day because they do say results within 24 hours on their website, but in reality, it took exactly a week, which was frustrating. I put the box in the mail on a Tuesday morning and received an email about my results the following Tuesday around 6 p.m. My results were negative. (Phew!) But if something came back positive, myLAB Box provides you with a free physician consultation over the phone and the necessary medication, which is pretty awesome. They do, however, suggest that you go in and see your actual doctor too. (And if you need help finding a doctor, here are 7 secrets to finding a doctor you can trust.)

All in all, I would totally do another STD testing kit from myLAB Box. I love the idea of being able to do it from your own home. That being said, as much as I hate going to the gyno (those metal stirrups give my nightmares), I still think it’s important to go see your actual doctor who can do a physical examination. When it comes to your health, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

The post I Tried an At-Home STD Testing Kit. Here’s What Happened. appeared first on Reader's Digest.

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Nutella Just Changed Its Recipe—and the Reactions are Hilarious

We’ll say it, loud and proud: We’re nuts about Nutella. Sure, we may know what Nutella is made up of, but that doesn’t stop us from slathering this delicious chocolate and hazelnut spread on toast or—let’s face it—spooning it straight from the jar. But unfortunately, there’s some bad news in the Nutella fandom: Its recipe has been tweaked right under our noses.

Most of us wouldn’t complain if Nutella became just a teensy bit healthier, of course. But there isn’t much of a silver lining to the new modifications. According to a Facebook post from the Hamburg Consumer Protection Centre, a German consumer group that noticed the change, Nutella’s sugar content increased from 55.9 percent to 56.3 percent. And although the spread’s fat content decreased, it only did so by 0.1 percent (31.0 percent to 30.9 percent). The spread also contains more skim milk powder, which likely replaced some of the beloved cocoa.

All in all, the new Nutella contains more sugar and looks a bit lighter in color. So if you do indulge, beware of the clear signs you’re eating too much sugar.

Ferrero hat seit vielen Jahren zum ersten Mal erkennbar die Rezeptur von Nutella geändert. Der Anteil an…

Posted by Verbraucherzentrale Hamburg on Thursday, November 2, 2017

So far, many Nutella lovers have not taken the news well. Furious fans took to the Internet, expressing their irritation that someone would dare meddle with the tried-and-true favorite.

How dare they tamper with Nutella's recipe. Leave the chocolatey goodness alone

— roshy ✖️ (@RoshhNosh) November 7, 2017

If the rumors of #Nutella changing their recipe are true, I am boycotting them. http://pic.twitter.com/583I7virnR

— Gian WHAAAAAA..? (@Talchy) November 6, 2017

As if #Nutella wasn't bad enough yet, there's more milk in it now, more fat, less cacao. & Still palm oil.
Choose a different brand, people!

— Stephanie (@highonmusic1) November 5, 2017

Nutella have changed the recipe! 😱 Whyyy!
If it ain't broke don't fix it!
It's lighter in colour & has more sugar in it…#NutellaGate http://pic.twitter.com/6kz4mnTaik

— Noémia Melo Ferreira (@meloferreira2) November 7, 2017

Ferrero, the corporation behind Nutella as well as Kinder chocolates and Tic Tacs, recently released a statement that confirmed the new recipe. The company assured fans that “the quality … and all other aspects of Nutella remain the same,” The Guardian reported.

If this doesn’t change a thing about your dedication to cocoa and hazelnut, you’ll love these mouthwatering Nutella recipes.

[Source: Mashable]

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Nutella Just Changed Its Recipe—and the Reactions are Hilarious Health – Reader's Digest

9 Reasons You Should Add Bentonite Clay to Your Beauty Routine

Bentonite clay purifies pores

“We’re now painfully aware of the negatives effects of pollution and free radicals on the skin,” says Biba de Sousa, an esthetician in Beverly Hills. Bentonite clay is a pore-cleansing powerhouse. When activated with liquid, it acts like a magnet and a sponge, binding to and sopping up positively charged impurities (think heavy metals, excess sebum, bacteria, etc.). “Simply put: It pulls pollutants and ‘sludge’ out of the skin,” de Sousa says. Bentonite clay isn’t the only detoxifier that deserves a spot in your beauty routine. Check out these purifying skincare ingredients.

