There are tons of resources for men skin care available, along with products made for men. Skin care has been part of many men’s daily regimen thanks to the benefits of great, fresh and young looking skin.
But what about men of color? Black men or Hispanic men? The truth is there is only a limited amount of resources that focus on skin care for Black men, which makes us wonder: does darker skin need different care?
The answer is yes. In African-American men skin there tends to be more razor bumps and burn and ingrown hairs. This is due to the different type of facial hair.
Also men of color can suffer from dark spots and hyper pigmentation which causes the skin to have an uneven tone.
So in order to address these issues a couple of companies and sites have created a special section for Black men skin care which is much needed. I’ve also seen a couple of skin care products for Black men available that work wonders.
Products such as Barc and African Male by men essentials are great examples of products made for Black men.
But of course proper skin care is the same for all men. No matter what your skin color or age, men should always follow a skin care regimen to help maintain a young and healthy looking skin.
Especially in for men with darker skin color, using a facial scrub/exfoliate and skin toner is essential to eliminating or keeping away from dark spots and hyper pigmentation.
Using the right shaving cream and after shave will also help reduce and alleviate razor burn and stop razor bumps.
Use the right skin care products for men and you will definitely keep your skin looking healthy, toned, young and overall attractive.
Is Black Men Skin Care Different?
Protect Your Mouth Better With Chlorine Dioxide
Say good bye to your bad breath! Scientists and orthodontists agree on how strong the effects of chlorine dioxide in treating bad breath are.
Bad breath or halitosis is a big problem. It plagues some 25 percent of the American population and the numbers continue to rise. It is the aim of the manufacturers of Durafresh Oral Care to give every individual a pleasant breath. That is why, after years of study and research, they were able to come up with oral care products that contain stabilized chlorine dioxide. This compound was found to be very potent in eliminating the foul smell in mouth caused by hydrogen sulfide and methylmercaptan molecules.
How does the chlorine dioxide works? If you all know, chlorine dioxide is an oxidizing agent, that is, it releases oxygen. On the contrary, oral bacteria are anaerobic, meaning, they live in environment that lacks oxygen. Thus, when this oral bacteria are exposed to oxidizing agents, their number is greatly minimized.
Chlorine dioxide can also neutralize sulfur compounds, thus, degrading the precursor components used by bacteria in the forming volatile sulfur compounds (or VSCs), another cause of oral malodor. Results based on the study of the Brazilian Oral Research divulged that even 0.1 percent concentration of chlorine dioxide in a mouthwash can inhibit the formation of VSCs, resulting to a more pleasant breath.
Using Durafresh Oral Care products can help you obtain the fresh breath that you always long for. These products are safe for children, and best of all, they are non-toxic, non-carcinogenic, non-mutagenic, and non-allergenic.
Long term use of Durafresh Oral Care products can also prevent the cause of periodontal diseases, like gingivitis and periodontis. Since chlorine dioxide minimizes the formation of VSCs, the absence of these oral toxins can stop bacteria from crossing the epithelial barrier and eventually, from penetrating into the inner tissues.
Aside from preventing periodontis, chlorine dioxide can also stop dental caries or tooth decay. Chlorine dioxide chemically kills the glycoproteins and complex carbohydrates that cause plaque. Thus, when they are eliminated, the formation of caries is altered.
Other oral care products use mint flavoring or alcohol to deodorize the bad smell. However, according to Dr. Richard Price, consumer adviser of the American Dental Association, “breath mints and mouthwashes are simply cover ups,” and their effects last for only an hour or two. But when you try using oral care products from Durafresh, you will see the difference. Your breath will stay fresh and pleasant for up to eight hours. And the best this here is that manufacturers do not use alcohol, which also masks, but does take away bad odor. Now you know why Durafresh leads the oral care game!
Disfigurement And Corrective Cosmetic Surgery Facial Disfigurement
Giving Hope to Special Children
Cosmetic surgeons face a lot of criticism in today’s society. They are accused of perpetuating the notion the perfection isn’t nearly perfect enough and that there is always room for improvement. These notions add undo stress to modern society’s teen and young adults as they pressure themselves and reject their own bodies in the never ending pursuit of the perfect body and face.
However, people who are quick to criticize have a narrow view of what cosmetic surgeons offer the public. While most people visit cosmetic surgeons to adjust their body or face toward a more aesthetically pleasing manner, a great number of people visit cosmetic surgeons to correct serious issues that literally prevent them from having a fair shot in life.
People with significant disfigurements are less likely to truly find ultimate success simply because they are judged unfairly. Facial disfigurements are the most difficult to overcome. People without disfigurements are quick to judge those who have them, and it can be a very cruel world. Often an unreasonable assumption is made that a disfigurement is the equivalent of low intelligence. It can be remarkably difficult for people with facial disfigurements to advance in careers or even be eligible for promotions. As wrong as society is ready to admit this unfair treatment may be, there certainly isn’t much being done to correct the situation and few education programs reaching out to young people to change the thought paradigm over time.
