Safe Cosmetics

2007-05-29T01:57:00.000-07:00

Natural Skin Care Using Tomatoes
High in Antioxidants and Lycopene, Tomatoes are a Versatile Fruit

© Robert Morris McCall
Apr 26, 2007

Health and nutritional benefits of the tender tomato. How to incorporate more of this red fruit into your daily skin care routine.
Tomatoes are an amazing fruit.

For a chef, they're an integral ingredient in many dishes, offering versatility, colour, flavour and nutrition, with high levels of both vitamins C and A.

Tomato sauce is a stock standard ingredient in many homes. Kids can't get enough of the stuff.

A study by the Harvard School of Public Health reported on the website Lycopene.org uncovered that tomatoes may reduce the likelihood of a range of different cancers, diabetes, and even heart disease. All of this due to the presence of the caretanoid, lycopene. Another study by the Centre for Food at Virginia Tech reveals that there may be a link between lycopene and the reduced risk of prostate cancer. Additional fruits and vegetables that are a good source of lycopene include papaya, watermelon, grapefruit, guava and rosehip.

Lycopene is high in antioxidants and fat soluble, with a small molecule structure that is easily absorbed by the skin. There is a drawback however. Lycopene is not dietary soluble (the molecule structure is tightly bound) unless cooked, so tomato pastes and sauces are a much better dietary source of lycopene.

Skin care products containing lycopene maybe difficult to find, and expensive. Like most skin care products, the cost over the course of a year can be incredibly high and the results mixed.

However, there is a do-it-yourself solution.

Most of the nutrients in any fruit or vegetable are found in the skin, and that's where you'll find a higher concentration of lycopene in a tomato. So the rest is easy.

You'll require 10 to 12 tomatoes.

Select organic tomatoes if possible as they are found to have a higher concentration of lycopene.

Put a pot of water on the stove and bring it to the boil. Dip the tomatoes into the water for a minute or so. Peel the tomatoes and separate the skins and flesh.

Wash your face of all dirt and grime. Tilt your head back, and have a friend or partner apply the tomato skins, flesh side down. Wait 30 to 40 minutes, remove the skins, wash your face and bingo. The results are immediately noticeable. You may also find your skin is slightly tanned looking, which is a result of the caretanoid pigment in the tomatoes, being absorbed into your skin. Remember, however, that tomato juice can sting your eyes, so keep your eyes covered with a cloth or closed for the duration.

With the pulp: pop it into a wizzer, add some ice cubes, and 2 tbsp of caster sugar. Puree and drink. Delicious! Alternatively, use the skinless tomatoes to make a relish, a puree, or de-seed and finely chop, as in a concasse

2007-04-10T19:50:00.000-07:00

Beauty to die for: health hazards of cosmetics and skin care products revealed

by: Leigh Erin Connealy, M.D.
Friday, January 20, 2006

Your medicine cabinet is one of the most dangerous areas of your house, and not for the reasons you may think. Lurking just behind your bathroom mirror, where all of your favorite beauty products are housed, is a virtual toxic nightmare. The growing list of synthetic ingredients manufacturers add to their products is turning the most innocent-looking shampoos and moisturizers into cocktails of toxins that could cause cancer or reproductive damage over years of sustained use. Modern cosmetics contain a host of dangerous ingredients, which would be more at home in a test tube than in our bodies.
Like most people, you probably assume that the ingredients found in beauty products have been thoroughly tested for safety well before they land on your grocery store's shelves. After all, the government has regulations in place for the water we drink, the food we eat and the air we breathe. One would assume that the FDA would also be overseeing the cosmetic industry to ensure the health and safety of consumers. Unfortunately, the FDA has little power when it comes to regulating the ingredients found in your beauty products. In fact, the only people ensuring the safety of personal care products are the very people who govern the industry: The Cosmetic Toiletry and Fragrance Association (CTFA). Scientists paid by the CTFA make up the Cosmetic Ingredient Review panel (CIR) and are charged with regulating the safety of the industry's products.

In 2004, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) released the findings of a study it conducted regarding the safety of beauty care products. Comparing approximately 10,000 ingredients found in 7,500 different products against lists of known and suspected chemical health hazards, the research revealed that the CIR was falling tragically short of ensuring consumer safety.

Of the 7,500 products tested by the EWG, a mere 28 had been evaluated for safety by the CIR. The EWG found that one in every 120 products analyzed contained ingredients certified by the government as known or probable carcinogens and that nearly one-third of the products contained ingredients classified as possible carcinogens. Astoundingly, 54 products even violated recommendations for safe use that the CIR had put in place, yet these products are still available for sale today.

Of the products tested, the worst offenders were those containing the cancer-causing ingredients coal tar, alpha hydroxy acids and beta hydroxy acids, and those containing the hormone-disrupting ingredient, phthalate.

Coal Tar
Seventy-one hair dye products evaluated were found to contain ingredients derived from coal tar (listed as FD&C or D&C on ingredients labels). Several studies have linked long-time hair dye use to bladder cancer, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and multiple myeloma.
A research study conducted in 2001 by the USC School of Medicine found that women using permanent hair dye at least once a month more than doubled their risk of bladder cancer. The study estimates that "19 percent of bladder cancer in women in Los Angeles, California, may be attributed to permanent hair dye use."