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9 Reasons You Should Add Bentonite Clay to Your Beauty Routine Health – Reader's Digest

This Is How Much Money Your Poor Health Is Costing You Each Year

Although it’s not always the case, on the whole, organic foods are more expensive than their conventional counterparts. This price disparity might lead one to believe that opting out of the Flamin’ Hot Cheetos and recliner diet/workout plan may end up hurting your wallet in the long run. But according to a new study reported by Men’s Health, picking the healthy path might really help you in the long run, to the tune of 150,000 bucks. (Throw in this easy $40,000 savings hack in alongside your healthy habits and you’ll be golden.)

A new report published by the National Bureau of Economic Research examined the correlation between overall health and financial well being using a study group of 958 working-aged men. Each participant was asked to report their health on a scale of 1 to 5, with the 1-2 range being considered “poor health.”

The study found that, on average, a participant’s health had a positive link to their overall financial status. For example, participants who spent 16 to 20 years in the 1-2 range saw an annual loss of $4,000 annually, while participants who spent 1-5 years in the same range saw an average of $1,000 lost annually. The researchers posit that unhealthy people tend to accumulate less wealth than healthy people, a concept they label the “wealth-health gradient.”

Now, back to that $150,000 number. When the study was seen through until the age of 65, the disparity in money losses between healthy participants and unhealthy participants was stark: the average unhealthy participant had a net loss of $150,000. Now, to the factors; what exactly played a part in this huge financial gap?

“People in bad health work less, earn less, face higher medical expenses, die earlier, and accumulate much less wealth compared to those in good health,” the paper states. “The largest component of these costs being the loss in labor earnings.”

Fortunately, staying in a state of poor health was not the norm in the study; 72 percent of men in the study had experienced less than five years of poor health throughout the study.  The study also reconfirmed the notion that activity does increase life expectancy. (This one type of workout is particularly effective at keeping men fit forever.)

[Source: Men’s Health]

 

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This Is How Much Money Your Poor Health Is Costing You Each Year Health – Reader's Digest

10 Things Doctors Wish You Knew About Ganglion Cysts

What is that weird lump?

I woke up one day last summer with a lump on my wrist. I thought: Hmm, that’s weird. Being a bit (OK a lot) of a worrier, I panicked.

Could it be cancer?

Let’s face it, mysterious bumps and lumps on your skin are troubling—here’s a guide to 11 such troubling growths. The lump started out the size of a marble, but within days, it was almost as large as a SuperBall. That’s when I hightailed it to an orthopedist. The specialist pressed on it, bent my wrist a few times, and told me it was a ganglion cyst—a benign fluid-filled lump that grows on the joints or tendons. I was relieved—and surprised that I knew so little about these incredibly common growths. To make sure you know how to spot and treat one, we asked Dennis Cardone, MD, Chief of Primary Care Sports Medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center in New York to share the essential facts about ganglion cysts.

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10 Things Doctors Wish You Knew About Ganglion Cysts Health – Reader's Digest

You Really DON’T Lose All Your Body Heat Through Your Head—Says Science

Winter might as well be called the official season for hat hair. Think about it: How long does your perfectly styled hair last when you have to wear bulky hats to stay warm? If you answered in hours, you’re one of the lucky ones.

So why do we wear the hairstyle-killers in the first place? If you’re thinking it’s because 70 percent of our body heat is lost through our heads, you’d be wrong. Andrew Maynard, a professor of environmental health sciences at the University of Michigan, says that the stat is simply not true.

The amount of body heat lost depends on how much skin you expose, not the particular body part getting cold. Since the head only makes up about 10 percent of the body’s total area, it can only account for 10 percent of total body heat lost.

So is hat hair worth it? Do hats really keep you that much warmer? It all depends on what else you’re wearing. If you’re dancing in the snow naked while wearing a hat, as Maynard suggests in his explanatory video, it won’t make much difference. Sorry, but you’re going to be cold (very cold) no matter what.

