The health of our skin - one of the body’s first lines of defense against illness and injury - depends upon the delicate balance between our own cells and the millions of bacteria and other one-celled microbes that live on its surface. To better understand this balance, National Institutes of Health researchers have set out to explore the skin’s microbiome, which is all of the DNA, or genomes, of all of the microbes that inhabit human skin. Their initial analysis, published in the journal Science, reveals that our skin is home to a much wider array of bacteria than previously thought.

The study also shows that at least among healthy people, the greatest influence on bacterial diversity appears to be body location. For example, the bacteria that live under your arms likely are more similar to those under another person’s arm than they are to the bacteria that live on your forearm.

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Anisa International Inc., a premiere brush manufacturer, announces the launch of a new line of exclusive skincare brushes promoting smoother application, as well as a reduction in bacteria transmission and product waste.

Through the company’s signature creative vision, Anisa International has designed a set of brushes to enhance the daily skin care regimen. This unique, five-step skincare system created by Anisa includes brushes for use in cleansing, exfoliation, moisturizing, delicate under eye care and blemish treatment. Each brush is carefully crafted from all synthetic fibers, with a uniquely created head for each specific function.

Anisa International believes that through the use of these cutting-edge tools, consumers will reduce bacteria transmission that is common when using fingers or sponges. In addition, consumers will cut down on product waste, as each brush is carefully crafted with its purpose in mind, allowing for smoother and more accurate application of skincare products.

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Do you have oily skin?  If you’re not sure, check whether your skin exhibits the following features:

• large pores
• regular acne breakouts (including blackheads and whiteheads)
• shiny skin surface
• acne breakouts on other areas of the body, including the back, chest and shoulders

For some people, oily skin is a temporary condition.  Many grow out of it, no longer requiring oily skin treatments, as soon as their teenage years pass, while most eventually find it gone by the time they’re in their early twenties.  There are others, though, for whom the affliction remains well into their later years.

When you have oily skin, taking care of your skin is paramount, as many behaviors resulting from the condition can actually aggravate skin problems.  To make sure you’re looking after your oily skin the right way, be sure to follow these oily skin treatment guidelines:

1. If you have acne, avoid picking on it.  Doing so only brings more bacteria to your face, leaving it worse for wear.

2. Use blotting sheets as your oily skin treatment to reduce excess shine.  Be careful about using it when not needed, though - you don’t want to strip your skin dry of necessary moisture.

3. When cleaning your face, always prefer an alcohol-free, gel-based oily skin treatment wash.

4. Even those with oily skin can use a moisturizer, especially one with at least SPF 15 sun protection.  Just make sure to get one specifically intended as an oily skin treatment.

When you’re experiencing acne breakouts, it doesn’t mean you have to put a stop to using beauty skin care products.  Even though some of those products may be directly related to your breakouts, it doesn’t mean you have to put a halt to your regular skin care regimen.  Instead, take the breakouts as a sign that you need to shift your treatment to something that provides better care for your skin.

If you’ve been using a cleanser and toner religiously, it may be time to reconsider these beauty skin care products’ formulation.  With breakouts in place, it’s more than likely that they are either irritating your skin or eroding precious chemicals that serve to protect you from damaging conditions.

The same holds true with your moisturizer and other beauty skin care products.  While good for your skin, some brands may contain ingredients that react unfavorably to your skin and the conditions it is regularly exposed to.  Chances are that you’ll need to ditch most cream-based products and opt for water-based gels.

Apart from reconsidering your beauty skin care products for daily use, you’ll also need to treat the breakouts with the right anti-acne aids.  For light acne,  consider using benzoyl peroxide (to dry the lesions and kill bacteria) or salicylic acid (to opn up clogged follicles).  For more moderate to severe breakouts, especially with large inflammations, most doctors will prescribe either an oral or topical antibiotic, along with tretinoin treatment.

There’s no need to ditch beauty skin care products for good when you experience acne breakouts.  It may be time, however, to look for a new set of them.