A link between hair dye and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma was established in 1992 when a study conducted by the National Cancer Institute found that 20 percent of all cases of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma may be linked to hair dye use.

While the FDA has not stepped in to prevent the use of coal tar in beauty products, it does advise consumers that reducing hair dye use will possibly reduce the risk of cancer.

Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) & Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA)
Alpha Hydroxy Acids and Beta Hydroxy Acids are commonly used in products advertised to remove wrinkles, blemishes, blotches and acne scars. With consumer complaints of burning, swelling and pain associated with AHA and BHA flooding into the FDA, the regulatory body began conducting its own research about 15 years ago. The findings linked the use of AHA and BHA with a doubling of UV-induced skin damage and a potential increased risk of skin cancer.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, skin cancer has reached "epidemic proportions," with 1 million new cases occurring each year and one person dying every hour from the disease. The agency estimates that, at the current rate, one in five people will develop skin cancer over their lifetime.

The FDA's study findings were presented to the CIR, but the panel approved the continued use of AHA and BHA "in spite of serious safety questions submitted by a consumer group and a major manufacturer," according to an FDA spokesperson.

Even though one out of every 17 products analyzed by the EWG study contained either AHA or BHA (with nearly 10 percent being moisturizers and 6 percent sunscreens), the most that the FDA could do was suggest that products containing the ingredients carry a warning to use sunscreen and to limit sun exposure while using the product. A puzzling solution, since some of the products containing the dangerous ingredient are designed specifically for use in the sun.

Phthalates
Phthalates are industrial plasticizers widely used in personal care products to moisturize and soften skin, impart flexibility to nail polish after it dries and enhance the fragrances used in most products. Studies indicate that phthalates cause a wide range of birth defects and lifelong reproductive impairments, targeting every organ in the male reproductive system and causing problems ranging from low sperm count to serious genital deformities that can lead to an increased risk of cancer.
While the EWG only found four products with phthalate listed as an ingredient (all nail care products), there is no telling how many products actually contain it. The industry is not required to list fragrance ingredients or "trade secret" ingredients on products, and phthalates often fall into one of those two categories.

In September 2004, the European Union implemented a ban on all beauty products containing phthalates. California Assemblywoman Judy Chu has proposed a similar bill (AB 908) to be voted on later this year that would implement the same ban in the United States. Opponents of the bill, mainly the CTFA, argue that changing labeling processes would present a huge economic burden and could infringe on trade secrets. A similar bill failed just last year.

Four Steps of Action
1. Go to www.ewg.org and check out the health risks of your favorite products. EWG has compiled a guide of 7,500 beauty care products and has ranked them according to their ingredients' potential to cause cancer, trigger allergic reactions, interfere with the endocrine (hormonal) system, impair reproduction or damage a developing fetus.
2. Visit the FDA's website at www.fda.gov and familiarize yourself with the steps that you can take in order to file complaints or concerns about consumer products.

3. Visit www.safecosmetics.org to learn more about how you can become involved with bill AB 908 to ban phthalates in beauty products in the United States.

4. Check out my recommendations for all-natural and safe products for both you and your family at www.scmedicalcenter.com. All products mentioned have been used safely and with wonderful results by my patients for years.

Dr. Connealy, M.D., M.P.H., began private practice in 1986. In 1992, she founded South Coast Medical Center for New Medicine where she serves as medical director. Her practice is firmly based in the belief that strictly treating health problems with medications does not find the root cause of the illness. Dr. Connealy writes monthly columns for Coast and OC Health magazines, and is a bi-weekly guest on Frank Jordan's "Healthy" radio show. She routinely lectures and educates the public on health issues.

2007-04-07T20:27:00.000-07:00

The top five foods for healthy skin

by: Jessica Fraser
Wednesday, September 13, 2006

The U.S. cosmetics industry raked in more than $32 billion in 2004, with sales of skin care products bringing in the largest share -- more than $8 billion. Americans are shelling out big bucks for expensive cosmetics to treat skin problems such as acne, wrinkles and dryness, but most consumers are overlooking the cheapest, safest and most effective remedies: healing foods.
A host of healthy, natural foods offer potent healing and preventative powers to remedy a wide range of skin troubles. These foods can dramatically improve skin for a fraction of the price of costly cosmetics or dermatologist visits:

Green Tea -- Green tea is rich in antioxidants that reduce inflammation and protect cell membranes. It has been proven to reduce the damage of sunburns and overexposure to ultraviolet light, which in turn reduces the risk of skin cancer. Green tea is also high in polyphenols -- compounds that eliminate cancer-causing free radicals.
Recent research by scientists at the Medical College of Georgia shows that the polyphenol most abundant in green tea -- EGCG -- also acts as a "fountain of youth" of sorts for skin by reactivating dying skin cells. In addition to its skin-healthy properties, green tea is also high in vitamins C, D and K, as well as riboflavin, zinc, calcium, magnesium and iron.