But what if you’re completely bundled up, and you just happen to leave your hat at home? Well, that means 90 percent of your body is not losing that much heat—but your head is now the only place from which heat can escape. That changes things, doesn’t it?

With that said, accept the bad hair day and put on the hat—even though you won’t be losing as much heat as was once believed. If you still need convincing, hats can also prevent frostbite, and we’d pick hat hair over freezing ears any day. And there actually is a perfect hat to suit the shape of your face.

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You Really DON’T Lose All Your Body Heat Through Your Head—Says Science Health – Reader's Digest

10 Surprising Beauty Benefits of Ginger You Should Know About

Ginger reduces inflammation

You know that pesky swelling, puffiness, and redness you sometimes experience on your skin—even on your face? Whether it’s caused by your diet or behaviors, such as drinking or smoking, it’s not a pretty picture—inside and out. In fact, high inflammation is the root cause of most diseases. “Inflammation is actually one of your body’s own self-preservation functions, but too much, of course, can cause problems with all areas of the body,” explains Jennifer Van Horn, MS, nutritional consultant for Fruitive. Ginger can help. “Ginger is a miraculous natural medicine because it is anti-inflammatory, antiviral and even antibacterial,” Horn adds. “It’s always in my kitchen, my secret weapon to have on hand especially during the cold and flu season.”

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10 Surprising Beauty Benefits of Ginger You Should Know About Health – Reader's Digest

Don’t Freak Out, But If You See This You May Be Showering in Bacterial Slime

After a sweat session at the gym or a messy day of gardening, nothing sounds better than jumping in the shower to rinse away the grime. But what if we told you that you’re also getting drenched with bacteria in the process? Doesn’t sound so relaxing now, does it?

If the thought of bacteria hiding in an appliance that’s supposed to clean you doesn’t add up, answer this: How many times do you clean the inside of your showerhead? Exactly. Open it up, and you’ll likely see a thick layer of gunk hiding inside. Noah Fierer, PhD, associate professor in the ecology and evolutionary biology department at University of Colorado at Boulder, is leading the Showerhead Microbiome Project to study the slime that makes most people cringe. “Most showerheads, if you unscrew the face of the showerhead where the water comes out, you’ll find slime in there,” he says. “We call it biofilm, but slime is just as accurate.” (Here’s how you can clean mineral deposits from your showerhead overnight.)

Showerheads don’t seem like the ideal place for bacteria to grow. After all, the only food there for microbes comes from tiny amounts of organic matter in the water. Plus, bacteria have to put up with major heat while you’re enjoying a steamy shower. “They need to stick on the side there and hold on; they need to tolerate high temperatures; if there’s chlorine in the water, they need to survive that, too” says Dr. Fierer. “Despite all that, microbes are tough.”

So what happens to all those microbes? Well, when you turn on the shower, the bacteria living in your showerhead escape into the air. That means—sorry to break this to you—you’re actually breathing in all that bacteria, or at least the microbes that end up in the steam, explains Dr. Fierer. The question is whether the bacteria you’re inhaling could cause disease.

Nontuberculosis mycobacteria infection is a rare respiratory disease that’s becoming more common, and Dr. Fierer’s team thinks showerheads could be the source. “It’s an opportunistic infection, meaning it’s acquired from the environment—or showerheads, in this case” says Dr. Fierer. His lab is now collecting samples of showerhead slime and the water that comes out to find out where the bacteria live and who’s most likely to get sick from them.

But don’t go running to your bathroom with rubber gloves and disinfectant just yet. Despite the usual buzz around disease-causing germs, some bacteria aren’t harmful at all—in fact, some are even healthy. Certain bacteria can boost your immune system and guard against allergies and asthma. So scrubbing them away might do more harm than good, says Dr. Fierer. “There may be benefits to bathing in bacteria every time you shower,” he says. “It could be like taking a probiotic rinse.”

For those of us who would rather forego the “probiotic rinse,” here’s how to clean your bathroom in 5 minutes or less.

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Don’t Freak Out, But If You See This You May Be Showering in Bacterial Slime Health – Reader's Digest

Bad News Can Take a Toll on Your Mental Health—Here’s How to Cope

As human beings, it’s really challenging for us to digest daily installments of upsetting information, whether it’s fires, hurricanes, kidnappings, robberies, illness, firings, or worse. It can really take a toll on our nervous system, not to mention our mental health.

