It is not surprising that people who suffer from skin conditions can develop related emotional problems. The two conditions often fuel one another and create a cycle that is difficult to break. What is surprising is the extent to which this occurs.

In fact, there is an emerging sub-specialty of psychology, called psychodermatology, that helps patients deal with this aspect of their condition.

Here are some findings from the American Academy of Dermatology and other skin groups:¹

• Major depression is one of the main results of chronic skin disorders.
• Suicidal thoughts are another consequence. Consider some statistics on psoriasis. About 5% of the 4.5 American adults with psoriasis have suicidal thoughts – three times the rate of the general population.
• Other psychosocial side effects of skin conditions are social withdrawal, anger, frustration, and lack of confidence.
• 26% of people with moderate to severe psoriasis have been forced to change or discontinue their normal daily activities.
• Adults with acne face higher rates of unemployment than the general population.
• Kids with skin disorders suffer, too. Two out of five of these children have some psychosocial impairment.

SkinHealth Technology’s line of effective dermatological skincare products are designed to treat chronic skin conditions like acne, rosacea, psoriasis, eczema, and benign purpura–the often severe bruising that can occur as skin ages.

1) Grosbart PhD, Ted. “The Emotional Impact of Skin Problems.” Psychology Today 9 Jan. 2010: 9 pars. Web. 26 Sept. 2011. .

Polysaccharides are carbohydrate structures that produce a long chain of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen cells. They are formed with glycosidic bonds which hold the chain together. In nutrition, polysaccharides are digested in the body and used as potential energy sources. There are many benefits to this macro-molecule. Polysaccharides are a broad term for any sugar molecule that has a glycogen bond.¹

In the skin, polysaccharides are the sugar molecules that create the moisture binding gel-like substance. These molecules can bind up to 1,000 times their weight in moisture and are responsible for the skin’s hydration.²

Polysaccharides are natural components of the skin that potentially have antioxidant properties.³

ExtremeSkinCare Intensive Treatment Balm is a powerful formula that combines polysaccharides, peptides and botanical emollients– with a proven skin protectant to help combat even the most serious skin conditions. This soothing balm helps reduce the unsightly appearance of psoriasis, eczema, and rosacea. Relieves inflamed and irritated skin without steroids!

The new SkinHealth Technology formula contains two marine-based polysaccharides that decrease skin inflammation, protect the skin’s elasticity, and allow more oxygen and nutrition to reach injured skin cells.

1) iHealth Directory

2) Imedeen

3) Cosmetics Cop

Rosacea is a common skin disease that usually begins with excessive flushing. With time the redness can increase and spread across the cheeks, nose and chin. There are four subtypes that can appear, particularly if the disease is untreated and progresses.

ExtremeSkinCare Intense Treatment Balm by SkinHealth Technology is a great choice for a daily barrier repair emollient. It contains beneficial cosmeceuticals – peptides, polysaccharides and botanical emollients AND a proven skin protectant to help combat even the most serious skin conditions.

Click here for in depth information on the disease and treatment, which starts with using a good barrier repair emollient daily.

Peptides occur naturally in the body, and like proteins, are composed of amino acids. There are twenty different amino acids in the human body. Peptides and proteins in the body are comprised of different combinations and sequences of those amino acids. When a chain of amino acids is over 50 acids long, it is called a protein, when it contains less than 50 amino acids in the chain it is a peptide. So, a peptide is a portion, or a building block, of a protein.

All peptides influence or direct the cells of the body in some way. Different types of peptides influence different types of cells. The peptides used in SkinHealth Technology’s skincare products communicate with and direct the skin cells to behave in a certain way to help heal tough conditions like psoriasis, eczema, rosacea, bruising, and acne.

They utilize glycosaminoglycans, which are peptides that inhibit enzymes that degrade and ultimately destroy the skin’s collagen network. Pollution, ultraviolet rays and age decrease the skin’s ability to resist external irritants. These peptides restore the skin’s normal equilibrium, decrease irritation and help the skin resist external assaults.

People who suffer from rosacea know that outdoor summer activities bring the potential for full blown flare-ups that can last for days or even weeks. Heat, humidity and sun exposure combined with outdoor pastimes like boating or playing volleyball don’t just cause flushing – they can also aggravate other rosacea symptoms. Be prepared to give your skin the gentle treatment that is required to offset the stress that summer brings.

If you are not already using a daily sunscreen, now is a good time to find one. Look for a fragrance and oil-free product that provides an SPF of at least 15 (preferably higher) and that provides broad spectrum protection. SkinHealth Technology’s UV SkinCare Facial Light Lotion Sunscreen 35 SPF is a great broad spectrum choice. This natural sunscreen is formulated with added skincare benefits so it will also moisturize and soothe the skin. Apply the product liberally and reapply at least every two hours. Give your sunscreen some backup by wearing a broad brimmed hat and sunglasses to shade the face and eyes.

Another summer skincare essential for rosacea is a barrier-repair emollient to protect the skin and help it recover from environmental effects such as windburn. SkinHealth Technology’s BruiseCare products are ideal for this use. The same ingredients that fortify the skin against bruising work to reduce the redness and soothe stinging, irritated skin. Apply as often as needed, including bedtime.

While enjoying the warm weather be sure to avoid becoming overheated. Seek an air conditioned place to cool down if you feel flushed. Try spraying your skin with cool water or covering your face with a damp cloth to help calm a flare-up from hot outdoor activities. Sipping a cool drink or chewing on ice chips can also help to bring your body temperature down.

For more tips on keeping the adverse effects of hot weather from flaring your rosacea, take a look at the National Rosacea Society’s brochure, Coping with Rosacea.

The way you take care of your skin can either help calm rosacea or make it worse.  Rosacea affects the stratum corneum, the top layer of skin, mainly on the face.  On people with rosacea, this top layer of skin is fragile and frequently sensitive to harsh skincare products and aggressive cleansing techniques.  If not treated early and the right way rosacea can cause long term skin issues that are unattractive, uncomfortable and can worsen over time.

Rosacea usually first appears as a tendency for the face to blush or flush easily and can start in childhood.  Triggers like cold, heat, exercise, eating spicy foods or drinking alcohol can cause flushing.  As the condition progresses, spider veins may appear on the nose or cheeks and the skin can thicken and become bumpy.  Acne-like breakouts may occur in some cases.  So, what is the best way to care for rosacea?  Once the diagnosis of rosacea is made, your dermatologist may prescribe a course of treatment that includes antibiotics and certain topically applied prescription products for your specific symptoms.

Along with these treatments, many dermatologists recommend a barrier-repair emollient to soothe the skin, reduce redness, and protect it from environmental effects.  Look for something that is moisturizing, but not oily, and that contains botanicals such as Arnica Montana to reduce redness and Canadian Willowherb to calm inflammation.  Skin care products containing these ingredients can be found over-the-counter in drug or health food stores, or online.  One good product to consider is BruiseCare.

And here’s a tip:  Just because a product is marketed to treat a specific skin problem, does not mean it can’t be used on other conditions – read the ingredient listings.  Applying at bedtime and again in the morning can help protect the skin and stop rosacea from advancing.

Finally, sun exposure can aggravate rosacea, so wearing sunscreen everyday is important.  Choose a product that is oil and fragrance-free, and that is formulated to be gentle.  RosaceaNet has some great information and valuable tips on developing a simple daily skin care routine to help control your rosacea.