Salmon -- Salmon -- along with other fatty fish, walnuts and flaxseed -- is high in healthy fatty acids that are key for achieving healthy skin. Essential fatty acids such as omega-3s help keep cell membranes healthy by keeping out harmful substances as well as allowing nutrients to enter cells and exit with waste products. Omega-3s also reduce the body's production of inflammatory agents that can damage the skin.
Increasing consumption of omega-3 fatty acid-rich foods such as salmon will help keep the skin supple and youthful. A 1:1 ratio of omega-6 fatty acids to omega-3s is ideal, but the ratio in the typical American diet is more like 20:1, so boosting consumption of salmon and other oily fish can help bring that ratio closer to 1:1. Salmon is also rich in protein, potassium, selenium and vitamin B12.

Blueberries -- Blueberries are considered by many experts to be the highest food source of antioxidants, which target free radicals that can wreak havoc on skin cells. The antioxidants and phytochemicals (plant sources of nutrition) in blueberries neutralize DNA-damaging free radicals, reducing cell damage. When skin cells are protected from damage and disintegration, the skin looks younger for longer. Blueberries are also an excellent source of soluble and insoluble fiber, vitamin C, manganese, vitamin E and riboflavin.

Carrots -- Carrots are an excellent source of vitamin A, which is a required nutrient for healthy skin. They also contain high levels of antioxidants, which prevent free radical damage of skin cells. Vitamin A is required for developing and maintaining skin cells, and a deficiency of the vitamin can cause dry skin. Carrots are also a superior source of fiber, biotin, vitamins K, C and B6, potassium and thiamine.

Water -- Drinking plenty of water -- at least your individual minimum intake -- will help keep your skin young and healthy-looking. Water in caffeinated or sugary beverages does not count; water intake must be from pure, clean water, which rejuvenates skin cells. Water both hydrates cells and helps them move toxins out and nutrients in. Nutrition expert Liz Lipski, PhD, CCN, says when the body is properly hydrated, it sweats more efficiently, which helps keep the skin clean and clear.
In addition to consuming therapeutic quantities of green tea, salmon, blueberries, carrots and water, consumers should avoid certain foods that trigger bad skin reactions. Such ingredients include sugar, white flour, saturated fats and fried foods, which are especially bad for the skin, since they can trap oil and bacteria beneath the skin, causing acne and other skin ailments.

The skin is considered the outside indicator of inside health, and putting expensive creams, lotions and treatments on the outside of the skin can't alleviate problems that stem from inner nutritional deficiencies. Consuming the right foods and avoiding the wrong ones can reveal beautiful, youthful-looking skin without the high price tag of expensive cosmetics.

Note from Mike Adams: An important "overlay" factor on all this concerns raw foods versus cooked foods. Raw food juicing is the surest way to healthy skin, and I recommend juicing fruits, vegetables and nuts (soak them first) in a Vitamix to create superfood smoothies. People who drink raw juices on a daily basis have skin that absolutely glows. On the other hand, those who eat mostly processed, refined or cooked foods have skin that ages rapidly. So be sure to include raw food smoothies in your diet on a daily basis if you want great looking skin!

2007-04-05T22:12:00.000-07:00

Sunscreen SPF
Sunscreen helps protect against damaging UVA Rays and UVB Rays

© Chrissy Dolezal
Mar 7, 2007

Weather is warming up and it's time to take extra precautions for being outside in the warm sun. Wearing sunscreen will help give you the protection you need outside.
There are many products that contain sunscreen in some form from moisturizer to foundations. Here are some key ways to get the most out of your sunscreen and have the protection needed from the sun.

· First, make sure your sunscreen protects against UVA and UVB rays. Some just protect against UVA but you need the benefits from both types of sunrays

· Second, get in the habit of using sunscreen everyday on the face, neck and hands. These three body parts and exposed to the sun every day. They are also the three body parts that age the fastest. Keep a travel-size sunscreen in your purse for easy access.

· Third, pick a sunscreen product that gives you the most benefit of sun exposure that you need. Some of us are outside more than the next gal so make sure you are using a sunscreen SPF that has the highest protection that you need.
There is a simple equation to help know what you need in a SPF. First determine the amount of time it takes for you to start turning pink when you are outside. For the very fair skinned person, it is about 15 minutes. Multiply that amount by the SPF number in your sunscreen, most people use an SPF of 15. The answer is how minutes you can be outside without getting a sunburn using SPF 15. After this amount of time is over, you are too! You need to go inside for the rest of the day to prevent any sun damage. In this example, 15 x 15 = 225 minutes of max sun exposure.

· Fourth, use a sunscreen that is waterproof. Even in your day to day life of just heading to the office, a waterproof sunscreen will give you the ultimate usage of the sunscreen.

· Fifth, and the most important, reapply your sunscreen throughout the day. Read the back of the bottle and determine how often it needs to be reapplied. Especially if you are going to the pool or the beach. All sunscreen needs to be reapplied after you are wet.

The best time to apply sunscreen is before you apply your makeup, after you moisturize. If you use a moisturizer that contains an SPF, then you are covered. However, it is better to not use a foundation that has SPF. Foundation wears off or goes on uneven, leaving you with no sun protection!

Sunscreen is vital to give you the max protection from the damaging UVA and UVB sunrays. Remember that there are safe ways to get a tan now days without going to the tanning beds or the beach. There are many products on the market to give you a great tan, in a safe way.

2007-03-31T01:53:00.000-07:00

Wrinkles - How To Eliminate Them And Look 10 Years Younger!

