Health News

Synonyme d’adolescence, les imperfections ne disparaissent pas toujours à l’âge adulte.

Peaux grasses, excès de sébum, dérèglements hormonaux sont autant de facteurs favorisant l’apparition de petites imperfections qui gâchent souvent le quotidien des femmes adultes.

Même à l’âge adulte, les peaux à imperfections nécessitent un soin particulier. L’erreur à ne pas commettre est de « décaper » l’épiderme à répétition avec des soins nettoyants agressifs. La peau risque de se sentir agressée et produira davantage de sébum pour se défendre. On rentre alors dans un cercle vicieux difficile à casser.

Pour le nettoyage de la peau,on privilégiera les gels lavants doux. Pour le démaquillage, on préfèrera les laits et les eaux micellaires.

Côté crèmes,même pour les peaux à tendance grasse, il faut bien hydrater, quitte à préférer un soin hydratant qui matifie

Between 30-50% of all cancer cases are preventable. Prevention offers the most cost-effective long-term strategy for the control of cancer. National policies and programmes should be implemented to raise awareness, to reduce exposure to cancer risk factors and to ensure that people are provided with the information and support they need to adopt healthy lifestyles.

Tobacco

Worldwide, tobacco use is the single greatest avoidable risk factor for cancer mortality and kills approximately 6 million people each year, from cancer and other diseases. Tobacco smoke has more than 7000 chemicals, at least 250 are known to be harmful and more than 50 are known to cause cancer.

Tobacco smoking causes many types of cancer, including cancers of the lung, oesophagus, larynx, mouth, throat, kidney, bladder, pancreas, stomach and cervix. Second-hand smoke, also known as environmental tobacco smoke, has been proven to cause lung cancer in non-smoking adults. Smokeless tobacco (eg chewing tobacco) causes oral, oesophageal and pancreatic cancer. Nearly 80% of the 1 billion smokers in the world live in low- and middle-income countries.

Physical inactivity, obesity and being overweight

Dietary modification is another important approach to cancer control. There is a link between overweight and obesity to many types of cancer such as oesophagus, colorectum, breast, endometrium and kidney. Diets high in fruits and vegetables may have an independent protective effect against many cancers. Regular physical activity and the maintenance of a healthy body weight, along with a healthy diet, considerably reduce cancer risk. In addition, healthy eating habits that prevent the development of diet-associated cancers will also lower the risk of other noncommunicable diseases.

Alcohol use

Alcohol use is a risk factor for many cancer types including cancer of the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, oesophagus, liver, colorectum and breast. Risk of cancer increases with the amount of alcohol consumed. For several types of cancer, heavy drinking of alcohol combined with tobacco use substantially increases the risks of cancer. In 2010, alcohol-attributable cancers were estimated to be responsible for 337,400 deaths worldwide, predominantly among men.

Infections

In 2012, approximately 15% of all cancers were attributable to infectious agents such as helicobacter pylori, human papilloma virus (HPV), hepatitis B and C, and Epstein-Barr virus. The fraction of infection-attributable cancers varied between countries and development status, from less than 5% in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United States and select countries in western and northern Europe to more than 50% in some countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Two-thirds of infection-attributable cancers occur in less developed countries. Vaccines are available for hepatitis B virus and some types of HPV and can reduce the risk of liver and cervical cancers, respectively.

Environmental pollution

Pollution of air, water and soil with carcinogenic chemicals contributes to the cancer burden to differing degrees depending on the geographical settings. Outdoor air pollution is classified as carcinogenic, or cancer-causing, for humans. It has been estimated that outdoor air pollution contributed to 3.2 million premature deaths worldwide in 2012 including more than 200,000 lung cancer deaths. Additionally, over 4 million people die prematurely from illness attributable to the household air pollution from cooking with solid fuels, 6% of these deaths are from lung cancer.

Source: World Health Organization

Just like cleansing, toning, and moisturizing, scrubbing also occupies a significant place in our beauty regimen. Exfoliation of the skin can prevent many skin problems. With so many different types of facial scrubs and body scrubs available in the market, exfoliating your skin is not a difficult task at all! In fact, you can also choose to make your own homemade scrubs to exfoliate your skin with ingredients you like best! Just invest in the right kind of scrub, based on your skin type and your beauty needs. Use gentle circular motions and watch your scrub working wonders on your skin!