Grappling with disturbing current events is especially tough for people who struggle with anxiety, PTSD, depression, or other mental health issues, any of which makes us more vulnerable to everyday stressors in addition to the natural fear response that bad news tends to trigger.

As a survivor of the terrorist attack in New York City on 9/11, I’ve learned a handful of coping mechanisms that have really helped me, and that should be able to help you too when you feel emotionally triggered by what’s going on the world.

1. Mind your feet

What’s especially important during challenging times is to stay where your feet are and stay focused on the next thing you have to do. If you respond well to structure, you may want to do this even after work, or if you freelance or don’t work at all, make a schedule and try to stick to it. That’s the first thing: Stay where your feet are, which is code for staying grounded and knowing that in the present moment, you’re always okay.

2. Stick your head in the sand occasionally

Several wise women over the last few years have told me we have the right to control what we let into our world. We often feel like we have to know what’s going on to stay safe or be informed. But that’s not a rule. It feels easier said than done to take a break from the news, which is on screens at the gym, in restaurants and bars, and on our social news feed. Let’s say you’re at the gym or at a restaurant and you have no control over changing the channel. First, feel empowered to ask management to change it. If that fails, find something else to focus on. Always have a magazine or book with you to focus on, or listen for the bass or the rhythm of the song playing in your headphones.

3. Seek out positive news

You have permission to not watch the news, avoid websites covering this news, and read the lighter sections of the newspaper, and you can unfollow people on Facebook or limit what you both see in your privacy settings. This way, you don’t totally cut them off, but if they tend to post links, images, or opinions that upset you, there are ways to minimize your exposure to that in those settings. Now for the proactive part: Seek out people who share positive news, inspiring quotes, happy stories, fun videos. There’s no rule that says you have to use social media in a certain way. Make it work for you, or do a detox for a few days if you need it.

4. Find healthy distractions

When we’re uncomfortable or scared or upset, we need relief. That’s normal. However, many of us tend to gravitate toward unhealthy distractions or behaviors. For some of us, that might be alcohol, food, drugs, sex, shopping, or other things that soothe us in the short term but has consequences in the long term depending on how we’re using it. As for what constitutes a healthy distraction, that’s for you to decide. We all kind of know what is harmless and even beneficial, including exercise, meditation, listening to music, dancing, getting out in nature, writing poetry or pursuing other activities about which you’re passionate. (Here’s how to find a hobby you love.) The key is to take your attention away from the trigger by doing something that doesn’t bring negative consequences on you or anyone around you. I personally take advantage of a free app called Insight Timer with hundreds of targeted guided meditations, talks, and sounds, so if you’re someone who can’t just sit in silence, there’s a talk here for you, and it might be aimed at helping you reset or relax, find your happy place, work through a difficult feeling, or fall asleep.

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5. Know how to cope in the moment

If you get triggered in real time, and you need relief immediately at work or on the subway or in traffic, try timed breathing exercises. You can do these with eyes closed or open, depending on where you are. Eyes open in a car, eyes closed at home or in your office if you have one.

Try this: inhale for 4 seconds, hold it for 7 seconds, exhale for 8 seconds.

Another way to try that is a cycle of 5, 5, 5, 5, holding out the exhale for 5.

Do these 10 times or time yourself for two minutes. For me it’s a really good way to cut through the immediacy and intensity of any negative feelings, and I can concentrate on the counting and it varies so it really faces me to be mindful.

6. Mind your body

Lastly, feel where your body is receiving support. For example, if you are sitting in a chair, notice where your body makes contact with the chair. Then, allow your weight to sink down into that chair. This can be done walking down the street or standing too. After that, see if you can locate where in your body you’re feeling activated, maybe you have shooting pains in your head, or your neck is tense, or your stomach feels knotted up or it feels like someone’s sitting on your chest…and then, find a neutral body part, maybe it’s your elbow or your calf or your ear lobe, and see if you can focus on that area to neutralize yourself.