By: Ken Black

What Causes Wrinkles?

As a person gets older, their skin undergoes significant changes:

-The cells divide more slowly, and the inner layer of skin (the dermis) starts to thin.

-Fat cells beneath the dermis begin to atrophy (diminish).

-The underlying network of elastin and collagen fibers, which provides scaffolding for the surface layers, loosens and unravels.

-Skin loses its elasticity. When pressed, it no longer springs back to its initial position but instead sags and forms furrows.

-The sweat and oil-secreting glands atrophy, depriving the skin of their protective water-lipid emulsions. The skin's ability to retain moisture then diminishes and it becomes dry and scaly.

-Constant facial expressions also form characteristic lines.

-Gravity exacerbates the situation, contributing to the formation of jowls and drooping eyelids. (Eyebrows, surprisingly, move up as a person ages, possibly because of forehead wrinkles.)

-In addition, the ability of the skin to repair itself diminishes with age, so wounds are slower to heal.

Also, many other factors can cause your skin to wrinkle and wear out, including :

*Sunlight damages collagen fibers (the major structural protein in the skin) and causes accumulation of abnormal elastin (the protein that causes tissue to stretch). Enzymes called metalloproteinases are produced and can repair the damage for the most part. Repetition of this rebuilding process over and over again causes wrinkles.

*UV radiation from the sun also promotes oxidation, the release of damaging and unstable oxygen-free radicals. Oxidation contributes to wrinkling, possibly by activating the metalloproteinases that degrade connective tissue.

*Cigarette smoke (Smoking) :

1. causes thickening and fragmentation of elastin, which are the elastic fibers that are long and smooth in healthy skin.

2. diminishes the level of estrogen in women to cause dryness and disintegration of skin tissues.

3. reduces the amount of oxygen supplied to the skin by reducing circulation. -leads to a decrease in the formation of collagen, the skin's main structural component, and may reduce the water content of the skin.

4. compromises the skin's ability to fend off free radicals, the highly reactive substances that are present in tobacco smoke that cause cell damage.

*Air pollution - Ozone, a common air pollutant, may be a particular problem for the skin. One study reported that it might deplete the amount of vitamin E in the skin (an important anti oxidant).

*Rapid weight loss can also cause wrinkles by reducing the volume of fat cells that cushion the face. This not only makes a person look gaunt, but can cause the skin to sag.

*Heredity - you may have inherited some of your skin characteristics from your parents.

The skin only needs to be poorly moisturised for it to dry out and become lined. In other words, the appearance of wrinkles and loss of firmness.

Wrinkles and fine lines are the most easily visible signs resulting from the obstacle course the skin has to face. Helped along by the sagging of the tissues, these wrinkles and lines result in the formation of a type of canvas covered with cracks of varying depths.

As time goes by, they deepen, reaching the dermis, which is the skin's supporting mattress. When the dermis loses its elasticity, it becomes slack and deeper wrinkles begin to form. These wrinkles are more than 0.05 millimetres in depth, therefore they are the longest and widest.

Things you can do to minimize wrinkles

Although everyone tends to get wrinkles as they age, there are a number of things you can do to reduce the wrinkles you already have and hopefully minimize wrinkles in the future. The most important of these include:

1. Avoid the sun and/or use sunscreen
2. Don't smoke
3. Use a topical anti-wrinkle cream
4. Moisturize daily
5. Drink plenty of water
6. Exercise
7. Eat plenty of fruits & vegetables.

By following the above 7 items regularly, a person will be taking important steps to maintaining a youthful appearance and reducing the onset of wrinkles.

About The Author

Ken Black
Anti Wrinkle Product Reviews

Article source: ArticleFever.com

2007-03-22T23:32:00.000-07:00

Skincare and Cosmetics

Five essential steps to perfect skin and makeup: cleanse, exfoliate, freshen, moisturize, and protec

© Chrissy Dolezal
Aug 21, 2006

Skincare and cosmetics really go hand in hand. Makeup will make a difference in your appearance 15 minutes from now but skincare makes a difference in 15 years.
Many cosmetic problems we face can stem from a bad skincare regimen. If your makeup wears off easily or seeps into your pores it is not because of the brand of cosmetics you use; it is because you are missing one of the five essential steps of good skincare. Skincare and cosmetics work together

The Five Essential Steps to Perfect Skin.

Cleanse: Cleansing will remover makeup, dirt, impurities and pollutants. You should cleanse every morning and every night.

Exfoliate: Exfoliating will remove dead surface cells which dull the skin. Exfoliate 2-3 times a week. For an extreme exfoliation, try a microdermabrasion home kit. Microdermabrasion removes the dead top layer of your skin, revealing beautiful healthier skin.

Freshen: Freshener refines pores and tones skin. Use your freshener every day after you cleanse and after mask if it's a mask day. Freshener will also help remove any stray makeup and dirt the cleanser may have missed.

Moisturizer: Moisturizer will keep your skin hydrated, soft and younger looking. Use moisturizer every morning and night. Now for you oily people who are thinking, "I don't need a moisturizer!" You are wrong. Everyone needs a moisturizer! In fact the reason you are oily is because your skin is lacking moisture. It is trying to overcompensate for you not giving it moisture. Look for an oil-free, water based moisturizer that will help control oil. Moisturizer will also help your foundation glide on smoother, which brings me too...

