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April 2008: Is Mineral Make-Up a Good Choice for Natural Skin Care?

Mineral make-up is currently all the rage. Only one small company made it a few years ago, and now some of the major skin care manufacturers have jumped on the bandwagon. Much of its appeal comes from it being advertised as natural and non-toxic. Natural skin care is always best, but it's wise to do a little research into any product before you take the plunge.

There are several reasons why mineral make-up is popular. The colours are deeper and richer than dyes, it stays on longer than other cosmetics, it's water-resistant, and some of the ingredients are even natural sunscreens. However, natural skin care implies that the product is also safe, and that may not be the case with mineral make-up.

Here's the rundown on a few of the most common ingredients.

Titanium Dioxide - you'll find it on the label under that name, or, perhaps as TI02. Although many studies have been done, the jury is still out on it and it is considered a possible cancer hazard. Despite it not having been assessed for safety by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review board, the FDA has approved it for use as a colour additive in cosmetics. Titanium dioxide is common even in the natural skin care products sold in health food stores.

Bismuth Oxychloride - another colour additive, it may be listed as bismuth. The Cosmetics Industry Review board has not tested it, but it has also been approved by the FDA for use in cosmetics.

Mica - also known as sericite, or 'mica shimmer particle natural earth pigment', it is bioaccumulative and difficult to eliminate. Classified as toxic to the liver and the gastrointestinal and respiratory systems, it has not been assessed for safety by the Cosmetic Industry Review board, and the FDA has approved it. It, too, is very common in natural skin care products - often as a little touch of glitter.

Ultramarine - comes from lapis lazuli and is sometimes known as ultramarine blue/violet, ultramarine blue, or ultramarine pink. Again, the Cosmetics Industry Review board has not tested it, and, again, the FDA has approved it as a colour additive in cosmetics.

Iron Oxide - seen on the label as yellow iron oxide, iron oxide pearl powder, black iron oxide, or brown iron oxide, it is also bioaccumlative and there is little data known about its safety. It has not been assessed for safety, and it has been approved by the FDA as a colour additive in cosmetics.

As bad as these may sound, the truth is they are probably nowhere near as harmful as the usual ingredients in cosmetics - many of which are known to be highly toxic. Also, several mineral make-up products contain far less of the other harmful ingredients. They are frequently sold without dyes, fragrances, preservatives or mineral oil, and reported allergic reactions are rare.

The only real drawback is that they tend to be a little heavy and cakey, so it's best to apply a shielding lotion beforehand. The shielding lotion will make them a little lighter, and help them blend better on the face.

If you're going to try mineral make-up, make sure you get products that don't contain other harmful ingredients, and always apply a shielding lotion first. Then, unless you want to revert to pinching your cheeks to put more colour in them, you'll probably have as close to a natural skin care product as you can get.

March 2008: New and invisible hand protection fits all medical applications like a glove

Already well established in many hospitals in America, a new type of hand protection which encourages regular washing called a Shielding Lotion that bonds with the outer layers of the skin, is now available in the UK.

New 'Gloves in a Bottle' is a non-greasy, non-sticky, hypoallergenic and completely safe hand protection (NOT a mere barrier cream) that is an ideal skin safeguard for all medical, nursing and hospital duties. With the anticipated resultant increase in frequency of hand washing (and use of gloves and disinfectant / alcohol hand rubs without allergy or skin damage) its another arm in the fight against the spread of infectious diseases.

Artificial lotions only attempt to replace natural oils with artificial moisture, but they come off every time you wash. On average, nurses have to wash their hands every two and a half minutes. One application of Gloves in a Bottle does not wash off and lasts for at least 4 hours preventing dirt and grime from penetrating the skin. These 'Invisible Gloves' keep moisture-robbing irritants out while helping to retain your skin's natural oils, coming off naturally with exfoliated skin cells.

The use of cleansing products, latex gloves and repeated washing can increase the incidence of allergic & irritant dermatitis (and other skin conditions) in healthcare workers and use of Gloves in a Bottle may therefore increase compliance for their use.