Children with facial disfigurements are hit especially hard. Their peers can be brutally honest, and even when there is no mal-intent the harsh understanding of being different is ever present. Children with facial disfigurements tend to develop of safe world inside their own minds, one where everybody looks like them or there is a magic fairy who is able to fix the problem with a simple wave of her magic wand. In all their fantasy, children with facial disfigurements tend to forget that they are not to blame for the situation and can often feel as though they caused the problem through a bad behavior even if they were born with the disfigurement.
Disfigurements occur in children either through disease, accident, or birth defect. To a child, the source of the disfigurement is completely inconsequential. The results are paramount, however. They can have such devastating effects on a child’s life that seven out of ten children with disfigurements have either wished for death or contemplated suicide.
Unfortunately, not all children with disfigurements can benefit from reconstructive cosmetic surgery. The nature of the disfigurement and the surrounding tissue all play a huge role in how reconstructive cosmetic surgery may or may not help a child inflicted with disfigurement. The fact that children are still growing can offset the chances of receiving cosmetic surgical assistance.
Children with facial disfigurements due to an accident are more likely to be able to be helped through reconstructive cosmetic surgery. Facial wounds are one of the easiest disfigurements to correct. Wounds from dog bites, car accidents, and even burns often stand a good chance of either significantly reducing or eliminating the disfigurement altogether. Children who have had to have facial bones removed due to disease can often be helped, although they tend to require more than just reconstructive cosmetic surgery.
In the past ten years medical advancements in cosmetic reconstructive surgery have increased the field’s ability to help more children afflicted with a wider variety of facial disfigurements. Moderate to severe burns were once untouchable, and while cosmetic reconstructive surgery still can not fix a great amount of the effects of burns there is hope for facial burns below the eyes.
Finding Reconstructive Surgical Help
With the known devastating effects of facial disfigurement in children, it would be reasonable to believe that insurance companies would willingly pay for the procedures that can help alleviate the facial disfigurements in children. This notion is unfortunately a fallacy. Most insurance companies consider the vast majority of these procedures to be an elective procedure and cover very little if any of the cost.
Families are then faced with very difficult financial decisions. Naturally any parent wants to wipe away the agony and suffering of their child. Finding the necessary resources to pay for such procedures can be insurmountable, especially in families where other medical expenses were incurred either to treat a disease or accident related expenses.
Considering that cosmetic surgeons are typically paid up front and in cash or check form there would be more compassion on the surgeons’ end to fix these children free of charge when the insurance won’t cover it and there are no resources to offset the cost. Again, reconstructive cosmetic surgeons find themselves under fire for their decisions to charge these families for their services.
It should be understood that many reconstructive cosmetic surgeons actually do quite a bit of pro bono work for children with facial disfigurements. They receive very little press for doing so but will receive ample press should they choose to turn a child away.
Regardless of popular opinion and personal thoughts about the cosmetic surgery industry, it is unreasonable to hold anyone accountable for not doing their job for free as often as someone else deems appropriate. There are a frighteningly large amount of children needing free or low cost help. A single surgeon could accept enough pro bono work to keep him busy for a year and he would barely make a dent in the problem. It is unreasonable for the public to decide how much anyone performs their job for free. We don’t demand that construction workers fix our roads for free, even when they have fixed the same road three times. We can not demand different from cosmetic surgeons just because not everyone agrees with their line of work.
When a cosmetic surgeon agrees to pro bono cosmetic surgery, they are not only agreeing that they will give up their fee. They are agreeing that anyone involved with the surgery will give up their right to be paid. This includes anesthesiologists, operating room nurses, and sometimes recovery nurses. Depending on the procedure, this may require another specialist to perform a specialty surgery for free as well.
Pro bono cosmetic surgery is an amazing gift. And that is exactly what it is, a gift. Often a procedure may require more than just one surgery, and the surgeon and his team are committed to continue treatment for free. Complications may require an emergency surgical procedure, and once again the cosmetic surgery is performed pro bono. There are numerous factors that play into a surgeon’s willingness to perform pro bono cosmetic surgery. It would be fair to receive all the information prior to deciding that this “vanity profession” is only out to serve itself.
Donation Funds for Children with Facial Disfigurements
Nobody likes to ask for money because they can’t afford to take care of their child’s needs. However, in situations where the cost is prohibitive but the benefit is life changing, it is a gift to the general public to be able to help positively effect a life. Most people will willingly give their spare change, checks, cash, and even services to help change the life of a child with a facial disfigurement.