Protect: Protect your skin daily from the sun and environment by using a foundation or powder. Yes foundation is a cosmetic and considered makeup but it places an important part in skincare. Foundation will help build a barrier from the environment we live in that is full or pollutants.

By taking care of your skin, your makeup will glide on smoother, look better and last longer.

2007-03-20T00:19:00.000-07:00

18 easy tips for smart beauty

by Edith T

A shiny and beautiful face will always be admired

Tip no .1: Do not forget about your nose

When you take off your make-up do not forget about your nose.You should clean the entire surface – on the sides and the base. If the skin on your nose is not cleansed properly and the sebum remains on the skin your skin won't be able to "breath" and do not forget this is one of the most sensible arrears on the face – a real "paradise" for black-heads. So gently apply a thin layer of exfoliating gel, weekly.

Tip no .2: Cleansing with oil?

It may seem odd but one of the most "ancient" techniques for cleansing is oil (especially if you are over 30). Apply a thin layer of almond or sun-flower oil on your face and neck (do not forget your eyelids) with a cotton disk and gently massage. After one minute wipe the oil with a damp cotton ball. To wrap it up use a hydrating cream.

Tip no .3: Do not exaggerate

The tendency to exaggerate with applying beauty products can lead to the fact that skin needs those products permanently in a sort of addiction. Of course this doesn't mean you should neglect yourself (on the contrary), just do not transform your face into an over saturated thing full of beauty products: gels, lotions, creams and so on...

Tip no .4: Hydrate your skin effectively

To hydrate your skin effectively without abusing beauty products, when you apply the cream, in the morning and before bed, the skin should be damp. And thus the water and nutrient content will be retained deep in the skin.

Tip no .5: Massage your cheeks

Massage your cheeks two – three times a week. This will relax that area of the face, which is very important, because the accumulated tension can cause head aches and even dental problems.

Tip no .6: Prevent black heads on your cheeks

To prevent black heads appearing on your cheeks, softly pinch your skin from that area and delicately "pull" the skin towards the ear lobe (but do not pull to hard). You must do this because there is a hidden lymphatic gland in that area with the role to filter toxins. Do this exercise two – three times a day until you will see the effects and than once a week.

Tip no .7: Prevent unwanted facial hair

You can prevent facial hair by massaging those areas with a 3 - 4 times a week with a cotton disk soaked in lemon juice.
A shiny smile with a pair of sensual lips

Tip no .8: Stimulate the blood flow around your lips

To stimulate the blood flow around your lips and to remove dead cells on the lips surface gently massage them with a tooth brush after you brush your teeth. You will instantaneously see the results: your lips will be "fuller", shinier and more sensual.

Tip no .9: Fortify your gums

To fortify your gums weekly massage them with salt. Your breath will be fresh and the risk of paradonthosys will drop.

Tip no. 10: Cracked lips?

"Cracked" lips are a direct result of dehydration. So you must not give in to the temptation to moisten your lips every time you feel they are dry (this will only give you a good filling) you must fight the dehydration. Regularly use lip balm and apply a honey based mask once a week.
Soft delicate hands

Tip no .11: Hydrate your hands

Use a hand cream every day especially after you come in contact with water. A useful tip: before bed apply a thin layer of glycerin based cream on your hands (these are non oily products that won't damage the bed covers and contributes to the profound regeneration of the skin).

Tip no. 12: Fight weaker arms

If you feel that your arms are getting weaker, apply a thin layer of olive or almond oil after you shower, besides the regular fitness training. Gently massage for 3 minutes.
Do not neglect your neck and bust

Tip no. 13: How to treat your neck

Do not forget to give your neck the same attention you give our face(in the morning and before bed). The skin on that part of the body is very sensitive and we do not wand a nice and smooth face and a neck full of fine wrinkles that will never disappear.

Tip no. 14: Avoid fine circular lines on your neck

Avoid fine circular lines on your neck by keeping your neck straight as much as you can and stretching it to the max a phew times a day thus keeping it supple and elastic.

Tip no. 15: Neck wrinkles

Neck wrinkles can be prevented by stimulating your skin with a gentle daily massage (in the morning and before bed) after applying a thin layer of almond oil.

Tip no. 16: Take care of the bust area

Take care of the bust area! Regularly apply a layer of hydrating lotion or almond oil all over your breasts. Thus the toxins that have accumulated at sin level will be removed and the skin will become stronger.
Last but not least

Tip no. 17: Exfoliating the skin

Exfoliating the skin on your but every time you shower using a mild action specific product combined with a drop of shower-gel. This method is effective in removing dead skin cells on the surface and regenerating the skin. After showering apply tons of body lotion.

Tip no. 18: Nice and peaceful sleep

If you want a nice and peaceful sleep be sure to avoid protein rich products after 18:00 (the digestive process takes longer and may cause insomnia and nightmares). It's better to eat your dinner sometime before 19:00, even if it's lighter.

2007-03-17T07:39:00.000-07:00

The right make-up for acne complexions

by Anna Kohl

Once you have acne, you have enough on your mind to worry about and you probably neglect make-up. Well, specialists have thought of that for all of you in the predicament and have come up with these general lines.