Gloves in a Bottle absorbs into and bonds with the outer layer of skin (in just 2/3 minutes) providing a protective 'shielding lotion'. It acts as an ideal moisturiser for dry, extremely dry and cracked skin by allowing skin to breath and retain its natural moisture and oils. When you know you should be protecting your skin - until now all one could do to alleviate skin disorders or just plain dry cracked skin was to apply conventional lotions, artificial moisture replacement systems. Gloves in a Bottle creates a protective shield while retaining the natural moisture from within.

Gloves in a Bottle is available in a handy 60ml. pocket or handbag size, 240ml. economical bottle or large sized container for wall-mounted dispensing units.

February 2008: New shielding lotion gives complete protection for eczema and dry skin conditions.

Sufferers of eczema or dry, itchy, cracked skin are often deprived of their pleasures in life because harsh weather or chemical irritants badly affect their skin. Activities such as gardening and household tasks, sports including fishing, boating and horse riding cannot be enjoyed by them because their skin is vulnerable to outdoor conditions or chemical absorption.

A type of product new to the UK called a shielding lotion is recommended by American dermatologists as protection for those who suffer from eczema and dry, flaky or cracked skin. The market leading shielding lotion - Gloves in a Bottle - is readily available from pharmacists, garden centres, hardware stores and other retail outlets throughout the country or from this website.

It has long been thought that eczema is caused by an allergic reaction. But recent research suggests that many eczema cases are caused by a defective skin barrier that predisposes eczema sufferers to damage from environmental irritants. Many dermatologists are recommending the use of a shielding lotion such as Gloves in a Bottle. This new type of skin care product mimics the skin's protective outer layer, safeguarding hands, elbows, feet or any area where dry skin or eczema needs treating.

As the cold, icy weather threatens; it is time to start looking for a remedy for dry, chapped, chafed and itchy winter skin. Harsh weather exacerbates the drying effects of the irritants and chemicals your skin is exposed to. Gloves in a Bottle is a shielding lotion that rapidly absorbs into, and bonds with, the outer layers of your skin. This creates a protective layer whilst retaining the natural moisture from within. Conventional lotions only attempt to replace natural moistures with artificial ones - but they come off every time you wash. Gloves in a Bottle does not wash off leaving your skin unprotected, but comes off naturally with exfoliated skin after approximately 4 hours.

Nurses, gardeners, fishermen, builders, engineers or anyone who Works in or enjoys the outdoors are among the men and women, without or without skin conditions, who will benefit from the protection offered by Gloves in a Bottle - especially in winter's cold and harsh conditions.

January 2008: Dry Skin Conditions Cause Emotional Trauma in School Children.

A study published in the British Journal of Dermatology revealed that the quality of life for school children is heavily affected by dry skin, eczema, psoriasis and other skin conditions. Many commonly used drugs for these problems are not approved for children, and finding safe alternatives can be difficult. Shielding lotion, now recommended by thousands of doctors to treat and prevent uncomfortable, embarrassing skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and dry skin, may be the answer to your child's problem.

The researchers for the study surveyed 379 children ages 5 to 16 to determine the degree to which skin conditions affected their quality of life. They also interviewed parents of children with chronic diseases such as cystic fibrosis, diabetes, kidney disease, and epilepsy and compared the relative affects of these diseases with those associated with skin problems. The study showed that children with skin conditions feel as impaired as those with more serious diseases. For example, children with kidney disease reported the same level of impairment as those with eczema. All children felt their quality of life was reduced by about one third.

The study found that children not only suffer from the itching and pain caused by the skin conditions, but are also embarrassed about them and have to endure teasing and bullying from other children.

Drugs and topical treatments used for dry skin conditions such as eczema contain harsh and harmful chemicals that, while they may sometimes relieve the symptoms, do not actually heal the condition and may make it worse. Additionally, they are not fully tested to ensure safety. Earlier this year, the FDA required black box warnings on eczema drugs Protopic and Elidel. Both drugs were very widely prescribed and had been on the market for five years, despite indications that they caused cancer. A significant number of cancer cases were reported before the FDA finally took action.