7. Make a move

Remember too that sometimes taking action helps. Donate to a cause, whether with time or money, to help the victims we see or hear about on the news. Not only will your charitable contributions make a difference, but you’ll feel like you’ve taken back a bit of control over the events of the universe, and it may alleviate some of your distress.

8. Reach out to your support network

Lean on the people you trust and let them lean on you. Talk about your feelings so they don’t stay pent up to the point of near explosion.

If you feel like your ability to function is being affected, you’re not alone. Don’t hesitate to consult a professional who specializes in managing anxiety and other issues by helping you learn skills like some of what I’ve mentioned above, and who can help you work through your fears and feelings.

Helaina Hovitz is author of After 9/11: One Girl’s Journey through Darkness to a New Beginning.

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Bad News Can Take a Toll on Your Mental Health—Here’s How to Cope Health – Reader's Digest

This Is What It’s Really Like to Live with Severe Eczema

Eczema is not just dry skin

Peter Moffat, writer and executive producer of the Emmy Award-nominated HBO crime drama The Night Of, knows a lot about what life is like for one of the integral characters in the UK series—lawyer John Stone (played by John Turturro), who suffers from severe eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis (AD). In fact, Moffat was diagnosed with eczema when he was just 5 years old, and he based Stone’s experience on what it has been like living with the disease for most of his life.

“The doctor that my mother and I saw when I was a child looked like Sean Connery,” he says. “We thought, ‘oh good he looks like Sean Connery so he will be right about everything.’ He told us I had infantile eczema and told us it would go away. Fifty years later, it’s showing no signs of disappearing.”

To draw attention to this chronic inflammatory skin disease, Moffat has launched a new project called Understand AD, which features a new short that he wrote, directed, and produced, that gives viewers an inside look at the physical and psychological impact of moderate-to-severe eczema, which affects 1.6 million Americans and can cause everything from sleeplessness to feelings of anxiety, depression, and isolation. October is National Eczema Awareness Month and Moffat is determined to use his platform to shed light on a chronic disease that many often brush off as “dry skin,” even though eczema does involve excessive dryness.

Eczema gets the spotlight

A big part of The Night Of involves John Stone’s character doing his very best to manage his eczema. “In all eight hours, his skin disease writes across the show,” Moffat says. “There’s the scratching at night, the desperate search for remedies, the hardship, the hope. I think we got a three-dimensional character out of a skin disease!” Here’s what you need to know about eczema, especially if you have it.

Viewers take notice

When the show aired, Moffat received lots of feedback about the show’s spotlight on AD. “People said that AD was like a character all of its own, that there was New York City and there was AD,” he says. Viewers were especially moved by the portrayal of the disease, which hasn’t gotten its moment in prime time up until now. “One really memorable Tweet called The Night Of the story of a guy with eczema with a murder subplot,” Moffat says. “I loved that.”

What is atopic dermatitis?

Moffat—and the John Stone character on The Night Of—suffer from Atopic Dermatitis, the most common form of eczema, a chronic, inflammatory skin disease characterized by unpredictable flare-ups driven in part by a malfunction in the immune system. Despite common misconceptions that AD is “just” a skin condition, it is a systemic inflammatory disease that can have a significant physical and psychological impact on people with the condition. Is it AD or something else? These are the signs of eczema to never ignore.

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Surprise! AD isn’t contagious

While rashy skin and blistering may seem to the casual onlooker like it might be contagious, it absolutely isn’t. “I get people moving away from me on the London underground because I wear flip flops or sandals (it’s better to air your feet),” he says. “My feet do look a bit grim but I think parents have their kids move away from me because they think their kid is going to catch my AD. If there’s any one single thing that this new program can do is to tell people that no one can catch AD from anyone.”

Remedies are elusive

Just like Turturro’s character struggles week after week as he tries extreme remedies to alleviate the pain and itching from his AD—from wrapping his body in Crisco to applying topical creams, UV light therapy, and drinking exotic herbal teas—so is it true for anyone experiencing AD. “Currently there is such conflicting opinion about what to do to help,” Moffat says. “Some people say it’s important to keep the skin moist, but I’m not sure. Certainly hydrocortisone ointments, Chinese medicine, all the stuff Turturro’s character tries can help—I’ve wrapped parts of my body in Crisco and it does help—but on the whole, in my case, most remedies have been unsuccessful.” Here are home remedies for eczema worth trying, including this potential miracle trick to relieve eczema itching.