In the summer, skin with acne is more sensitive because pores are dilated and, thus, more likely to become irritated. Use lukewarm savory compresses on face every morning. Calming effect will be noticed within minutes. Do not apply fruit or acid veggies, such as tomato, masks, nor the reputed cucumber, which isn't indicated for acne. After having your face cleansed, purified and refreshed, apply antiseptic foundation which is, usually, green. But don't worry, it is meant to be green in order to dim the red color of acne complexions. Red and green will cover each other and skin matrix will appear normal. Foundations conceived for acne complexions are generally purchased from drug stores, cosmetic shops and pharmacies. Those were the Do's.

Here are some Don'ts.

First of all, never use creamy make-up, neither for cheeks, nor eyes, because fat products like those can cause you sebum excess and, therefore, skin problems.You should always for powder make-up. Secondly, never apply make-up unless face is cleansed and toned. This rule should apply to every type of skin, but it is so much more important for acne eruptions.And last, but definitely not least, never give up fighting acne. Every day means progress in reducing pimples, blackheads and cysts and it would be a shame to allow it get worse.

2007-03-16T07:20:00.000-07:00

The Baby Boomers' Menu of Cosmetic Surgery Options

By Lawrence M. Korpeck, MD

Stress, parenting, career, and lifestyle–they take their physical tolls on our faces and bodies. From the deepening frown line on our foreheads between our brows and the crow’s feet multiplying around our eyes, to the loss of tight, taut contour around our cheeks and necklines, the lives we lead show on our faces. Especially ex-smokers find that while they have changed their ways, the signs of their habit, including fine lines along their lips and eyes, continue to plague them.
The needs of the Baby Boomer generation have spurred a whole new dimension in cosmetic surgery. This menu of options covers the special requests of people in their 30s to 50s, who do not need extensive procedures but rather subtle refreshers to fight the physical signs of stress, parenting, careers, and lifestyles.

The Upper Face

There is a new option to address the frown lines that can make us look tired, angry, and old. It’s called the endoscopic brow lift. This approach, compared to the traditional open technique, is much less invasive. Instead of making the long incision from ear to ear necessary with the traditional technique, the incisions for the endoscopic technique are shorter. Surgeons make approximately three to four vertical incisions at the hairline and perform the entire procedure through a scope (a tube with a TV camera). Through this scope, the entire brow can be released, elevated, and the muscles causing the furrows can be separated from the other tissues. It can be done much more precisely with the scope because this surgical tool magnifies everything four to five times its normal size.

The advantages of the endoscopic brow lift include the following:

it is less invasive.
there is less risk of hair loss, and less risk of sensory nerve damage causing numbness around the scalp.
For patients who have a high hairline, a variation of the procedure, called a modified anterior hairline approach, can be performed along with the endoscopic procedure.

Potential Risks

The potential risks and complications of the endoscopic brow lift are nerve injury or brow drooping. Infections and hematomas are rare, but do occur. Early recurrence can occur if surgeons don’t fixate the brow properly. The best candidates are middle-aged and younger patients who have low hairlines and minimal to moderate brow ptosis (drooping). A man who has severe brow drooping might be a better candidate for the open approach.

Mid-Face

The mid-cheek lift is a facial rejuvenation procedure that corrects the changes that occur in the mid-face, around the cheeks and lower eyelids. The mid-cheek lift is designed to correct the natural loss of skin elasticity around the middle of the face that can occur with aging. (Skin that was once tightly fitted around the cheeks often begins to droop with aging, causing a more tired, hollow appearance.) The fat pad, which once rested on the cheekbone and added to our youthful glow, descends. The folds between the nose and mouth become more pronounced as the skin above them sags.
The best candidates for the mid-cheek lift are younger patients, between 30 and 40 years old, who don’t have a lot of laxity in their lower face and neck. These people typically have some sagging of their cheek fat pad. Potential risks of the cheek lift are distortion of the outside portion of the eye, nerve injury around the sides of the eyes, asymmetry between the left and right cheeks, and prolonged postoperative swelling.

Full face

Laser resurfacing is yet another option in the boomers’ arsenal. Laser skin resurfacing with ultra-pulsed CO2 and Erbium lasers offers the versatility of refining wrinkles around the entire face or focusing on small areas of lines, such as those around the eyes or lips. This is an ideal approach to use on smokers who get these types of lip lines that cause lipstick to run. The laser precisely erases the wrinkles, without leaving behind the bleached appearance of spot facial peels.
Laser skin resurfacing with either laser can be done in conjunction with face-lifts. The best candidates for the laser have sun-damaged skin, with a lot of skin pigmentation changes and fine wrinkles, which would not be improved by skin lifting procedures. Older patients with deeper wrinkles are better candidates for CO2, while younger patients with finer surface wrinkles and sun damage are good candidates for the Erbium laser. Risks associated with laser resurfacing are pigmentation changes, scarring, and infection.