If your child has psoriasis, eczema, or the itching dry skin that can develop into more serious conditions, shielding lotion is sometimes a better alternative than drugs. Shielding lotion bonds with the outer layer of the skin to form a protective barrier that keeps the skin's natural moisture locked in, and prevents contact with and absorption of the harmful chemicals and pollutants that often cause the problem. Thousands of doctors and hundreds of dermatologists now recommend shielding lotion as treatment for dry skin and other skin conditions, and they frequently find it eliminates the condition altogether. Give it a try - it may save your child from experiencing the burden of painful and embarrassing skin conditions, and prevent having to use drugs with potentially dangerous side effects.

December 2007: Dry skin, eczema, dermatitis: Gloves in a Bottle makes a difference for beauticians, hairdressers and other health and beauty professionals.

Do you work in a profession such as a beautician or hair dresser? Do you struggle with dry skin conditions or worse, dermatitis or eczema caused by working with cosmetcis, beauty products and through washing your hands on numerous occasions during the day? Then, Gloves in a Bottle could be the answer to your problems. This product is beginning to make a big impact on the daily lives of beauticians, hairdressers and similar professionals by reducing the work-related discomfort they are experiencing.

Gloves in a Bottle, applied regularly, provides a protective layer against chemicals and the effects of multiple hand washing. This protection or shield, prevents dermatitis and eczema attacks and reduces inflammation.

Find out more: dry skin tretament | dermatitis treatment | eczema treatment.

November 2007: Treat dry skin, eczema, dermatitis and other dry skin problems with Gloves in a Bottle shielding lotion

Shielding lotions are proving to be one of the best methods for treating dry skin, eczema, dermatitis and other related skin care problems.

Dry skin conditions including eczema and dermatitis can be debelititating. Eczema can be both a short-term problems (a falre-up) or a longer term one (chronic) casued by either allergic or non-allergic reactions. Dermatitis, again, can be long or short-term. These conditions can be quite horrific. Now there is a lotion that has a proven track record of mitigating against the worse aspects of eczema and dermatitis; often clearing the conditions completely. Gloves in a Bottle is a shielding lotion that works by basically keeping the bad stuff out and the good stuff in!

October 2007: Shielding lotions are one of the most effective tools for fighting dry skin, eczema, dermatitis and other dry skin problems

Independent lab tests have shown that shielding lotions are one of the most effective methods for treating dry skin, eczema, dermatitis and related skin care problems.

Gloves in a Bottle is a shielding lotion that rapidly absorbs into, and bonds with, the outer layer of skin creating a protective layer while retaining the natural moisture from within. It does not wash off, but comes off naturally with exfoliated skin cells. Just reapply every four hours for continued protection. Greaseless, non-sticky, fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, completely safe and non-toxic. Used and recommended daily for dry skin conditions by a wide range of healthcare professionals.

September 2007: Eczema Treatment Tips for Winter Weather

Winter is fast approaching. Not great for those who love the sun but even worse for eczema sufferers, it can be a disaster. Cold, winter weather with its harsh, biting winds is tough on severe dry skin and eczema and it's often difficult to find the right solution. But no longer: a good shielding lotion, such as Gloves in a Bottle, can protect you all year long - thousands of doctors now recommend it as one of the most effective dry skin and eczema treatments. Here are some more hints and remedies that will help make the pass without too many skin problems.

• Keep your body dry - especially those parts that tend to have eczema.
• If you're playing winter sports, wear a shielding lotion on the areas that are giving you trouble.
• Stay hydrated - dry winter air tends to draw moisture from the skin and body
• Drink plenty of water to provide enough moisture for your body and skin.
• Keep away from toxic chemicals - inside and out.
• Wear fabrics thast don't hold moisture.
• Keep your pH balance in check (the normal pH balance for the body is about 7.3).
• Load up on essential fatty acids such as fish oil and oil of evening primrose.

Just some tips for keeping on top of your eczema problems during the winter - think shielding lotion, think Gloves in a Bottle.

August 2007: Eczema - choose the right treatment for your skin type.

Eczema, normally associated with oily or greasy skin, can also affect those with normal skin types. And, if you are using the wrong treatment for your skin type then you may well find that the treatment does not work at all. To avoid the problems surrounding the mis-match of treatment types with skin types many doctors are now recommending shielding lotions as they can be used on any skin type.