Atopic dermatitis may run in families

If you have family members who have asthma and hay fever, you may experience AD, Moffat says. “A lot of family members have this trio of ailments but I don’t have this in my family,” he says. “I don’t think we know why AD occurs but we do know that it’s a malfunction in the immune system.” Don’t miss the things your mother’s health can reveal about your body.

There’s more to AD than just physical pain

For those with AD, the psychological aspect of the condition can be debilitating. “People suffer from anxiety and depression, and lots of people have had to give up a job because they were expected to be in the public domain,” Moffat says. “For example, if you have AD on your face and you can’t have people walking away from you during a business meeting, the stigma is really big.” AD can lead to social isolation too. “Imagine you’re on a third date and things are going well,” Moffat says. “What’s your worry? That the girl you fancy is going to see the backs of your knees or your feet or the bottom of your back and be disgusted.” These are the biggest relationship dealbreakers, according to science.

An educational plan

Moffat hopes that his new project, produced in partnership with Regeneron, Sanofi, and the National Eczema Association, will build AD awareness and help educate the public about the disease. The site includes a documentary short that allows viewers to peek inside a “day in the life” of a person living with controlled moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis. “Once in a lifetime you get a real opportunity to build a platform from which you can talk about something people haven’t talked about before,” Moffat says. “This is that moment.” And the site also offers a place for those with AD to turn for information. “If we can educate people to understand this disease than the people suffering from it will be empowered to speak about it,” Moffat says.

Hoping for understanding—and kindness

In the end, Moffat hopes that, in the future, no one will ever mock, poke fun of, or isolate someone with AD. “I like to think about this disease in that way,” he says. “I think that one day nobody will stare at my feet on the London subway. I believe that will happen.”

Learn more about what common diseases your skin can reveal.

from Health – Reader's Digest http://bit.ly/2xSzMFz
This Is What It’s Really Like to Live with Severe Eczema Health – Reader's Digest

This Is the Easiest Way to Get Rid of a Pimple, According to a Dermatologist

Oh, no—of course the new zit on your face would appear at the most inconvenient moment. But if you have the serious urge to pop that pesky pimple, stop right there! We might have a better method. (Check out Dr. Pimple Popper’s advice for getting rid of blackheads, too.)

According to recent online buzz—and a detailed tutorial on Reddit—hydrocolloid (HC) bandages might be the new-and-improved way to treat acne. Placing these clear adhesives over the offending area can help it heal and clear out much faster, apparently.

It might be tempting, but poking and prodding your breakout won’t do your skin any favors. “Popping pisses it off. It increases swelling and inflammation,” New York City dermatologist Doris Day, M.D., told Women’s Health. Squeezing that zit is especially dangerous if it’s in the danger triangle. So not only does applying an HC bandage “allow skin’s growth factors to cook behind the dressing to help it heal and clear,” but it also keeps you from picking at it, Day said.

The best time to apply the bandage is when the pimple has become a pustule, or developed a white head on the surface. “A pustule means you’ve already had the immune response and your skin is healing, so a dressing is not a bad idea,” Day said. But if the pimple is still underneath the surface, this method won’t be as effective. You might want to try these surprising home remedies for acne, instead. Day also recommends using HC bandages at times when you’re more likely to pick at your skin or overnight.

Granted, there’s one potential negative: “The bacteria that causes acne tends to like to grow under conditions of oxygen. When you use a hydrocolloid bandage, it allows for less oxygenation, and that can make it worse,” Day said. But she’s still in favor of using them.

Need that pimple gone ASAP? If worse comes to worse, this is the dermatologist-approved way to pop a pimple at home.

[Source: Women’s Health]

from Health – Reader's Digest http://bit.ly/2z7rmxF
This Is the Easiest Way to Get Rid of a Pimple, According to a Dermatologist Health – Reader's Digest