Doing Your Homework

Experience counts when it comes to choosing a surgeon to perform these procedures. Lack of experience and/or inappropriate in-office operating facilities can put patients in danger. There are organizations that provide accreditation to qualifying physicians’ in-office facilities. Accrediting organizations include the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO), the Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Plastic Surgery Facilities (AAAAPSF), and the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC).
Patients should also look at the doctor’s experience in performing the specific procedures they request. Ask to see before-and-after photos by that surgeon or to talk with patients. Other aspects of a surgeon’s background that are important are his or her professional memberships.

Overall care

Plastic surgery is more than surgery. In addition to nonsurgical rejuvenation procedures, the surgeon you choose should offer pre-and postoperative skin care by a certified medical aesthetician. The in-office aesthetician works with the surgeon to achieve the ultimate results for patients. Patients can prolong the effects of procedures, such as neck lifts, facelifts, and peels, by taking care of their skin for the long term. Your surgeon, too, should a commitment to helping you achieve that goal by offering the newest in skin care regimens, facials and light peels, which are at higher concentrations than those offered at salons because they are offered under the guidance and watchful eye of a plastic surgeon.

Dr. Lawrence Korpeck is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. He is a distinguished fellow of the American College of Surgeons and is an active member of both the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Dr. Korpeck is also a member of the North American Lipoplasty Society

2007-03-15T07:00:00.000-07:00

Advances in Cosmetic Dermatology Address Skin Rejuvenation, Stretch Marks, and Excessive Perspiration

By Jim Baral, MD

Cosmetic dermatology is an ever-evolving science, and safe new treatments are developed regularly. This article will update you on some of the most revolutionary treatments for skin rejuvenation, stretch marks, and hyperhidrosis (excessive perspiration).

THE NEXT FRONTIER IN SKIN REJUVENATION

TNS Recovery Complex is the next frontier in skin rejuvenation: It contains NouriCel™, developed by Advanced Tissue Sciences, a tissue engineering company that develops and manufactures human-based tissue products for tissue repair and transplantation.
NouriCel contains human growth factors derived from the nutrient solutions used to nourish human tissues. Early studies show that the growth factors regenerate collagen five times faster than Retin-A, without irritation or redness.
In one NouriCel study, presented by Advanced Tissue Sciences at the Society of Investigative Dermatology meeting in Washington, DC on May 12, 2001, nine out of 14 patients with moderately wrinkled skin showed visible improvement in at least one of four areas, with an average decrease in wrinkle depth of approximately 27% after 60 days of treatment.
TNS Recovery Complex is highly effective when applied in conjunction with CoolTouch Laser treatments or when used at home.

SAY GOODBYE TO STRETCH MARKS

Stretch marks are a common side effect of excessive weight gain, genetics, adolescent growth spurts, and pregnancy (occurring in 85-90% of all pregnancies according to eBody.com). But did you know they don’t have to be permanent?
There are now two innovative treatments that significantly reduce the appearance of stretch marks – easily and effectively.
DermaPhoresis is a new treatment that reduces the appearance of stretch marks by 60%. Using a combination of microdermabrasion, ultrasound technology and a high potency AHA/antioxidant cream, DermaPhoresis removes the thickened outer layer of the skin while allowing the proprietary cream to travel further into the lower layers of the skin. Sessions take about 30-45 minutes, and patients report immediate and continuous tightening and softer, smoother skin.
I frequently combine DermaPhoresis with the CoolTouch Laser, which uses a protective cryogen spray that cools the skin and allows the laser light to penetrate deeper into the dermis (the inner layer of the skin). The CoolTouch Laser cools and protects skin layers and nerve endings, while the laser light stimulates the fibroblasts deep in the dermis where new collagen generates. After three treatments, patients note smoother skin. Sessions last between 20-30 minutes and patients can resume normal activities immediately. Stretch marks are further reduced when the Cool Touch Laser is used with DermaPhoresis in alternating treatments.

NEW USE FOR BOTOX

Plagued by excess perspiration? While excess perspiration doesn’t pose any health threats, it can wreak havoc on one’s social life. Who wants to shake hands with wet and clammy palms? Who isn’t repulsed when noticing sweat rings under another’s armpits? Relief may only be an injection away…
Botox is an excellent treatment for hyperhidrosis, the medical term for excess perspiration.
Perspiration is a natural body function necessary to keep our body-temperature at 98.6 degrees. Some people’s sweat glands work at higher activity levels, far higher than needed to maintain a normal 98.6 temperature, thus producing an excess of perspiration otherwise known as hyperhidrosis. Stressful situations can also induce excess sweating.
Botox may help individuals suffering from hyperhidrosis, and I recommend treatment prior to any stressful, sweat-inducing circumstances such as interviewing for a new job, getting married, or starting college, to name a few. Recently, I provided this treatment for many of the models who worked during the New York runway fashion shows.
Commonly used to treat wrinkles, Botox – a therapeutic muscle-relaxing agent derived from Botulinum toxin – has been documented to effectively treat excess perspiration. It works by blocking nerve stimulation of the sweat glands in the areas to be treated. The patient’s underarms and palms can be safely treated without affecting the body’s ability to regulate its internal temperature.
Treatment consists of applying a topical or local anesthetic to the area to be treated, followed by giving an injection of Botox. Underarm treatments take approximately half an hour; hand treatments one hour. Effects last six to 12 months for underarm treatments and three to 12 months for hand treatments.