Creating a fund for children with facial disfigurements and actively participating in fundraisers can make a significant difference in attaining the assistance needed to correct the problem. While surgeons are hesitant to do pro bono work, they are more willing to make compromises with payment plans and reduced fees to allow families the benefit of reconstructive cosmetic surgery for a reasonable cost.
These special funds are easy to create and any bank teller can help set one up. Most convenience stores and pharmacies and other establishments will allow charity cans to be placed in a highly visible locations. Contacting a fundraising specialist can put a family on the right path to discover the ease of obtaining at least one quarter of the funds needed, which makes a surgeon more likely to put a child on the schedule to fix a facial disfigurement.
Nobody wants to see a child suffer with the complications from a facial disfigurement. There is hope out there and a surprising number of resources to help guide a family in the right direction in finding the help that is appropriate for them. The very formation of the cosmetic surgical industry was designed to help people who looked different attain a more suitable look. The cosmetic surgery industry has not lost touch with its roots.
For help in finding a surgeon, understanding various surgical procedures, or to learn more about cosmetic surgery, visit lifeplasticsurgery. Here you will find ample resources regardless of your reason for choosing plastic surgery. Cosmetic surgery is a complicated field whether you are looking to enhance an already beautiful face, restore the body, or help a child with a facial disfigurement. Learning all you can about the basic first steps is a critical and worthwhile endeavor.
The Difference Between Bonding and Veneers For Cosmetic Dentistry
Chipped, stained, and malformed teeth – nobody wants them, but many people have them. The good news is that now there are treatment options for chipped, stained, and malformed teeth. By consulting with a cosmetic dentist, you will learn about the treatments available so you can make the best decision for you. Veneer or bonding treatments are typically suggested during consultations since these common techniques are easier and less painful than placing a crown.
All About Bonding
This process is simpler and less expensive than veneers for repairing a damaged tooth, so it is usually the first recommendation of a cosmetic dentist. The process includes spreading a white composite resin that is made of plastic and has a paste consistency on top of the damaged tooth. The substance can be colored for a custom match to your other teeth, making the repair look natural.
The oral care expert first applies a chemical to the damaged tooth in the process. This chemical makes the existing enamel rough so the material will stick to the tooth’s surface when applied. After the bonding material is applied, a special light is used to cure the material and applies additional layers when necessary. The material is flexible, so it allows the cosmetic dentist to put his artist’s skills to work, shaping the material and shining it until it looks completely natural.
Since bonding doesn’t require any anesthetic and is performed fast, it is less expensive than veneers. A dental expert can even bond more than one tooth in the same sitting and the patient has no recovery period.
Unfortunately, there are a few drawbacks to bonding. It only lasts five to ten years, while a veneer should last twenty years. Therefore, the long-term expense often exceeds the short-term savings when looking at choosing between the two treatments. The plastic stains easier than natural teeth, so patients have to consider the effects of their favorite foods, especially with front teeth.
And Now About Veneers
Veneers are actually a thin layer of porcelain or acrylic material that sits over your natural tooth, giving an improved appearance. The process of veneering starts with the freezing of the affected tooth and then grinding down the enamel. After making a mold and impression of the grounded down tooth, a laboratory manufacturers the veneer. After receiving the veneer from the laboratory, which typically takes a few days, the oral care professional roughens the surface of the tooth, applies a special type of composite resin cement, and places the veneer over the damaged tooth.
Patients have to be careful about certain foods, like blueberries and red wine, because of problems with staining. The tooth underneath the veneer is still subject to cavities and decay, so regular dental checkups and dental hygiene are a must. While veneers cost more, there is no typical fee. Consult a cosmetic dentist for an estimate for a true vision of the costs involved.
Both veneers and bonding can be performed by a Miami Beach cosmetic dentist or in any other major city. Several factors can determine the best treatment for you, including the kind of damage and repair, the amount of time you have to wait for repairs, and your budget. By consulting with a dental professional, you will be able to make an educated decision about the treatment best for you.
Oral Hygiene Do’s and Don’ts
The mouth is the gateway to the body… good health begins with good teeth. Tooth decay, infection and/or gum disease can lead to a variety of ailments and just generally ‘feeling bad.’ Here’s a list of Do’s and Don’ts for keeping your oral hygiene the best it can be:
Oral Hygiene Do’s
Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleaning. Visit an orthodontist for an evaluation if you see any of the early warning signs of orthodontic problems. Have your child(ren) evaluated by an orthodontist by age seven. Many orthodontic problems can be more easily corrected before tooth and facial growth is complete. Brush your teeth at least twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush and a fluoride toothpaste. Floss between your teeth at least once a day, after dinner and before bedtime. (Tip: Use toothpaste on your floss for extra fresh breath.) Rinse and gargle with the mouthwash, ideally right before bedtime. Eat a balanced diet, limit between-meal snacks and eliminate sugary foods. Clean your tongue when your brush your teeth. (Tip: Instead of using toothpaste to brush your tongue, dip your toothbrush in mouthwash.) Drink plenty of liquids, especially water to keep your mouth moist. (Tip: If your mouth is dry, try sucking in your cheeks as if eating something sour to increase flow from the salivary glands.)