Here, though, are a few tips for working out your skin type: -

Oily Skin is often shiny, with large pores, accumulate more blemishes and blackheads than other skin types. These are caused by excess oils which block the pores and the dead skin cells. The blemishes are then caused by infection: the larger the pores, the greater the chance of infection.

Dry skin feels tight and isn't shiny unless it's very dry. It can be flaky with patches of red, and tends to be a little more wrinkled than other skin types. Combination skin usually manifests with the "oily T". The cheeks are dry or normal, but the forehead, nose, and chin are oily.

Normal skin feels soft, very slightly moist, flakes easily, doesn't blemish easily, and is supple. Sensitive skin has fine pores but blushes easily and tends to react to chemicals, and just about everything else, more readily than other types.

The success of any eczema treatment depends on ensuring the product is right for your skin type. The wrong product will damage your skin further and exacerbate the condition.

You're ALWAYS SAFE WITH A SHIELDING LOTION. A good shielding lotion locks in natural moisture, keeps out toxic environmental and household chemicals that irritate the skin and cause eczema flare-ups. It is a safe, effective eczema treatment that allows the skin to do something you may not have thought possible - heal itself.

July 2007: Eczema - understanding the most common types.

Atopic eczema: this generally seems to runs in families whose members also have allergies such as hay fever and asthma. Often developing as an itchy rash it is normally seen on face and scalp, neck, inside of elbows, behind knees, and buttocks.

Contact dermatitis: two types: allergic and irritant - although some substances act as both an allergen and irritant. About three quarters of cases of contact eczema are of the irritant type, which is the most common occupational skin disease.

Xerotic eczema is basically dry skin that becomes such a problem that it turns into eczema; often getting worse during winter conditions. The itchy, sore skin can in some cases resemble a dry, cracked, river bed.

Seborrhoeic dermatitis: causes dry or sometimes greasy scaling of the scalp and eyebrows. Pimple like spots and red patches can at times appear in closely related places.

June 2007: Dermatitis - how to prevent it in the workplace.

For every task undertaken at your place of work, be sure you know what products or substances are being used or produced.

Find out what are the health and safety concerns linked with the substances or products produced. Find out whether these substances carry warnings signs and hazard information on dangers to the skin. (These should be available on Safety Data Sheets.

Find out which of your employees are exposed to these substances, how does their skin come into contact, for how long and the frequency.

Just some of the ways for keeping a lid on dermatitis.

May 2007: Dry skin caused by the sun - it's never too late to solve the damage!

Too much sun, too many chemicals absorbed from the environment and a poor diet can leave the skin seriously damaged. However bad things seem your skin problem can still be treated: a combination of sensible lifestyle choices and regular use of Gloves in a Bottle shielding lotion can see an amazing return to good quality skin. It is never too late.

The first step is to check your diet. Look to take on board high quality proteins, whole grains, plenty of fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, and healthy fats such as olive oil.

Step two: look to take lipoic acid as a supplement. Alpha is a natural anti-inflammatory and this works to ease damage that is caused by injury and inflammation that attacks and damages the skin, causing puffy, red and blotchy patches on the surface. Lipoic acid is also great at boosting energy levels.

It is also worth trying a microdermabrasion or vibradermabrasion agent to remove the dead outer layer of skin. Check with a dermatologist what is the best product to use but this will definitely have a positive impact on your skin.

The final step is to get rid of the toxic chemicals which have built up on the surface of skin. Protect your skin with natural cosmetics and household cleansers, and replace your slick chemical-laden moisturizers with a natural, dry skin care lotion that locks in the skins natural moisture and blocks out chemicals.

Gloves in a Bottle does this perfectly, both replacing lost moisture and and blocking out those harmful chemicals.

April 2007: Summer footware and dry skin don't go together!

Spring is here – and that's now official! And it's now time to shed our heavy clothes, if you haven't already done that. However, for some of us it's not going to be as enjoyable as it should. Dry skin on our legs and feet, leaving heels feeling like old leather will make for an uncomfortable transition to the summer months. Luckily, help is at hand: with Gloves in a Bottle's amazing breakthrough in dry skin care technology: the shielding lotion.