Dr. Baral is affiliated with Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City. He is a diplomate of the American Board of Dermatology and Pediatrics and is a member of several medical societies, including the American Society of Laser Medicine and Surgery.

2007-03-14T07:09:00.000-07:00

Cosmetic Surgery Offers a Second Chance

By David M. Metzner, MD

We only get one chance at a first impression, and the person who projects the best self-image makes the best impression. In today’s competitive society, people recognize the importance of self-improvement, whether it is for social or professional reasons. Exercise, skin care and nutrition are important but can only do so much. Real structural change requires more. In a sense, cosmetic surgery offers a second chance - the opportunity to defy both the calendar and genetics. Here I have compiled some of the most successful techniques used to achieve this goal.

Rejuvenation Techniques

Facelift (rhytidectomy)Over the past few years, the term facelift has become a topic of increased interest and discussion. The cumulative effects of time, gravity and heredity show on any face. The facelift operation itself, also known as rhytidectomy, is performed to correct double chins and sagging jowls. The modern-day, long-lasting facelift operation, involves the permanent removal of undesirable accumulations of fat. As well, sagging muscles and connective tissue are repositioned and re-supported.
Because excess fat is now removed in the operation, doctors no longer advise patients to lose weight before surgery. In fact, for people who previously had chubby cheeks or a fat neck, one of the benefits of facelift surgery is an apparent loss of weight following surgery. The overall effect is a younger, fresher and more vibrant (yet natural) appearance.
Often lumped under the term facelift are a group of operations designed to rejuvenate faces that show signs of aging. These include blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), brow and forehead lift, and skin resurfacing, among others.
BlepharoplastyAmericans stress eye contact and believe that they can judge a person’s character by what they see in their eyes. While people talk most about facelifts, the most popular age reversing operation among my patients these days involves the eyelids. Heavy, ‘hooded’ (drooping) upper eyelids and baggy lower eyelids make people look tired, old, and certainly past their prime. The surgical correction known as blepharoplasty can remove the fatty pouches that cause these unfortunate problems. When present, skin that has become stretched over the years can also be removed. Upper eyelid drooping, which sometimes partially obscures vision, is corrected by removal of excess skin, muscle and fat. Incisions follow natural contour lines in the upper eyelids, and in the lower lid can be made on the inside, so there is no scar at all. In some cases, circles under the eyes can be filled in and the lids tightened.
Brow and forehead liftA pleasing eyebrow shape and arch is associated with youth and beauty. On the other hand, an unfavorable eyebrow shape and angle can make a person look tired, worried or angry. The brow and forehead lift, in addition to lifting the eyebrows back to where they belong, smoothes out a deeply furrowed and pinched forehead. I prefer the high-tech endoscopic method, which is a big improvement because it requires very small incisions within the hair; a tiny video-connected scope is then passed through this incision. Using this advanced procedure, doctors are able to avoid making long incisions across the top of the head. Also, this technique removes no scalp or hair.
Skin ResurfacingSkin resurfacing uses either a laser or special chemicals to smooth the skin, reduce wrinkling, and even out the complexion. I personally use the new Erbium: YAG laser, which has proven to be a kinder and gentler alternative, with much faster recovery than the CO2 laser.
Some people prefer to correct one thing at a time — what one of my patients once called “weeding the garden.” Others want a more dramatic improvement; they have as much done as necessary and feasible at once so as to achieve maximum benefits. It is an individual choice, and one of the reasons a thorough consultation with a well-qualified, experienced, sympathetic plastic surgeon is so important. I have found that video imaging assists in creating plans for facial surgery that meet each individual’s specific needs and desires.
Breakthroughs in anesthesia methods and monitoring devices have made it possible for all of these operations to be performed on an outpatient basis. This is a positive step because patients feel more comfortable and heal faster in this environment. In addition, outpatient procedures reduce expenses overall.

Techniques for the Body

Body Contouring Surgery In the months leading up to the summer, I see an influx of women seeking to re-contour their figures. They are usually trying to plan ahead, getting their ‘problem areas’ taken care of well in advance of spring and summer’s more revealing clothing styles.
According to statistics kept by the prestigious American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons, Liposculpture, more commonly known as liposuction, has become the most frequently performed cosmetic surgery procedure. I choose to perform the tumescent form of liposculpture, which can be done on an outpatient basis.
In liposculpture, a combination of saline (saltwater) and local anesthetic is first flooded into the areas to be contoured. Working through tiny incisions just large enough to fit the thin liposculpture vacuum tube, fat cells and some fluid are then gently swept away by suctioning back and forth under the skin. Liposculpture is truly a matter of sculpting the human form; it effectively removes unwanted fat from areas that are often resistant to diet and exercise. These can include the neck, upper arms, chest, sides, abdomen, thighs, hips, knees and ankles.
Other procedures for figure improvement include abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), breast lift breast reduction, and–last but not least–cosmetic breast surgery. Saline implants, which have now replaced silicone gel implants, are used both to enlarge and to enhance shape. Following surgery, many of my patients are particularly happy that the tops of their bathing suits fit as well as the bottoms.
Any of the procedures described in this article can potentially help to improve physical appearance and enhance self-image. But no matter what procedure you choose, be sure to do your homework and choose a qualified, experienced plastic surgeon.