My Facial Facts: Is Your Skin The Best It Can Be?

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Growing up, I remember always seeing my father with little red bumps on the back of his arms. As a child, I was never really sure what it was, but I just figured they were goosebumps and that he was always cold.

Do you find that you have these too?

In doing skin care, I’ve also seen it as flushed cheeks, with a rougher texture. If you look closely, it almost seems that the little bumps that are causing the rough texture, are little whiteheads. However, do not be fooled, as this condition is not a breakout of any kind.

In adults these bumps tend to develop on the backs of the arms, thighs and buttocks, and in youger adults (more typically teenagers going through puberty, but also in newborns) it tends to occur in the lower cheeks.

This is what’s known as Keratosis Pilaris.

By definition, Keratosis Pilaris is a condition that affects over 50% of the population and manifests in small white bumps, causing the area to be rough in texture, and is accompanied by redness/irritation in patches.

Basically, Keratosis Pilaris occurs when very small hairs (the soft, light hairs we have all over our face) are trying to push their way through the follicle, but because they’re not strong enough to come through the opening, they cause irritation and redness.

This happens “… when the human body produces excess keratin, a natural protein in the skin. The excess keratin…surrounds and entraps the hair follicles in the pore. This causes the formation of hard plugs (process known as hyperkeratinization).”

Let us assure you that Keratosis Pilaris is a harmless condition and more of a nuisance than anything else.

Do you feel like you have to go to a Dermatologist to improve your KP?

Although there are some topical medications being prescribed for this condition, we recommend you try a few things at home to see if you notice improvement…

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Last week I received the unfortunate message that my good friend Andre had chosen to take his own life at the tragically young age of 26. Like his family and friends, I am just devastated.

I met Andre when I first began learning Salsa almost six years ago. He was a master dancer and instructor, and an amazing person.

I felt really angry with him at first. How could you do this Andre?, I thought. You had your whole life ahead of you!

Because my cousins are in town visiting from Spain, I haven’t had much time to think about it (which may be good), but the moments I do have in solitude are often spent crying and mourning his loss.

He called me a couple of months ago where he mentioned coming out to L.A. to visit me. I called him back later that day, and got his voice mail. Although I don’t remember exactly what I said, I do remember telling him that the dates he mentioned might be a little hard for me, but to call me back and we’d figure something out. I never heard from him again.

Had I known his emotional state, I would have insisted he come any time he wanted. I will always make time for a friend and I feel I never got that chance. I feel I failed being there for him.

The day after I got this horrible news, I called with my friend Bianca Chavez, who has had a gift of ‘seeing’ those who have crossed over since she was a child. She is part American Indian and is very tied to her roots and culture, and has grown up to be a somewhat of a Medicine Woman, if you will.

I called her because I want to know how he is doing. Upon my explaining why I was upset with Andre for taking his life without giving me a chance to help him, she explained to me that someone in that extreme emotional state of depression and desperation has altered brain chemistry (akin to being on certain types of drugs), impairing rational thought and judgment.

She then told me that she would not be able to connect with him right away. The emotional state he was in, along with his problems, all have a certain vibrational frequency. What happens when someone takes their own life is that they realize, upon executing their suicide, that that vibration they were trying to escape doesn’t go away. The reason they want to die is because they think they’re ‘ending’ something, but because energy never dies, it transcends the physical. When they become aware of this, they’re in a state of turmoil because they realize that they made a mistake and that their death was in vain.

Bianca went on to inform me that Andre needs to increase his vibration so he can ascend, at which point she can contact him. The way to do this is to write him letters, and in general share with him what he meant to me. ‘My knowledge then becomes his wisdom’ and he begins to vibrate at a much higher frequency.

I want to help Andre because he’s my friend and I love him, so I decided to share my poem to him with all of you:

Dear, sweet Andre;

If I would have known you were in pain my friend, I would have held your hand and listened. I would have told you it would all work out, but that moment we’ve been cheated.

If I would have known you needed a shoulder to lean on I would have gladly lent you mine, and listened long and hard Andre, and assured you it would be fine.

If I would have known you doubted life, I would have told you you’re an inspiration, to turn your life around like you did, with all your dedication.

If I would have known you had lost hope in life, we would talk about your dreams, and I’d remind you anything is possible if only you believe.

If I would have known you didn’t know what you meant to the world, I would have reminded you every day, and told you what a shining light you are to us in so many ways.

If I would have known I’d never dance with you again, I would have danced a little harder.

If I would have known I’d never see the light in your eyes, I’d have looked into them a little longer.

If I would have known I’d never hug you again, I would have held on a little stronger.

If I would have known the last time I saw you was my last ‘good-bye’, I would have told you that ‘I love you’.

We miss you Andre.

Your friend always,

Marcy.

P.S. You can view comments and additional videos of Andre on You Tube by searching: Andres Echevarria

P.P.S. View Bianca’s site at: www.wordsforthemany.com.

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