But how does scrubbing work? What benefits can you expect?

Top 10 benefits of scrubbing your skin

In case you don’t know why you must go for an exfoliation session, at least once a week, here are the top 10 reasons to give you that much needed nudge!

1. For a squeaky clean skin

Scrubbing gives you clean skin, free from dirt, oil, and sweat. Actually, the bottles of cleansing milk, face wash and facial cleansers cannot pull out all the dust that accumulates in the pores of your skin. Scrubbing does this job successfully. Make your own facial scrub with brown sugar and honey and use it twice a week to see the difference.

2. Frees your skin from flakes

Flaky skin looks hideous! It clearly signals the fact that you don’t take care of it the way you should. In fact, flaky skin also gives rise to dry patches. It allows dead cells accumulate over time. Scrubbing your skin can help you deal with flaky skin effectively.

3. Helps in removing dead cells:

Dead cells make your skin look dull and tired. Why let them build up on the layers of your skin? Scrub them off with a gentle scrub.

4. Adds glow to skin:

Exfoliation can actually make your skin glow. Soak rice in milk for two hours. Then grind it into a paste and scrub your face to get glowing skin in no time.

5. Removes dark patches:

Do you know that scrubbing could even help in removing dark patchy skin? Add a spoon of yoghurt to a spoon of crushed walnuts. Use this scrub twice a week to get desired results. It is especially effective on knuckles, elbows and knees.

6. Removes acne scars:

Exfoliation helps in doing away with acne scars. Prepare a basic scrub using two spoons of baking soda and a spoon of water. Make a paste and use it on your face to treats the ugly marks left behind by acne.

7. Prevents ingrown hair:

Ingrown hair is a perennial problem and scrubbing is the solution to prevent this problem. Squeeze out the juice of two lemons and add a cup of sugar to it. Add some water and use this scrub to prevent ingrown hair. You may add a few drops of tea tree oil because it has antiseptic properties. You can use it after 2 or 3 days of waxing for effective results.

8. For smooth skin:

Smooth skin is the key to a more beautiful you. Use a scrub made out of a cup of ground almonds, two spoons of honey and milk cream. This scrub will not only make your skin look flawlessly smooth but will also make it soft and well-nourished from within. If you do not have time to do your scrub yourself, why not try the amazing product of the Filorga range?

9. Improves the texture of your skin:

Scrubbing your skin gives you clean and smooth skin with an improved texture.

10. Promotes Clear Complexion:

As soon as the flakes, dead cells, blemishes, and accumulated impurities are done away with, what do you expect in return? The answer is-clear complexion! And if the scrub has natural skin whitening ingredients, the effect is even better.

Antibiotics are the most commonly prescribed medication for children, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). But while they have saved millions of young lives when correctly used for bacterial infections, they are also often wrongly prescribed for viral infections, against which they are powerless. And the WHO notes that they can cause drug toxicity and harm a child’s gut organisms and enteric immune system. A study in the American Academy of Pediatrics found that around 11.4million unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions are written for children and teens each year in the US. And there’s a similar problem here.

1. Know the risks

Whenever an antibiotic is prescribed, there’s a risk of a reaction: 

• Short term risks are immediate side-effects, such as vomiting, diarrhoea, rash, and anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction). 
• Medium-term risks include developing resistant bacteria, which are harder to treat and may lead to hospitalisation; and an increase in MRSA, a type of staph bacteria that causes skin infection and more serious bone and bloodstream infections.
• Long-term risks arise because children can carry resistant bacteria for a long time and they can be spread within the family. Also, antibiotics affect the child’s microbiome (gut organisms) by killing not just the bad bacteria targeted, but the good. And good gut bacteria are important, aiding digestion, the absorption of calcium and iron, and the synthesis of certain vitamins and even neurotransmitters such as serotonin, the feel-good hormone. They help control toxic substances and keep the lining of the intestinal tract healthy, boosting the immune system. Another long-term concern is that antibiotics may be associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): in a study of a million patient records in the UK, infants given antibiotics had the highest increase in IBD risk.  

