AN INDEPENDENT INSERT BY MEDIAPLANET

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1 How to look good Tips from experts on radiant skin AN INDEPENDENT INSERT BY MEDIAPLANET Children s eczema Help them cope with the effects No. 1 / March TIPS TO LOVE YOUR SKIN America s top model: How CariDee fought against the stigma of psoriasis and went on to win the popular US tv show PHOTO: PETER SVENSON

2 2 MARCH 2011 AN INDEPENDENT INSERT BY MEDIAPLANET CHALLENGES The skin is the body s biggest organ and from acne to psoriasis, eczema to simply distressingly dry skin the range of conditions, disorders and diseases that affect the skin are wide-ranging in type and effect Love the skin you re in Dermatology is a dynamic field of healthcare, changing lives beyond the cosmetic everyday and from creams to clinical treatment, there are more solutions than ever before for every skin type and every dermatological complaint. For American model CariDee English, a lifetime of psoriasis could have been the sentence against achieving her dream of modelling. But fighting back against the isolation and misery she felt, CariDee armed herself with information and, working with her dermatologists, fought the stigma and everyone who told her her dream was impossible to successfully achieve her dream despite the skin s condition. Better understanding of psoriasis would help lessen the psychological suffering of many with psoriasis, point out the British Association of Dermatologists. Protect your biggest organ, the skin Anti-aging is not a new buzzword but it has more momentum than ever before. New treatments are developing at a rapid pace from sophisticated serums that deliver rapid results to procedures that give real results with little downtime. Acne can be deeply distressing, whatever age it occurs. The key to effective treatment is understanding the cause and seeking professional help the therapies available range from topical lotions to antibiotics, and when one prescription doesn t help there is frequently an alternative. As Margaret Cox points out, eczema is very far from being simply a bit of dry skin, as the commonplace misconception would have it and the psychological effects of having a condition that is so highly visible can be as upsetting as the physical symptoms of severe irritation and itching. Skin cancer rates in the UK are ever-increasing, as Dr Jonathan Bowling, consultant dermatologist at Oxford explains, and misunderstanding is still far too rife. A delay to seeking help for a mole that has changed can be fatal and a change need not be dramatic to be meaningful. But nor too is the sun to be totally avoided as he points out, outdoor activity is essential to good health at all ages. The key is to choose proper protection from both creams and clothes. With even a little knowledge, a lot can be done. Lives can be changed and skin can be saved. WE RECOMMEND PAGE 8 Dr Jonathan Bowling Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals NHS Trust We want people to know their skin and to be able to indentify any changes in their moles early this is key We make our readers succeed! TREAT YOUR SKIN, 1ST EDITION, MARCH 2011 Managing Director: Willem De Geer Editorial Manager: Katherine Woodley Sales Manager: Simon Kenneally Responsible for this issue Project Manager: Tomas Imrich Phone: tomas.imrich@mediaplanet.com Distributed with: The Guardian, March 2011 Print: The Guardian Print Centre Mediaplanet contact information: Phone: Fax: info.uk@mediaplanet.com COLLAGEN GEL INTRODUCTORY OFFER - ONLY 9.50 INCLUSIVE OF P&P (usual price 19.00) Regarded as a natural hero and favoured by beauty salons, SBC s Collagen Gel is an exceptional daily moisturiser that delivers extracts of Marine Collagen to provide essential skin firming and protein benefits while a pure H2O base offers effective hydration to encourage and restore luminosity. Texture and tone are smoothed, evened out and rejuvenated while fine lines and wrinkles are reduced for a more youthful appearance and radiantly healthy skin. SBC: Simply Beautiful Collection has a long-standing reputation as an acknowledged expert in the professional beauty industry. Over 25 years of experience have been drawn upon to create an exceptional line of deeply moisturising, precisely crafted and luxurious beauty products. With a range encompassing cleansers, exfoliators and masks to the renowned collections of prescriptive moisturising gels for face and body, each and every pore is drenched in nature s most selective, unadulterated plant extracts for the ultimate soothing and revitalising therapy. Please visit to take advantage of this exclusive Collagen Gel Introductory Offer or alternatively call , quoting Guardian. Please allow up to 14 days for delivery.

