Conditions and Applications for Ozone Products

ACNE

Acne is a very common skin condition characterised by comedones (blackheads and whiteheads) and pus-filled spots (pustules). It usually starts at puberty and varies in severity from a few spots on the face, neck, back, and chest, which most adolescents will have at some time, to a more significant problem that may cause scarring and impact on self-confidence. For the majority, it tends to resolve by the late teens or early twenties, but it can persist for longer in some people. Acne can develop for the first time in people in their late twenties or even the thirties. It occasionally occurs in young children as blackheads and/or pustules on the cheeks or nose. The sebaceous (oil-producing) glands of people who get acne are particularly sensitive to normal blood levels of certain hormones, which are present in both men and women. These cause the glands to produce an excess of oil. At the same time, the dead skin cells lining the pores are not shed properly and clog up the follicles. These two effects result in a build-up of oil, producing blackheads (where a darkened plug of oil and dead skin is visible) and whiteheads. The acne bacterium (known as Propionibacterium acnes) lives on everyone’s skin, usually causing no problems, but in those prone to acne, the build-up of oil creates an ideal environment in which these bacteria can multiply. This triggers inflammation and the formation of red or pus-filled spots. Some acne can be caused by medication given for other conditions or by certain contraceptive injections or pills. Some tablets taken by body-builders contain hormones that trigger acne and other problems. Acne can very rarely be caused by problems with hormones. If you develop unusual hair growth or hair loss, irregular periods or other changes to your body, then mention this to your doctor in case it is relevant.

FACIAL THREAD VEINS

Sometimes known as spider or broken veins, thread veins are small clusters of red or blue veins that appear on the face and legs. They are completely harmless but can leave people feeling self-conscious. Studies show that thread veins can be more visibly ageing than lines and wrinkles, leading many people to take action. Thread veins are typical on the nose and cheeks. Usually, one appears as a red dot, but can sometimes cause redness to the surrounding skin, leaving you with rosy, flushed cheeks. As you age there becomes less collagen in your skin, leaving the skin thinner and veins appearing more visible. Hormonal changes, sun-damage, rosacea, alcohol, and smoking can all also accentuate the appearance of thread veins, meaning typically our clients are in their 40s, 50s, and 60s.

SCARRING

Scar formation is a natural part of the healing process after injury. Various factors influence how your skin scars. Of course, the depth and size of the wound or incision and the location of the injury are going to impact the scar’s characteristics. But your age, heredity, even your sex or ethnicity, will all affect how your skin reacts. Scars form when the dermis (deep, thick layer of skin) is damaged. The body forms new collagen (a naturally occurring protein in the body) fibres to mend the damage, resulting in a scar. The new scar tissue will have a different texture and quality than the surrounding tissue. Scars form after a wound is completely healed. There are different kinds of scar. Most scars are flat and pale. However, in cases when the body produces too much collagen, scars can be raised. Raised scars are called hypertrophic scars or keloid scars. Both of these kinds of scars are more common in younger and dark-skinned people. Some scars can have a sunken or pitted appearance. This kind of scarring occurs when underlying structures supporting the skin (for example, fat or muscle) are lost. Some surgical scars have this appearance, as do some scars from acne. Scars can also appear as stretched skin. These scars occur when the skin stretches rapidly (for example, in growth spurts or during pregnancy). In addition, this type of scar can occur when the skin is under tension (near a joint, for example) during the healing process.

NECK & DECOLLETTE

To the naked eye, the skin on the neck and décolleté does not appear much different from that of the face, but it is quite different. Facial skin has a higher number of sebaceous glands that provide natural lubrication and protection. With fewer sebaceous glands on the neck and chest, there are reduced moisture levels, as well as a tendency toward dryness and dehydration. The skin on the neck and chest is thinner with less adipose tissue—the fat layer that supports the dermis—and more vascularity, or blood vessels. The calcium distribution gradient in the epidermis is not maintained as the skin ages, resulting in the loss of keratinocyte function and a thinning dermis. Although this affects all skin, the already-thinner skin on the neck and chest are quick to develop the sagging, crêpe-like appearance, as well as an increase in chest-area wrinkles. This unfortunate combination of thinner skin increased vascularity, and loss of calcium and dehydration can greatly impact the appearance of the neck and décolleté, resulting in an increase of lines and wrinkles, a red and blotchy appearance, and increased hyperpig­mentation.

AGEING HANDS

The hands are a prime age revealer- second only to the face. They are frequently exposed to the elements- sun, wind, and dry weather- as well as constantly immersed in water, soaps and harsh chemicals. Unlock the true potential for your hands to reverse the visible signs of aging- dry, worn-thin, chapped skin- especially age spots. All women, even the resolutely Botox-less, are apt to notice that their hands age differently from (and often sooner than) their face. The dermis thins, causing veins to become more prominent, and as collagen decreases, the skin wrinkles up.

HERPES SIMPLEX

Herpes simplex viruses — more commonly known as herpes — are categorised into two types: herpes type 1 (HSV-1, or oral herpes) herpes type 2 (HSV-2, or genital herpes) Most commonly, herpes type 1 causes sores around the mouth and lips (sometimes called fever blisters or cold sores). HSV-1 can cause genital herpes, but most cases of genital herpes are caused by herpes type 2. In HSV-2, the infected person may have sores around the genitals or rectum. Although HSV-2 sores may occur in other locations, these sores usually are found below the waist. What Causes Herpes Infections and Outbreaks? Herpes simplex type 1, which is transmitted through oral secretions or sores on the skin, can be spread through kissing or sharing objects such as toothbrushes or eating utensils. In general, a person can only get herpes type 2 infection during sexual contact with someone who has a genital HSV-2 infection. It is important to know that both HSV-1 and HSV-2 can be spread even if sores are not present.

HERPES ZOSTER

Chickenpox and herpes zoster is caused by the varicella-zoster virus (human herpesvirus type 3); chickenpox is the acute invasive phase of the virus, and herpes zoster (shingles) represents reactivation of the latent phase. Herpes zoster inflames the sensory root ganglia, the skin of the associated dermatome, and sometimes the posterior and anterior horns of the gray matter, meninges, and dorsal and ventral roots. Herpes zoster frequently occurs in elderly and HIV-infected patients and is more severe in immunocompromised patients because cell-mediated immunity in these patients is decreased. There are no clear-cut precipitants.