2. Know the limits

Antibiotics are effective, but only against bacteria, and when truly needed. Among the serious bacterial infections that require antibiotics are pneumonia, meningitis, blood infection and urinary infection. Viruses, not bacteria, almost always cause upper respiratory infections. Acute bronchitis, too, is seldom caused by bacteria. But it can be hard to differentiate viral from bacterial infections in young babies, especially those under three months of age, and identify if they are at risk of serious bacterial infection, so they are often started on antibiotics, then taken off if no bacterial infection is detected. 

• For ear infections: Antibiotics can benefit toddlers with infections in both ears and severe pain, notes the American Academy of Paediatrics. Symptoms often disappear in a few days, though, and for older children not in too much pain, a “wait-and-see” approach may be better.
• For coughs and runny noses: Antibiotics should be considered only when symptoms are severe, persistent or are getting worse.
• For a sore throat: Children who have swollen tonsils and lymph nodes and a fever should be tested for strep throat, and only if the results are positive should they be prescribed antibiotics.

3. Ask these 3 questions 

• Does my child really need this antibiotic? What are the benefits and the risks of taking it?
• Can you prescribe a narrow spectrum antibiotic that targets just the bacteria causing this infection, rather than broad-spectrum, which kills good bacteria too?
• Can my child take probiotics (capsules or sachets of “good bacteria”) along with the antibiotics?

Gingivitis and periodontitis, also known as gum disease, is very common but can be prevented through good oral hygiene. In simple words, gingivitis refers to gum inflammation and periodontitis is the loss of the bone that support the teeth.

What is gum inflammation (gingivitis)?

Healthy gums are pale, pink and firm. The gum tissue acts as a barrier and fits firmly around the tooth. Healthy gums do not bleed when you brush or clean between your teeth. Red, swollen and bleeding gums are a sign of gingivitis (gum inflammation) and if left untreated, can lead to periodontitis, loss of bone around the tooth. Around 40% of adults suffer from periodontitis – often without knowing it. Gingivitis and periodontitis can develop slowly and often without pain. The sooner the diseases are diagnosed and treated, the better.

What causes gingivitis?

A sticky film called dental plaque constantly forms on your teeth. If you don't clean properly, plaque will be left behind, especially between the teeth and along the gum line. When plaque accumulates in these areas, it causes inflamed gums (gingivitis), with redness and swelling. Inflamed gums may bleed when you clean your teeth.

Prevent gum inflammation

If you suspect that you have gum inflammation, contact your dental professional. Taking note of the advice that your dental practitioner offers is of utmost importance for a successful result, even after treatment is completed. Regular check-ups in combination with your own home care are crucial to prevent the problems from returning.

Signs of gingivitis

• Red and swollen gums
• Bleeding when brushing

Periodontitis

If plaque is not removed, it continues to grow in between the tooth and gums. On the root surface of the tooth, the plaque can harden into tartar which has a rough surface where new bacteria can attach with ease . These bacteria contribute to the loss of bone around the tooth. The gum inflammation has developed into periodontitis.

If plaque is not removed, it continues to grow in between the tooth and gums. On the root surface of the tooth, the plaque can harden into tartar which has a rough surface where new bacteria can attach with ease . These bacteria contribute to the loss of bone around the tooth. The gum inflammation has developed into periodontitis.

Gingivitis can be prevented

You can do a lot yourself to prevent and reverse periodontal disease through proper oral hygiene. Brush your teeth twice a day. Once a day, also clean between the teeth using interdental brushes, Mini Flosser or dental floss. A special toothbrush for cleaning hard-to-reach areas may also be needed.

Click here for a selection of dental accessories. 

Ask your dentist or dental hygienist for advice and instruction.

Until they reach age 3, infants do not have a fully developed skin defense system, which leaves them highly vulnerable to the sun’s rays. As a result, doctors strongly recommend that young children be kept out of direct sunlight. If your activities require your baby to be in the sun nonetheless, be sure to take special precautions to protect that delicate skin! By following a few simple rules, you can preserve your baby’s skin and help maintain his natural defenses against potentially serious sun damage. And since childhood is the best time for learning, if you always follow the same steps now, your child will adopt them automatically in the future.