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4 4 MARCH 2011 AN INDEPENDENT INSERT BY MEDIAPLANET INSPIRATION Question: How did the lifelong curse of psoriasis almost stand in the way of one woman s dream? Answer: CariDee English explains how she chose to cope personally and professionally with a lifetime of psoriasis - and how she has triumphed The secret of my success CHANGE In December 2006, the North Dakotan 21-year-old CariDee English won America s Next Top Model, winning a $100,000 contract with CoverGirl Cosmetics, a modelling contract with Elite, extensive editorial in Seventeen magazine and a victory over the debilitating psoriasis she has fought almost her entire life. I have had psoriasis since I was a child I remember first seeing it at age five, CariDee, now 26, recalls. The psychological effects of having psoriasis to me were more severe then the actual physical condition. Psoriasis attacks the largest organ on my body, my skin. It s what people will notice first. Having to wear long sleeves for 15 years so people wouldn t stare at me was miserable and if I wore something that made my psoriasis visible, I was just as miserable. Impact Psoriasis affects about two per cent of the population of the UK, according to the British Association of Dermatologists (BAD). It s really important not to dismiss it as a simple rash, points out Nina Boad of BAD. Psoriasis can have a significant impact on your quality of life one study found that over 30 per cent of patients experienced depressed mood and increased anxiety. The way people stare, and are scared of you, is so miserable: I just wanted to enjoy my youth and my freedom, remembers CariDee, but I felt imprisoned with psoriasis I let it rule a large part of my life. Achieving dreams At 20, CariDee had had enough: I decided to do whatever it takes to get it under control so I could get on with my life and live my dreams. Psoriasis ruled my childhood but it was not going to control my dreams of becoming a model, I decided. Not everyone shared her conviction. Psoriasis made everyone certain that I would never model, that I would never be able to be what I wanted most. No one believed in me and agencies would turn me down it seemed impossible to everyone but me. I always knew inside that I was going to be great even when everyone told me to do something else. At the height of her career, CariDee had to stop modelling because the medication she was taking was unsafe. But I knew that if I stayed in constant communication with my dermatologists and kept educated on new treatment options I would find something that would work for me, she says. Making the most of her time off, she decided to get started on another dream - music. The time off in front of the camera allowed me to sit down and study music, I always knew inside that I was going to be great even when everyone told me to do something else CariDee Model get better at playing the drums, piano, guitar and start writing my own music. I also wanted to take pictures of my skin to show the world and myself my disease and hopefully inspire others to chase after their dreams, no matter the circumstances. I wanted to show people beauty is in the eye of the beholder that truly, no one is perfect. Education It is vital to educate those around you about psoriasis, advises Nina Boad: A simple explanation will often turn their misconceptions into support, and make sure they know that it is not infectious. I am blessed to have my disease so I can show others that they are not alone, and also to inspire them to say I have psoriasis but psoriasis doesn t have me,, says CariDee. It goes to show you really must be your own cheerleader when it comes to chasing dreams if you know in your heart you can make anything happen, the impossible becomes possible. No matter what your dream is, I want to inspire everyone with psoriasis to go out there and be brave in your own skin. You might never be comfortable, this I know but you can be brave, and you can make the impossible possible. It s up to you. EMILY DAVIES info.uk@mediaplanet.com Shielding Lotions form an invisible, protective & hydrating Shield with the skin, keeping out irritants & chemicals, whilst locking your own natural oils and moisture in. Without leaving a greasy residue, & unlike traditional lotions, they enhance the skin s natural protective abilities. Great for all types of dry skin conditions as well as routine moisturisation. Search shielding lotion online for further information. Available from selected Boots & Lloyds Pharmacies.