Why are shielding lotions different than other dry skin products? Unlike moisturizers, a good shielding lotion bonds with the surface layer of the skin to form a new non-greasy protective layer that locks in moisture so your legs and feet are smooth as silk. What are people saying about it?

• "I sell beauty supplies for a very well known company and have tried all they have to offer and never got such amazing results."
• "This is the best product I have ever bought."
• "My wife has had a dry heel problem for years and has used stones, razors, multiple creams (including Rx) and the MOMENT she put Gloves in a Bottle on, she said her dry skin problem was over."
• "It is the first time in 30 years that my skin has not only felt like baby skin but now I have NO problems with shaving or the horrible after affects that I have always experienced."
• "I have tried so many products that claim to work but never did. This product has saved my skin and makes my legs look and feel beautiful."

March 2007: Eczema Treatment Tips

Keep your pH balanced inside and out. A body that is too acidic tries to eliminate toxins through the skin. Skin that is too acidic becomes dry and cracked. Eczema flares can result from both. How do you keep your pH balanced? To handle the problem internally, get a pH testing kit from the drug store and adjust your diet appropriately. You can check the internet for the pH factor of various foods. Externally, avoid skin care products containing perfumes and fragrances. Natural or not, fragrances tend to be acidic and cause dry skin.

Ensure your diet contains adequate amounts of essential fatty acids (EFA's). Before the introduction of steroids such as hydrocortisone, EFAs were the primary eczema treatment. They are natural anti-inflammatories and contain vital nutrients. Old fashioned cod liver oil will give you enough Omega 3. Find a brand that uses fish from a mercury-free environment. Borage and evening primrose oils are high in Omega 6. If you're going to use a supplement that contains all the EFA's, make sure they are properly balanced.

Stay dry and hydrated. The moisture that's good for the skin is the body's natural water content, not water from external sources. So, while you keep the body hydrated by drinking plenty of water and avoiding caffeine and other dehydrating substances, you have to keep the skin from getting and staying wet. Wearing silk liners under outdoor gloves will help – silk dries very quickly so your hands don't sit in wet gloves – and when you're handling household chemicals such as dish detergents and cleaning products, rubber gloves are the answer.

Use a shielding lotion. This breakthrough technology in skin care is now recommended by thousands of doctors for dry skin care and eczema treatment. It bonds with the outer layer of the skin to form a protective layer that locks in natural moisture, keeps out drying chemicals and protects your skin from harsh winter weather.

February 2007: Dermatologists recommend the use of a shieldng lotion

Many scientists have believed for some time that eczema is an allergic reaction. New research, though, has discovered that many eczema cases are casued by defective skin barrier that predisposes eczema sufferers to damage from environmental irritants rather than an allergic reaction. These findings have revolutionised scientists' understanding of eczema and appear to have opened the door to more effective eczema treatment.

Large numbers of dermatologists are now recommending the use of a shielding lotion - a new type of skin care product that mimics the skin's protective outer layer - as one of the main methods for controlling eczema.

A new study, published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, revealed surprising findings - the raised allergic antibodies that would support the immune reaction theory were not present in two-thirds of the studied cases. The study instead found evidence that the protective surface layer of the skin was damaged. This lead scientists to re-think the problem with many feeling that the real source of eczema conditions was this damaged skin and that treatment must focus towards preserving the integrity of the skin's protective layer.

Scientists suspect that the breakdown is due to a combination of factors - a genetic predisposition to thin skin which is then easily damaged by moisture loss and irritation caused by overheating, cold weather, dry winds and exposure to chemical irritants like soap or detergents. One thing is certain, while thin skin is more susceptible to developing eczema, exposure to irritants is often the key precipitating element for flares.

According to Dr. Peter Helton, cosmetic dermatologist and medical director of the Helton Skin and Laser Institute in Newport Beach, California, "In order for the skin to heal and return to its healthy condition you have to seal in the moisture and oils that are below the outer layer of skin and protect it from the irritants in the environment."