Rules for sun safety

• Avoid exposing your baby to the sun, especially between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM.
• Always look for shade when the sun is intense.
• Never leave your baby naked or in a bathing suit in the sunlight. Dress your child in loose-fitting clothing made of thick cotton to filter UV rays, plus a wide-brimmed hat and appropriate wide-brimmed or goggle sunglasses.
• Apply a thick layer of a sunscreen product with an appropriate SPF index (50 or above), 20 minutes prior to exposure. Focus on sensitive areas that receive extra exposure (forehead, cheekbones, nose, lips).
• Protect your child even in the shade or cloudy weather: more than 80% of UV rays pass through clouds, and a parasol does not provide adequate protection.
• Avoid potentially allergenic sun protection; instead, use mineral or organic mineral sunscreen.
• Reapply the sunscreen product generously every 2 hours and after the child has been in water.
• Make sure your child drinks regularly, even if he doesn’t ask to.
• Take proper care of your sunscreen products: be sure to close the tube or spray cap tightly, don’t leave products in full sunlight, and never reuse a product the year after you opened it.

Choosing the right sunscreen

Your child has delicate skin that’s thinner than yours and especially vulnerable to sunlight. So it’s vital to choose sunscreen that’s optimally effective against the sun’s harmful rays, but that also respects your child’s delicate skin and preserves its supply of healthy cells.

The right sun protection for your baby should meet the following criteria:

• It should offer SPF 50+ and UVA protection combined with protection of the cutaneous barrier to preserve the skin’s natural defenses and prevent any cell damage that could result from exposure to the sun.
• It should offer a guarantee of high tolerance: the formula should be hypoallergenic, alcohol- and paraben-free and dermatologically tested.
• It should be suitable for a child’s activities: the product should be water- and sweat-resistant and visible when applied, to be sure you don’t overlook any area of the skin.
• It should be appropriate for your child’s skin type: if your baby has very light or sensitive skin, choose a product specially designed for intolerant skin types.

Foaming gel: The anti-pollution cleanser

Confronted with ambient air pollution, dust, and sweat sticking to your skin, once you get home in the evening, you want purity when removing your makeup. If you like the contact and freshness of water, the foaming gel will effectively eliminate the pollution and impurities that have accumulated during the day. Opt for a glycerin-based foaming gel, which will leave your skin perfectly hydrated and, most importantly, counter the effects of hard tap water. It is worth noting that foaming gels do not remove all makeup pigments. You never leave the house without a little eye shadow and mascara? Our recommendation: use a makeup removing oil together with a foaming gel.

Foaming gel: A 3 step detox

– Lather a small amount of gel with water and apply in a circular motion.

– Move from the T-zone to the facial contours.

– Then move down towards the neck and nape of the neck and rinse thoroughly with water

4 out of 60 expecting moms have acne during their pregnancies. Acne is not just for teenagers. During pregnancy, pregnant women may see their acne problems come back. Hormones are to blame! It even affects 4 out of 60 expectant moms. 

Learn more about the advice of Brigitte Letombe, gynecologist at the CHRU in Lille to say goodbye to these pimples. Brigitte’s first observation: it is generally women who had acne during adolescence who will see the trend reappear while they are expecting. So as soon as the good news is announced, stay vigilant and adapt your regimen as a result.

Acne during pregnancy: good habits to adopt

Whether your plan is to avoid the appearance of pimples and imperfections or to get rid of them, certain habits are essential. Brigitte Letombe reveals the keys to beautiful skin for expectant moms:

• Limit sweets
• Avoid sun exposure
• Use cosmetics formulated for acne-prone skin that for example contain salicylic acid for treating pimples

Hair loss and hair thinning – also known as hair mass decrease – may seem like two sides of the same coin, but it’s important to make the distinction when looking to understand your haircare problems. Whether you suffer from hair that’s falling out, or strands that are experiencing reduced thickness and quality, the solution lies in improving your hair’s strength, resistance and overall health for an optimum growth cycle.

