Archives for February 2022

Women tend to report more allergies than men, especially each year as spring approaches. Marla Ahlgrimm says that there might be a reason for this, and that reason might be hormones.

According to Marla Ahlgrimm, it’s currently theorized that the female hormone estrogen might play a role in anaphylaxis-level allergies. Although studies have not been performed on humans, those done on mice found that anaphylactic reactions were more common in female mice. This hormonal interaction might explain why more women than men are hospitalized for allergies each year.

The idea that hormones are to blame is underscored by the fact that women tend to report more allergic reactions during certain times of their menstrual cycle. Marla Ahlgrimm explains that women who are pregnant and going through puberty during adolescence also report more contact and airborne allergies.

Another possible reason for the higher rates of women being treated for allergies is that we simply report them more often. Marla Ahlgrimm says that women tend to be less skittish about talking to their doctors about nuisances than men, who may feel as though they look weak or emasculated by admitting something as simple as an allergy is bothering them.

Marla Ahlgrimm also acknowledges that sudden severe food allergies are increasing, and that adults over the age of 40 may be at a greater risk. Approximately 26 million Americans have severe food allergies, and many of these did not develop until mid-adulthood.

If you suffer from any type of allergy, Marla Ahlgrimm says that having a good relationship with your healthcare provider and pharmacy staff is crucial. These professionals can help you steer clear of major consequences of a severe contact or ingestion allergy. While no single treatment is right for everyone, your team can put together a plan to keep you safe, no matter the season.

As we get older, changing hormones can affect the way we look. Many women choose to take on a new skin care routine to offset some of the effects of age. According to Marla Ahlgrimm, retinol is one addition to your skincare arsenal that might be worth a second look.

According to Marla Ahlgrimm, retinol is an over-the-counter version of prescription retinoids. Although they are not as powerful, they do have many potential skincare uses. Retinol is made from vitamin A and can penetrate the outer layers of the skin to boost collagen production. Once collagen begins to form, your face may look a bit more plump, which can reduce wrinkles and fine lines. Sometimes, retinol is used to treat acne in pubescent teenagers.

While retinol is considered safe, Marla Ahlgrimm says there are some side effects to be on the lookout for. Women who use retinol, especially for the first time, may experience excessively dry skin, redness, and itching. To offset these, you can use a moisturizer or gentle exfoliation cream. Your skin can build up a tolerance to the drying effect of retinol by starting your retinol routine once each week and eventually working your way up to adding it to your nightly regimen.

Marla Ahlgrimm says that sun exposure can exacerbate the drying effect of retinol creams and serums. She suggests that anybody using retinol pay careful attention to their time in the sun and always use SPF 15 or better when going outside. Without sun protection, you are putting yourself at risk of wrinkles, age spots, and skin discoloration, all issues you may be using retinol for in the first place.

Anytime you plan to use a new skin care product, test it first. You can get retinol from your local pharmacy or beauty shop, but your dermatologist may also recommend prescription retinoids and other beauty enhancements, such as hyaluronic acid or dermabrasion.