HEALTH
HARLEM COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS
How to Treat Today’s Most Common Skin Issues (Statepoint)
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pending a lot more time at home indoors these days or adjusting to going back outside? New habits and big lifestyle changes can have an effect on one’s skin. Here are some of the more common skin care issues associated with life today and their solutions, some of which can be easily found at the drugstore: • Dry skin: Our new reality of wearing masks can have a drying effect on our skin. But you can easily enhance your skin’s own moisture-retention with a serum-containing dermatologist-recommended hyaluronic acid. “Using gentle and lightweight skincare, especially now that the temperatures are rising, will properly hydrate your skin without clog-
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ging the pores, even under a mask. Hyaluronic acid products, such as serums, that are correctly formulated will also help plump the skin and reduce wrinkles,” says Dr. Rocio Rivera, VP of scientific communications, L’Oréal Paris. For long lasting hydration, apply two to three drops of L’Oréal Paris 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum
to the face and neck every morning and evening – its lightweight and fast-absorbing texture works well under a mask. • Not prioritizing metime: If you have a lot going on these days, you may forget to take some time for self-care. Beyond your skin care routine -- which you should continue to maintain -- you can also promote a
healthy-looking glow by prioritizing sleep, eating a well-balanced diet, staying hydrated and getting regular exercise. “Sun protection equals skin health and it is the most important age preventive product in your skincare routine. A broad spectrum SPF formula is always a must: Rain or shine, indoors, outdoors, and yes -- all over the face, includes under the mask,” says Dr. Rocio Rivera. • Light exposure: Spending large portions of the day indoors unfortunately doesn’t eliminate risks associated with light exposure. With more screen time comes increased exposure to blue light. What’s more, you are still susceptible to incidental sun exposure coming in through windows of your home and car.
Refresh and protect your skin with a moisturizer that also has broad spectrum SPF, such as L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Triple PowerSPF 30, which can be smoothed over the face and neck every morning. Formulated with pro-retinol, vitamin C and hyaluronic acid, it will make your skin feel smooth, soft and refreshed after use. • Lack of glow: For many, skin glow is a key sign of skin health, and while you may not be catching as many rays outdoors these days to achieve this, there is an aesthetically-pleasing and much healthier way to achieve a sun-kissed glow without the damage and pre-mature aging caused by UV exposure. Stash your cabinet with the latest innovation from L’Oréal Paris, Sublime Bronze Water Mousse. Its clear liquid formula delivers
a seamless, streak-free application and quick absorption for a natural-looking bronze tan that does not transfer. Infused with coconut water and vitamin E, it leaves skin soft and beachy-smelling. For best results, shake well. Pump into hands and smooth evenly over clean, exfoliated skin. Allow four to eight hours for the color to fully develop before showering. For a longer-lasting tan, apply three times over 12 to 24 hours. Wash hands thoroughly after use. Let skin dry completely before putting on clothes. More skin and beauty tips can be found by visiting lorealparis.com/skinhub. Your new lifestyle means now, more than ever, you should not neglect your skin. A few simple steps can keep your skin refreshed and healthy-looking.
Foot and Ankle Symptoms You Should Never Ignore
Harlem Community Newspapers | October 1. 2020
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any people deal with foot and ankle concerns by simply ignoring them, hoping the problem goes away. However, certain symptoms could be a sign of a serious condition, warn experts. “A foot and ankle surgeon has the right education and training to provide preventive care and early intervention, which remain essential, even in the age of COVID-19 when you may be avoiding in-person visits,” says Jeffrey D. Loveland, DPM, FACFAS, foot and ankle surgeon and Fellow Member of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS). To help you determine when it’s time to consult a specialist, ACFAS is offering insights into symptoms that affect the foot or ankle and
frequently are signs of serious medical conditions: • Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): DVT is a condition in which a blood clot forms in a deep vein, most commonly in calves or thighs. Potentially very dangerous, DVT can lead to a pulmonary embolism. See a doctor if you experience swelling in the leg, pain in the calf or thigh, or warmth and redness of the leg. • Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): Commonly referred to as poor circulation, PAD is the restriction of blood flow in the arteries of the leg and could be an indication of more widespread arterial disease that can cause stroke or heart attack. Common symptoms include leg cramping while walking or lying down, leg numbness or weakness, cold legs or feet, sores on the
toes, feet or legs that won’t heal, a change in leg color, loss of hair on the feet and legs, and changes in toenail color and thickness. • Osteoporosis: Osteoporosis, a bone-thinning disease affecting more than 28 million Americans, accounts for 1.5 million bone fractures annually. One early symptom is increased pain with walking, accompanied by redness and swelling on the top of the foot. A foot and ankle surgeon can diagnose osteoporosis through a bone densitometry test. • Foot Bumps: Common foot bumps include ganglionic cysts and plantar fibromas. While both benign, these bumps tend not to go away on their own and can cause discomfort and disruption of everyday activities. Foot bumps
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can also be cancerous, so it’s always best to have them examined. • Charcot Foot: Charcot foot, a severe diabetes complication, is a sudden softening of the foot’s bones caused by neuropathy. It can trigger an avalanche of problems, including joint loss, fractures, collapse of the arch, massive deformity,
ulcers, amputation and even death. Charcot foot cannot be reversed, but its destructive effects can be stopped. Symptoms appear suddenly and can include warm and red skin, swelling and pain. • Ulcers: Not only is a foot ulcer a painful condition which can lead to amputation, it can be indicative of several
underlying ailments, which are critical to diagnose and treat, including diabetes, circulatory problems and issues with the mechanics of the foot or leg. Telltale signs that an ulcer may be brewing are swelling, temperature changes in the feet, color changes and calluses. For more foot care information or to find a foot and ankle surgeon in your area, visit FootHealthFacts.org, the ACFAS patient education website. “Even foot and ankle symptoms that seem minor could be signs of a serious medical condition, like diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis or arthritis,” says Dr. Loveland. “Consulting a foot and ankle surgeon is the first step toward diagnosis and early intervention.”