Hair loss:

In medical terms, hair loss deals with a reduction in the number of hairs attached to the scalp, qualified as over 100 hairs lost per day. As a result, the quantity of the hair is significantly impacted. Hair loss occurs as a result of certain factors (see below) that affect the hair’s life cycle, considerably shortening hair growth. On average, the hair’s life cycle lasts a year or less before the follicle detaches, preventing hair from growing past a certain length.

When it comes to factors responsible for hair loss, genetics has a role to play in the majority of cases, with men more likely to suffer than women. However, hormones can also have a role to play, with many women reporting a phenomenon of sudden hair loss shortly after giving birth. Other factors that can affect hair loss include stress, fatigue and diet, as well as ‘classic’ exposome factors such as pollution and tobacco.

According to Florence Benech, “Not all anti-aging serums are appropriate for sensitive skin.” To be sure that they will able to tolerate them, women generally look at the dosing. But it is just as important to examine the type of ingredients and the way they are formulated.

Hair mass decrease:

While hair loss can be prolonged or take place over a short space of time, hair thinning – also described as hair mass decrease – is generally felt more gradually. Vichy’s experts have identified two main causes of hair mass decrease: physiological hair aging, resulting in fewer, smaller and weaker hair follicles, and damage linked to external aggressions. Visible symptoms of hair mass decrease commonly include thinner hair fibers, reduced hair density, and weaker or more fragile hair that lacks volume and is prone to breakage- women often notice a decrease in hair mass as their ponytails start to feel less voluminous.

Although hair may fall out, it’s the quality, thickness and health of the remaining hair follicles that give the impression of thinner hair. Following a tailored haircare regime designed to strengthen and reinforce existing hair fibers can help, as can paying attention to your hairstyle and hair care techniques.

When hormone levels are altered, the entire balance of the body changes. As well as the end of menstrual cycles, women see other menopausal symptoms and effects affect their everyday lives. One of the most widespread concerns? Hot flashes. As many as 80% of women have hot flashes and they are one of the biggest causes for discomfort. Hot flashes occur in the five years prior to menopause, throughout peri-menopause and up to ten years after. What exactly are hot flashes? A hot flash is a sudden, uncontrollable and spontaneous sensation of heat in the neck and face often accompanied by redness, as well as sweating. Chills are often reported immediately after. The phenomenon also occurs at night, taking the shape of the infamous night sweats. Why do hot flashes happen? The decrease in oestrogen levels disrupts the mechanisms regulating the body’s temperature. It all starts in the hypothalamus, the body’s natural “thermostat”. When this gland is disrupted, it wrongly sends out the message that the body is too hot, triggering acceleration in heart rate, dilation of the blood vessels and activation of perspiration – all natural mechanisms designed to cool us down. This is very useful in the summertime when we’re exercising but it’s much less appreciated when it happens out of the blue, catching us unawares. Can I reduce hot flashes? These peaks of heat can be made worse by a number of factors, such as intense emotion, stress or alcohol. Steering clear of caffeine, spicy food and stress, as well as cigarettes can help reduce the flashes.

To optimise your comfort, wear loose clothing and breathable fabrics. To try to pin down your triggers, keep a journal of your symptoms and write down your food and drink intake and note when hot flashes occur. Keeping a diary may help establish a pattern, and help you find a way to avoid these unwanted episodes. More tips to manage my hot flashes Did you know soya-derived products have been found to help combat hot flashes? Indeed, soya derivatives contain high levels of isoflavones, oestrogen-like phyto-hormones that help regulate menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes. Tofu may seem a bit bland, but when cooked properly this soya-derived “cheese” is delicious. It’s worth a try! Tofu also contains iron and calcium, which are key minerals for good health. Why not try having soya milk with your breakfast cereal instead of your usual, or pan-fried soya with seasonal vegetables for lunch or dinner? Edamame beans – young soybeans in the pod – are also a great option, with a pinch of salt as a healthy snack or appetizer.

Which supplements can I take? Try oestrogen-like plants: evening primrose, chaste tree, soya, hops or even red clover. Rhodolia and magnesium can also be added to regulate mood. As for the dosage, it depends widely on each individual. It is essential to ask your pharmacist, naturopath or micro-nutritionist for advice so that you can get the right treatment that works for you.