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Voltaren Gel (marketed as Voltaren Emulgel) is a new pain relieving topical gel indicated for the relief of pain associated with osteoarthritic joints as found in the knees and hands. It may also provide relief in areas such as the hip, spine or shoudler in some individuals.

Voltaren Gel contains the active ingredient diclofenac, a non-steroidal anti inflammatory drug (NSAID). Depending on where you reside, it may be purchased over the counter without a prescription or it may require a prescriptioon. Oral diclofenac has been used for years to manage the pain associated with arthritis. And while it has been proven to be an effective treatment, oral consumption of diclofenac has been associated with stomach upset and even stomach bleeding in susceptible individuals. Applying diclofenac topically (as with Voltaren Gel), results in absorption of  only 6% of the active ingredient as compared to 100% of the equivalent oral dose. With Voltaren Gel, pain relief can be targeted to where it is most needed, with less exposure to the rest of the body.

How To Use Voltaren Gel

Voltaren Gel comes with detailed directions for use. In general, it is recommended that it be applied 4 times daily in order to obtain maximum relief. Results do vary from person to person with some individuals experiencing relief sooner than others.  

Voltaren Gel Safety Information

As with any medicine, there is always the risk of side effects. Voltaren (diclofenac) is an NSAID and NSAIDs may increase the risk of cardiovascular events. It may also increase the risk of gastrointestinal adverse effects including bleeding and ulceration. Please check with your physician prior to using if you are at risk.

Some individuals experience irritation where the gel is applied.  

Voltaren Gel should not be used if you have a known sensitivity to diclofenac. As well, if you’ve experienced asthma, urticaria, or other allergic-type reactions after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs, Voltaren Gel probably isn’t right for you. Lastly, Voltaren Gel should not be used in conjunction with other NSAIDs.

 Read all safety information and instructions fully before using.

Many of us are only too familiar with dandruff – that scalp condition that presents with white flakes dotting our shoulders and clothing. Dandruff isn’t serious or contagious, but it can cause embarrassment and it may not be easy to eradicate.

Dandruff isn’t caused by dry skin, contrary to what many people think. It is a condition associated with seborrhea, which causes cells on the scalp to shed and turn over more often than normal. Under normal circumstances cells will shed and be replaced in about a month, but with seborrhea this process is speeded up. The skin cells mature much faster than normal. It can take as little as 10 to 15 days for this to happen, resulting in the dead skin cells, clumping and flaking that appears as dandruff.

A Fungus May Be Responsible

Malassezia furfur (also known as P. ovale) is a fungus that ‘s found on normal, healthy skin. It feeds on oil secreted by the sebaceous (oil producing glands). Generally P. ovale is not a problem, but certain circumstances, including illness, hormonal changes, stress, etc may cause an overgrowth in P. ovale leading to dandruff.

If P. ovale is the culprit and it very often is, then dandruff may respond to treatment with an anti-fungal shampoo. While zinc pyrithione does have mild anti-fungal action (it also helps to reduce the rate of skin cell turnover and provide exfoliating action), a more effective anti-fungal agent is ketoconazole. Ketoconazole may be found in an over the counter preparation such as Nizoral shampoo. Nizoral shampoo is available in both a 1% and 2% concentration, with the 2% delivering more efficacy.

Other ingredients including coal tar, salicylic acid and phenol can also be helpful in managing the symptoms. It takes time to find out the correct combination of products to manage the symptoms. Read more about managing dandruff here.

If you’re looking at adding an effective treatment to your anti aging skin care regimen, then you may want to consider Green Cream retinol cream. Green Cream is a high potency retinoid treatment, which many skin care experts maintain are an essential component to any anti aging skin care routine.

Developed by a dermatologist, Green Cream contains retinol, which is widely categorized as a retinoid. Retinoids are derivatives of Vitamin A and they can be found in a range of skin care preparations as retinol, retinyl palmitate and retinoic acid. Retinol and retinyl palmitate are converted to retinoic acid, the active form of Vitamin A. It is the form of Vitamin A that exerts its action at the skin cells. 

What Can Green Cream Do?
Retinoids, as found in Green Cream, are used in skin care preparations to help with a range of skin care conditions:
· Reverse sun damage
· Combat against wrinkles and fine lines.
· Treat of acne
· Treat pigmentation disorders such as melasma and solar lentigos

The result for users is a younger looking, smoother and more luminous skin.

How Does Green Cream Work?

The retinol in Green Cream breaks down into retinoic acid upon application to skin. Once absorbed, it encourages skin cells to communicate and function normally, a process that is often disrupted during the natural aging process. Green Cream also works to:
· Increase cell turnover in the top layer of skin (epidermis). The production of new skin cells causes skin to look brighter and smoother
· Stimulate collagen production which leads to the appearance of smoother and plumper skin
· Reduce pigmentation associated with sun damage
· Shrink oil glands which can reduce pore size and diminish scars. It may be helpful in the treatment of acne.
· Fight against free radicals due to its antioxidant ability. 

Green Cream is available in 3 different concentrations to suit the needs of all skin types. It makes an excellent alternative to prescription retinoids, which can sometimes be too harsh for some skin types. The special formulation of Green Cream helps to reduce the incidence of side effects – redness, drying and flaking – commonly experienced by individuals using retinoid products. Lastly, since retinol is susceptible to degradation upon light and air exposure, Green Cream is packaged in an airless pump with opaque packaging to ensure its potency.

If you are looking for an active treatment to combat skin aging, then Green Cream might be right for you.