A good shielding lotion does just that. "Shielding lotions can significantly restore the skin's natural barrier and thus make it less susceptible to environmental irritants and eczema flares," explains Dr. Lisa Benest, a board certified dermatologist in Burbank, California. A recent Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL) study found that shielding lotion increases the protective layer formation properties by more than 50 percent within one hour of application.

"A shielding lotion is a new kind of lotion. It is a new technology that blends moisturizers with a light silicone material that is like a liquid film that bonds with the surface of your skin. It is like wearing an invisible shield that helps heal the skin. It keeps the moisture in and keeps the irritants out," said Dr. Helton.

Steroid creams and ointments are the traditional topical eczema treatment, but, as they can further damage the protective layer, these new findings indicate the need for a different approach. Shielding lotion may be the wave of the future.

January 2007: Dry skin problems require the ultimate in dry skin solutions

Although winter is now here it is not too late to find the ultimate solution for your dry skin problems. Do you recognise these symptoms: chapped, chaffed, itchy, dry skin? The winter months pose unique challenges for your skin: one minute your skin is dealing with dry indoor air conditions the next your out in harsh cold, windy weather. Moisture is rapidly removed from your skin and this is exacerbated by the cold weather and the drying effects of irritants and chemicals you are exposed to in your household and work environment; whether painting, gardening or even doing the washing up.

Moisturizers can replace what is lost, but they are not an ideal solution. To begin with, they don't prevent the absorption of chemicals into the skin. Plus constant use of conventional lotions makes the body think it has enough moisture and it cuts back on producing its own moisture.

The real answer is to prevent moisture loss, and this is where Gloves in a Bottle really shines.

Many dermatologists recommend shielding lotions like Gloves in a Bottle as the ultimate dry skin care product. Not only do shielding lotions help prevent moisture loss but they also help to treat eczema, psoriasis and many other skin disorders.

Gloves in a Bottle is a shielding lotion that forms a protective barrier on the skin, keeping out irritants and chemicals while allowing the natural oils and moisture to remain in the skin so it can heal better. Gloves in a Bottle does not wash off since it bonds with the outer layer of skin. It is gentle and suitable for all skin types. It is one of the best dry skin care products on the market - and it will prevent many of those dry skin problems that appear during the cold winter months

If you're looking for a product to tackle the irritation, pain and discomfort of dry cracked skin during the long winter months then look no further than Gloves in a Bottle.

December 2006: Dry skin treatment emphasizes protection

Traditionally treatments for dry skin and dry skin-related conditions have emphasized moisturizing the skin, but the latest research suggests that shielding lotions might be the most effective means of preventing what can often be a painful and distressing condition.

shielding lotions are a breakthrough within the dermatological field, bonding with the outer layer of the skin to form a protective layer that helps to lock in moisture and prevent direct contact with the absorption of harmful chemicals.

Dermatologists are now recommending shielding lotions as a means of preventing occupational-induced dry skin conditions, in turn are helping to push the growth of this emerging category.

Dr. Peter Helton, a board-certified dermatologist specializing in cosmetic dermatology, said, "Nearly everyone's skin is exposed to harmful chemicals on and off the job. That is why shielding lotions are so important. Severe dry skin conditions need to be treated with prescription medication for the inflammation along with a lotion to moisturize and help heal the skin. With a shielding lotion we find that the skin heals much faster, so the patient needs less medication."

As most dry skin related conditions are induced or exacerbated by allergic reactions to chemicals and environmental hazards, latest research from dermatologists suggests that shielding lotions can be used to seal in moistures and oil, which in turn helps to protect from such irritants.

One such treatment that is receiving attention is Gloves In A Bottle, a brand that is distributed in the UK by Abbliss Limited. The formulation relies on PVP (Hexadecene Copolymer) to provide a film that helps to protect the skin using a number of ingredients, namely glycerin.

According to Dr. Rozalia Kovelman, Board Certified Dermatologist from California, the lotion, "works with the body's own defenses, it also addresses common dermatological problems, including hyperkeratosis, psoriasis and eczema."