Oral Hygiene Don’ts
Don’t forget to clean behind your back teeth. Don’t give mouthwash or fluoride toothpaste to young children, as they can swallow it. Don’t clean your tongue so hard that it hurts. Don’t rely on mouthwash alone too keep your teeth and gums clean and your breath fresh. Practice complete oral hygiene. Don’t ignore your gums – you can lose your teeth as well as have bad breath. Don’t drink too much coffee. Don’t smoke.
For those wearing braces or other orthodontic appliances, keeping teeth and gums clean may be a bit more difficult, but the resulting smile will be worth the effort. If you wear braces…
Braces Do’s
Brush after every meal. If you can’t brush right away, rinse your mouth (and removable appliance) with water. Floss every day. Your orthodontist can give you a floss threader if you’re having difficulties. Chew only sugarless gum. Call your orthodontist if anything is loose or broken.
Braces Don’ts
Don’t miss your orthodontic appointments. Missed or delayed appointments mean you’ll have to wear your braces longer. Don’t eat hard, sticky or chewy foods, crunchy foods. Don’t chew on pens, pencils, ice, fingernails or anything that might break your braces.
Shiny clean teeth and fresh breath are good reasons for practicing good oral hygiene, but the most important reason is that keeping your gums and teeth clean and healthy will help you keep your teeth throughout your life. Although some diseases and conditions can make dental disease and tooth loss more likely, most of us have a great deal of control over whether we keep our teeth into old age. Wouldn’t you rather be chewing with your own natural teeth?
Avis Ward of AWard Consulting, LLC
Coenzyme Q10 in Skin Care Products is Good Right? Wrong
Everyone knows Coenzyme Q10, (or CoQ10) is a great ingredient to find in your skin care products. If you look on the label of your anti aging product bottles it’s almost obligatory to see Coenzyme Q10 listed.
That’s why it’s there, because everyone expects to see it there, so if they do it sells. But is it good to see Coenzyme Q10 listed in the ingredients?
Hard question to answer, because it’s not easy to say. Yes and no. It depends. And that’s why it’s not sufficient to assume that if Coenzyme Q10 is listed on the ingredients list that’s good. Because it depends on a number of things.
What is Coenzyme Q10 and what does it do? It is a substance that is naturally made by the human body and is essential for the proper functioning of our cells. It’s like a vitamin, or what is known as an anti oxidant, and as we get older our store of CoQ10 starts to decrease. As CoQ10 is important to our skin health this isn’t good. As an anti oxidant it helps protect our cells against damage by free radicals.
And as free radicals are important factors in the aging process, we need good stores of anything that help protect us against them.
And it helps our skin molecules to function properly, and produce substances like collagen and elastin, both essential to skin health as well.
Our supply of Coenzyme Q10 starts to deplete with age, and stress, and other lifestyle factors like poor diet. And in particular Coenzyme Q10 is depleted when our skin is exposed to UV radiation. Ie it’s exposed to the sun’s rays.
So if it helps protect our skin cells from free radical damage and also helps produce useful skin substances, wouldn’t it be good to see Coenzyme Q10 listed on the label of the skin care and anti aging products we use?
Not necessarily. There’s some problems. Even if it’s to be of use to us it has to be there in sufficient quantities, and often it isn’t. Secondly it has to be present in a form that can penetrate the skin. Even if there is sufficient quantities in the product it’s no use if it can’t penetrate the skin and get to where it can do it’s work.
Otherwise it just sits on the surface of the skin.
How have the best skin care and anti aging companies overcome this? By producing a special version of Coenzyme Q10 called Nano-Lipobelle H-EQ10. This is a type of CoQ10 that has tiny particle sizes that do get into the skin, and has been shown to increase the amount of collagen and elastin in the skin. This in turn has quite a significant effect on combating wrinkles.
And it can work it’s anti oxidant miracles once it’s got into your skin and can then help prevent skin damage.
Nano-Lipobelle H-EQ10 is extremely expensive, but if it works then there will be companies that will use it to produce the best, and most effective, anti aging skin care products that money can buy. But as these companies don’t spend stacks of money on marketing their products are cost comparable to the other products you’ll find on the shelves that don’t contain Nano-Lipobelle H-EQ10, and aren’t very effective.
But as they don’t spend stacks on marketing, chances are you’ve never even heard of them, even though they produce the best anti aging and skin care products in the world.
So no, it isn’t necessarily good to find Coenzyme Q10 in your skin care products, but it is good to find Nano-Lipobelle H-EQ10. But you won’t find it in mainstream skincare products on the shelves.