5 INDEPENDENT INSERT BY MEDIAPLANET MARCH Psoriasis: beyond the skin The effects of psoriasis on the skin are well-known but it s often less-known that psoriasis begins with the immune system, and can affect other organs too BEFORE AND AFTER The difference in CariDee s hands shows the success the right treatment can have PHOTO: PETER SVESON While the causes of psoriasis aren t certain, and it tends to come and go unpredictably, we do know psoriasis has a genetic or hereditary element. But it s important to know that it s also an auto-immune skin condition the result of faulty messaging from the immune system. The actual trigger for this is often an outside event, such as a major life stress, certain prescribed drugs or an injury to the skin. SOURCE: BAD Psoriasis Our Commitment to Psoriasis Janssen is committed to developing medicines and services that can make an important difference to the lives of people living with psoriasis. Visit for more information. At Janssen, we are one team working together on behalf of patients every day. Janssen. Extraordinary efforts for a normal life. Artwork from The Creative Centre: Betsy Gross, Lilies and Carp Janssen-Cilag Ltd NPR/ JAN 2011

6 6 MARCH 2011 AN INDEPENDENT INSERT BY MEDIAPLANET NEWS 1TIP LEARN HOW TO TREAT IT Beyond the skin More than just skindeep, eczema can have considerable psychological implications for adults and children but this can be avoided with a good management strategy MANAGING ECZEMA Mosturising and learning what works for you is key. Working this out can be harder for parents trying to manage their child s eczema PHOTO: ISTOCKPHOTO The power of knowledge Question: Why is it important to know that eczema is far more than just an irritation? Answer: Without good management, life with eczema can be desperately miserable but being informed means the scratch can be more easily soothed Eczema occurs at all ages and its management and challenges are always different, says Margaret Cox, Chief Executive of the National Eczema Society who has had eczema her whole life. But across all experiences of eczema the common challenge is first and foremost the itching, she says. Living with your skin constantly driving you mad is obviously pretty miserable, and has an impact on your entire quality of life, says Margaret. And then the connected challenge is that eczema is so often dismissed as just a bit of dry skin and only really if you have experienced it do you know just how wrong that is. The example I always give is that most of us know sunburn and its discomfort if you imagine that you have that every single day without doing anything to get it, it gives you some idea of what eczema is like. Of course, the majority of those with eczema are children, for whom it can be even harder. Most eczema will respond to good management however, that can be difficult to achieve, Margaret points out. The first-line treatment is obviously to moisturise using a medical moisturiser known as an emoillient if you have eczema your skin is much drier than other people s and the skin s barrier is not working as well, so irritants and allergens which other people do not notice penetrate that barrier and set up an immune reaction, which sets up further skin breakdown causing irritation and itching and setting up a vicious cycle. Moisturising means anything from twice a day to up to eight times FACTS Margaret Cox Chief Executive, National Eczema Society 1 in 5 UK schoolchildren have eczema, and 1 in 12 adults. Eczema begins in the first year of life in about 60% of children and within the first five years in 85%. In approx 65% of children the eczema has cleared by the time they are 7 and in approx 74% of children the eczema will have disappeared by 16. SOURCE: NATIONAL ECZEMA SOCIETY daily, Margaret points out and knowing how to use them is important smoothing on downwards following hair growth, and using the right emollient for you. Over my 51 years of having eczema I have learnt that I have needed different emollients for different times of year and different parts of the body there s quite a science to this moisturising, she laughs. People tend to use less than they need and not everyone manages to access all the creams and lotions they need on prescription where sometimes a one size fits all approach can prevail, points out Margaret. Many people also wrongly stop treatment use prematurely, as soon as they see a relief. It is important leave a gap of at least 20 minutes between applying the emollient and a steroid cream - people underestimate how much time we lose to treatment. For some people a topical steroid will also be needed many are frightened of but when used properly has a good safety profile, Margaret points out, and if people do not respond to creams there is additional treatment available orally, from a steroid to immuno-suppressants. Accept that eczema is an individual condition triggers and responses to treatment will vary, so know what works best for you - and don t give up. EMILY DAVIES info.uk@mediaplanet.com The psychological effects of eczema can be severe especially because it s unfortunately such a visible condition, says Margaret Cox. People think is contagious or think is a poor hygiene issue and those of us with eczema become very sensitive to people staring. For children, this can be particularly distressing on top of the already unpleasant physical signs and symptoms. A coping strategy is essential, she says: From an early age it s important to make a child who has eczema aware that it is not something of which to feel ashamed. If you become aware of peer issues, help them with appropriate responses arm them, so that they have these responses ready to go, she says. This is equally true for adults be ready to respond calmly and appropriately when a stranger in the supermarket asks what s wrong with your child. In time, your child will witness this and learn from it how to respond it s starting a good pattern. The more you know about your or your child s eczema, the easier it will be for you to keep the eczema under control. The precise relationship between stress and eczema is unknown, but most people would certainly acknowledge some connection in some way, says Margaret: It s therefore vital to know how to manage eczema, both physically and psychologically. For children, there s the dayto-day challenge presented by normal activities such as sleepovers and sport, Margaret points out. And for children and adults, there s the challenge of having to take not just all their treatments with them, when travelling, for instance but often their bed linen and towels too. The National Eczema Society have school packs available for different age groups on their site:

7 Calm skin. Peaceful night. When your little one has eczema, itching and scratching through the night can mean no sleep for anyone. But applied regularly, clinically proven Diprobase rehydrates, soothes and calms dry, scaly skin, so everyone can sleep in peace. Ask for Diprobase emollient in your pharmacy. Always read the leaflet Code: 02/13 DIP D Date of preparation: February 2011 Merck Sharp and Dohme Limited, All rights reserved.

8 8 MARCH 2011 AN INDEPENDENT INSERT BY MEDIAPLANET NEWS PHOTO: PRIVATE How I stayed alive Question: What is most important to know about skin cancer and why can even a mole with few changes be more sinister than it seems? Answer: For one woman, the diagnosis was the worst form of skin cancer, malignant melanoma - but taking action saved her life The most important thing to know about prevention of skin cancer is how to have effective protection: taking care - and changing behaviour - to avoid sunburn, by using clothes, sunscreen and seeking shade, says Dr Jonathan Bowling, clinical lead and consultant dermatologist, Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals NHS Trust and honorary senior clinical lecturer, University of Oxford. Skin cancer rates are increasing - we want people to get to know FACTS 2TIP BE AWARE OF YOUR BODY Skin cancer is the number 1 cancer of fair-skinned populations Skin cancer is an all-encompassing term for over 30 types of skin cancer. However. almost all skin cancer (>95%) fall into the 3 following types: Basal cell carcinoma = BCC, Squamous cell carcinoma = SCC, Malignant melanoma = MM The vast majority of skin cancers are BCC (approx 80%), which is rarely fatal as it only rarely spreads to Dr Jonathan Bowling Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals NHS Trust their skin and to be able to identify any changes in their moles early: this is key, Dr Bowling says. Early melanoma typically presents as a mole that is changing shape and size - and it is at this early stage that we would like to get the chance to diagnose melanoma. He advises not to wait until the summer: Tonight would be an ideal time to check you and your partner s skin. Lindy Pieri was diagnosed with malignant melanoma in February 2004 at 49 after a mole on her left thigh changed in colour and spread at the edges, though it was not painful. Not wanting to make other parts of the body Malignant melanoma can be fatal and claims approx 1,800 lives in the UK per year Squamous cell carcinoma can be fatal The percentage of people with BCC and SCC who develop a second BCC or SCC within 3 years = 44% and 18% SOURCE: SKCIN, THE UK S ONLY SKIN CANCER CHARITY, GET CHECKED OUT Lindy didn t want to make a fuss over her changing mole (inset). However, it turned out to be skin cancer a fuss over something apparently small, it was only when I went to see my GP for something unrelated that as I left I asked if he d have a quick look at my leg. I was with the consultant within three days - I was told that it was 99.9 per cent certain, even before tests, that I had the most serious of skin cancers malignant melanoma. It is crucial to look for a sunscreen that offers high broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays, says Dr Bowling. UVB protection is measured by the Sun Protection Factor (SPF). UVA protection is measured by the Persistent Pigment Darkening factor (PPD). Look for the UVA logo on your sunscreen which certifies that the UVA protection is in-line with the European recommendation. Unfortunately many patients, particularly men, wait until the mole becomes problematic such as bleeding, a feature of thicker tumours, before seeking a medical opinion, says Dr Bowling. This may account for the higher death rate for melanoma in men. I am now 56 I know that I have been very lucky, says Lindy. Everyone should go straight to the doctor if they are concerned about changes in a mole - the sooner the better. EMILY DAVIES info.uk@mediaplanet.com Sun protection: what you need to know Understand your skin It is important to look after your skin all year round, not just on holiday here are some sun smart tips to help you develop responsible sun habits wherever you are, whatever time of year. Choose a sunscreen with a minimum of SPF30 in the nonsummer months in the UK and a higher factor such as SPF50+ in the summer and when abroad particularly when swimming or playing sport. Re-apply frequently One of the biggest mistakes is not using enough sunscreen. Reapply even more often if you go into the water, even if a product is waterresistant. Understand sun protection It is crucial to understand what sun protection is necessary and what protection really means. Look for a product that offers high, broad-spectrum protection against both UVB rays (with a high SPF or Sun Protection Factor) and UVA rays (PPD or Persistent Pigment Darkening factor). Protect yourself Protective clothing is also key: tailor both cream and clothing, including hat and sunglasses, to activities and plan ahead so that you are not caught out by a sore and dangerous sunburn. Get checked If you notice any suspicious changes on your skin or moles contact your GP or dermatologist immediately. Early detection and action can save your skin. SUPPORTED BY LA ROCHE-POSAY