The makers of Gloves in a Bottle, together with a number of similar products that are now appearing on the market, believe that this kind of treatment will soon start to play an increasing role in preventing occupational-related dry skin conditions.

November 2006: Eczema Breakthrough Could Save Millions......shielding lotions look like the answer

Hundreds of dermatologists are now recommending the use of a shielding lotion as the way to combat eczema. The development of Shielding Lotions is a revolutionary technological breakthrough in dry skin and eczema treatment and may be the answer scientists and eczema sufferers have been searching for. A high percentage of eczema is due to contact with harsh chemicals which is the exact problem that shielding lotions address, according to Dr. Lisa Benest, board certified general and cosmetic dermatologist in Burbank, California.

Dr Benest continues, that, "As a dermatologist with many years of experience treating skin problems, I can tell you what the major causes are," says Dr. Benest. "One of them is exposure to irritants and chemicals in the everyday environment. We live in a much more toxic environment today and our skin bears the brunt. When we are exposed to harsh conditions in the environment it can have a very negative effect on our skin. The reason shielding lotions are so effective is that they replace the protective barrier and allow the skin to heal from within. A shielding lotion bonds with the outer layer of the skin and protects it from outside irritants and chemicals, so it will prevent skin conditions from developing or it will help an existing condition to heal".

Dr. Peter Helton, a board-certified dermatologist specializing in cosmetic dermatology, agrees, "Nearly everyone's skin is exposed to harmful chemicals on and off the job. That is why shielding lotions are so important. Severe dry skin conditions need to be treated with prescription medication for the inflammation along with a lotion to moisturize and help heal the skin. With a shielding lotion we find that the skin heals much faster, so the patient needs less medication," says Dr. Helton.

The message appears to be clear: shielding lotions have a big part to play in helping to reduce the suffering of eczema sufferers and in turn, potentially, saving both them and the nation's health industry millions of pounds.

October 2006: New Eczema Research questions our understanding of the Condition

It has long been thought that eczema is caused by an allergic reaction. But, recent research suggests that many eczema cases are caused by a defective skin barrier which predisposes eczema sufferers to damage from environmental irritants. These findings are completely changing the way that scientists look at eczema treatment.

Many dermatologists are now recommending the use of a shielding lotion. This is a new type of skin care product that mimics the skin's protective outer layer. This treatment may become the standard way of treating eczema in the future.

A new study (published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology) revealed many surprises: the raised allergic antibodies that support the immune reaction theory were not present in two-thirds of the cases studied. Instead, the study found evidence that the protective surface layer of the skin was being affected. Many scientists now believe that this problem is the real source of a large number of eczema conditions and that treatment must move away from an immune system focus towards a focus on preventing damage to the skin's protective layer.

Many scientists feel that the damage to the skin's protective layer is due to a number of forces: such as a genetic predisposition to thin skin which is then easily damaged by moisture loss and irritation caused by overheating, cold weather, dry winds and exposure to chemical irritants like soap or detergents. One thing seems clear, while thin skin is more susceptible to developing eczema, exposure to irritants is often the key cause for eczema flare-ups.

Dr. Peter Helton, cosmetic dermatologist and medical director of the Helton Skin and Laser Institute in Newport Beach, California, says: -

"In order for the skin to heal and return to its healthy condition you have to seal in the moisture and oils that are below the outer layer of skin and protect it from the irritants in the environment."

A good shielding lotion does just that. "shielding lotions can significantly restore the skin's natural barrier and thus make it less susceptible to environmental irritants and eczema flares," explains Dr. Lisa Benest, a board certified dermatologist in Burbank, California. A recent Water Loss (TEWL) study found that shielding lotion increases the protective layer formation properties by more than 50 percent within one hour of application.

"A shielding lotion is a new kind of lotion. It is a new technology that blends moisturizers with a light silicone material that is like a liquid film that bonds with the surface of your skin. It is like wearing an invisible shield that helps heal the skin. It keeps the moisture in and keeps the irritants out," said Dr. Helton.

The traditional eczema treatments - steroid creams and ointments - can cause further damage to the protective layer and these new findings indicate that a new approach might be needed. shielding lotion may be the wave of the future.