9 Exorex. It has been known to improve confidence.

10 10 MARCH 2011 AN INDEPENDENT INSERT BY MEDIAPLANET PROFESSIONAL INSIGHT Dr Daniel Sister is a renowned cosmetic doctor with extensive knowledge of anti-aging treatments and procedures. From his work in Paris to Los Angeles, and now based in London, his experience has shown him what s worth it: from the basic essentials to the most advanced techniques, here is what works 3TIP INVEST IN YOUR SKIN The elixirs of youth Much of the best advice for good skin is the classical advice. Don t smoke and drink lots of water five to eight glasses a day; tea is OK but be aware of coffee s dehydrating effect. Omega 3 supplements are good, as is a selenium supplement the soil in the UK is poor in selenium. Vitamin C is also good. Flaxseed is a good supplement to take if you can in some, it upsets the stomach. Oily fish is great for skin, and steam vegetables rather than boil them, to retain their nutrients. Artichokes, leeks and asparagus improve skin drainage and liver and kidney function. In the sun, wear at least SPF 30. Always reapply and don t simply rely on a moisturiser containing SPF it works better when used as a separate product. Regular, mild exercise is better than occasional extreme exercise, and drink lots of water. Consider having your hormones tested, particularly thyroid hormones T3 and T4 an imbalance can cause of skin problems. Using moisturiser can stop the skin s own production of moisture. Serums, however, are essential and ensure far better delivery due to their smaller molecules. Use an eye cream during the day only not at night when it can cause puffiness. There are many exciting developments both in terms of topical products and procedures. Antioxidants such as pomegranate and mangosteen extracts really work and are especially useful in cities to combat the effects of pollution, and the polyphenol reservatrol is very good. Botulinum toxin is now used with more expertise than ever before nobody wants to look frozen. Fillers aim to restore volume in areas which, as we age, become hollow; one new filler, Ellanse, lasts much longer and is 100 per cent bio-compatible it s made of the same substance already used for self-dissolving stitches, so it s a new usage of something well-known. LOOKING GOOD There are many exciting developments both in terms of topical products and procedures Dr Daniel Sister Cosmetic doctor Another exciting development is PRP platelet-rich plasma therapy, which involves taking the patient s own blood, separating and harvesting the platelets to reinject them into the skin for dramatic renewal. It s already used in non-cosmetic surgery, such as open heart surgery, and allows the skin to regenerate incredibly after a serious wound. It s very interesting and is now being used for hair loss and for the décolleté and the face. This is the pre-stem cell treatment until we can use stem cells. It s easy, fast and low-risk nobody can be allergic to their own blood. Laser therapy, which stimulates collagen, can be very effective, as are red light and blue light therapy they treat a range of demands from anti-aging to acne. There s also an exciting new peel, Rouge, which works from the inside, to rejuvenate skin. Microdermabrasion is not a new treatment but used in conjunction with other treatments such as a peel or red or blue light, with vitamins and serum applied after it s amazing. help: clear skin workswithwater.co.uk

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