The National Skin Care Institute

October 2006: A new dry skin treatment that can overcome potential airline bans on carrying lotions on-board.

Thankfully, recently, the authorities thwarted another terrorist attack, but the ensuing ban on taking liquids on air travel has had an unforeseen effect on travellers. The dehydrating effect of flying is well understood; spending hours in a dry, air-conditioned plane environment can, in some cases, cause severe dry skin conditions. As in-flight cabin air is drier than any of the world's deserts - for example relative humidity is 20-25 percent in the Sahara or Arabian deserts (optimum comfort being approximately 50 percent humidity) - the cabin humidity on a long-haul flight can gradually fall close to 1 percent - then it is not a surprise that problems occur whist flying.

Most travelers tackle this by drinking lots of water and frequently applying moisturizing lotion. As lotions have been banned that option is not there. Some people have been suggesting the use of heavier, greasier creams and lotions. This is not ideal or comfortable to many people. Gloves in a Bottle does offer an alternative option; a shielding lotion with a light formula, that provides a more comfortable dry skin treatment; a treatment that will last throughout a long flight without the need for frequent re-application.

Gloves in a Bottle bonds with the outer layer of your skin locking in your natural oils and moisture. This is the reason why dermatologists recommend the product as an effective dry skin treatment. "Heavier creams will get in the way of normal travel activities such as opening suitcases or bottles, filling in forms or reading a book," said Dr. Brian Zogg, a dermatologist with a successful practice in Minnesota. "shielding lotions retain 40-50 percent of your natural moisture in the skin and it lasts for hours, making it a great option in light of these new airline regulations. People can use this dry skin treatment to stay moisturized for hours even though they are exposed to the dehydrating atmosphere in the airplane cabin."

The airline authorities have revised the security alerts and requirements placed upon travellers but nevertheless it would be sensible for travellers to be well prepared when they fly; using Gloves in a Bottle can certainly help increase moisture-retention and skin comfort and can stop them worrying about the types of liquids they can and can't cary on to a flight.

September 2006: National Eczema Week brings attention to this irritating and often painful condition.

Unbearably hot and itchy, inflamed dry skin is a condition that affects one-fifth of s school-age children and one in 12 adults. This affliction has been named eczema yet the exact cause is not known. Some patients have an idea of what triggers their ailment and doctors have established certain practices as eczema treatment that help alleviate the condition and avoid flare-ups.

National Eczema Week is an annual health awareness campaign organized by the National Eczema Society in Britain to raise awareness of the condition that affects so many also in the US and help those affected by the eczema to discover their solutions. Recently, a study was done and it was found that use of regular lotions can actually cause the skin to produce less natural oils, but a shielding lotion as a dry skin treatment bonds with the outer layer of the skin and protects it from irritants while locking in natural oils and moisture.

"We've found with our eczema patients using a shielding lotion like Gloves in a Bottle, that the healing time between eruptions is much shorter," says Dr. Lisa Benest, who has a successful dermatology practice in Burbank, California." We've also seen the severe dry cracked skin associated with eczema is softened dramatically using a shielding lotion, reducing the discomfort and bleeding that some patients suffer."

The first dry skin care and treatment recommended by dermatologists is using a cream to lock in moisture, and a shielding lotion has long-lasting benefit. Also, limiting contact with irritants such as soaps, perfumes, cosmetics, detergents, strong liquids such as gasoline, turpentine, and alcohol-based solutions, wool, pet's fur, plants, jewelry, and many lotions even irritate. Cut out any possible irritants and add them in one at a time to find your cause of your condition.

Sweating and overheating tends to exacerbate eczema, as well. Use a cold compress when the itching starts, to avoid scratching and always keep fingernails short. Find a laundry soap that does not irritate your skin, double rinse the detergent out and remember to always launder newly purchased clothing before wearing. Many eczema sufferers find it best to wear only loose-fitting cotton and soft clothing, avoiding rough fabrics that further irritate the skin.

Individuals and families affected by eczema have found much relief using these dry skin care and treatment suggestions, and with the advent of shielding lotion in the past few years, relief can be more rapid and effective.