Skin Care Products Rated for California Scientific Meeting

A Chicago-based dermatologist estimated the merits of various over-the-counter skin care products during the American Academy of Dermatology summer scientific meeting held at Anaheim, California. Dr. Marianne O’Donoghue of St. Luke’s Medical Center Chicago made an evaluation on skin care products as well as their respective manufacturing companies, including Cetaphil’s Neutrogena Gladerma, Clinique and Origins’ Estee Lauder, and Dove’s Lever among several others.

According to Dr. O’Donoghue, the gentlest products among those tested are ideal for people with oily skin, dry to very skin, and combination of both oily and dry skin. Consumers with naturally oily skin need to steer clear of products containing ingredients such as petrolatum and isopropyl myristate, as these can easily cause acne rosacea. The dermatologist also advised people with sensitive skin to use gentle, non-irritating cleansers.

As far as anti-aging skin care products go, sunscreen is an essential product to have. Products containing alpha hydroxy acids have also been found to be effective for skin stimulation and wrinkle control. Retinoid face creams and eye creams, which contain tretinoin, are the most effective in treating skin from conditions brought about by the sun’s UVA and UVB damage.

You should also avoid the wrong skincare products generally, especially when buying moisturizers. Propylene glycol repels skin moisture, rendering the products almost ineffective. Sodium laureth sulfate strips off moisture from the skin, even after rinsing.

Which skin care products are best?

This recent evaluation has clearly showed consumers one thing: not everything contained in skin care products are worthy for the skin. Many of the evaluated products, including Nivea, Lancome, Clinique, Origins, and Estee Lauder, were found to contain ingredients which are not exactly compatible with oily skin or highly sensitive skin. According to Dr. O’Donoghue, consumers are better off understanding their skin types first of all, before buying products over the shelf.

It’s also important to note that the recent studies revealed how basic and natural skin care steps are best in keeping premature aging at bay, such as applying sunscreen and choosing products containing alpha-hydroxy acids. Alpha hydroxy acids, which aid in wrinkle reduction and effective exfoliation, are actually found in many fruits, such as apples, grapes, and citrus. AHAs also come in the form of citric acid and lactic acid. If you don’t have access to the more expensive retinoid creams, it’s always best to go for vitamin-enriched skin care products that make use of fruit and plant extracts containing AHAs or alpha hydroxy acids.

According to statistics, people are spending as much 344 million dollars on anti-aging products alone. If you’re spending so much on your skin care regimen isn’t it time you finally understand what these products are actually doing for your skin?

LINK:

http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/story?id=126810&page=1

Revitalize your Skin with Aloe Vera

One of the most versatile plant-based ingredients recommended for natural skin care is aloe vera, a plant naturally accustomed to growing in warmer climates and well-known for its cool, clear, sticky pulp. While aloe vera has been used in traditional medicine for a variety of uses – from treating insect bites to heartburn and other digestive problems – it has also been tested to be excellent for the skin, especially in skin cell renewal and anti-aging.

The natural goodness of aloe vera
For the longest time, people have trusted the various medicinal benefits of aloe vera. Not only is this plant used in the treatment of minor burns and insect bites, it has also been used extensively as traditional medicine dating back to the 16th century! The natural cooling and healing benefits of aloe vera, compounded by its anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial properties, have earned this plant the illustrious title as a multi-healer. Aloe vera contains compounds such as polysaccharides, lectins, and anthraquinones, which contribute to its healing and anti-inflammatory abilities.

Benefits of aloe vera
Aloe vera has many benefits, especially for the skin, but some if it’s most common benefits include the following:
• Treatment for first degree and second degree burns, insect bites, and skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis
• Healthy cell growth stimulation
• Ideal as a natural skin moisturizer
• Elimination of minor skin pigmentations
• Removal of dead skin cells for brighter skin
• Promotes skin hydration without the oiliness

Scientific studies
For some time there has not been enough research to bolster the claims on aloe vera for skin health, but recent studies have proven that the polysaccharides contained in aloe vera gel contain moisture-binding elements that increase the production of fibroblast cells or cells found in the skin dermis. Aloe vera gel has the ability to bolster this production 6 times to 8 times faster than the usual pace of cell production. As fibroblast cell and collagen production are improved, the ability of the skin to lessen wrinkles and fine lines brought about by aging and sun exposure is improved tremendously as well.
The next time you’re looking for an all-natural remedy for burns and bites and premature skin aging, don’t hesitate to try out aloe vera. This power-packed plant has been used in many moisturizers, skin masks, and other skin care products. With its unique ability to penetrate the skin 4 X faster than water, you are essentially feeding your skin the vitamin-enriched hydration it needs, the cool and natural way!

Beauty Tip 101 – Applying Facial Foundation

There is one surefire way for you to appear picture-perfect at social events or late-night parties, and that’s getting your foundation right. Actresses or models looking luminous on the red carpet or on runways are not always the result of an excellent gene pool. Lucky for us, these celebrities usually have make-up artists who know how to use and apply the right shade of foundation on them. One of the most basic steps in getting your make up right is starting off with the right foundation. No amount of mascara or luscious red lips will hide a disastrously applied foundation, so make sure you have everything going well at the very beginning.
Here are five steps to a picture perfect foundation finish:

1. Get the right shade
Choose a product that matches your skin type and a shade that is closest to your natural skin color. Pat McGrath of Covergirl suggests checking the foundation on your jaw line in natural sunlight. If the color disappears right into your skin, then you’re good to go.

2. Apply moisturizer
Before applying any make-up, skin should be clean and well-moisturized. Allow the moisturizer to be absorbed, anywhere from 5 minutes to 20 minutes, and wipe off any excess to ensure that the foundation adheres completely to your skin.

3. The correct application
A sponge may be used in applying foundation, although your fingertips are also excellent when dotting liquid foundation onto your face. Wetting the sponge helps to control the soaking of foundation, says Chicago-based makeup artist Lisa Trunda. For powder foundation, using a brush is best.

4. Setting with powder
Translucent powder sets the foundation and makes it last longer. Don’t forget to set your foundation by applying powder immediately after finishing.

5. The power of concealer
You may add concealer to problem areas before applying foundation or after applying foundation and before finishing off with the translucent powder. A concealer will come in handy if some flaws aren’t covered up by the foundation. This is why most makeup pros recommend applying concealer right after applying your foundation.

The foundation serves as the “groundwork” of your makeup. So don’t forget to get one in the right shade. And don’t forget to choose an SPF-loaded foundation when you’re outdoors. Good make-up always starts with great skin, and with a healthy glowing skin, you can be sure half the job is already done.

Open Up your Eyes – Make-up Remedies for Droopy Eyelids

A carefully executed eye makeup has the power to open up your eyes, but what happens if you have droopy eyelids? Droopy eye lids give off an impression of tiredness and poor skin elasticity. When you have eyelids that sag, it’s crucial for you to use the right make up for them, while giving your eyelashes and eyebrows some equal attention as well.

Applying the right eye shadow
To remedy droopy eyelids, you will need both a light-tone eye shadow and a dark-tone eye shadow. The light tone eye shadow normally serves as a base, while the darker tone allows you to give your eyelids a visual lift. Before applying any of these eye-shadows however, make sure that you apply a liquid concealer first to both eyelids. A concealer serves as foundation for the makeup, making it last much longer.

Once you’re done applying the concealer, you can proceed with the application of the light-tone eye shadow. You may use a brush or your finger for this. The best way is to apply the eye shadow from the corner of the eye lid and gradually to the center.

Before applying the darker eye shadow, determine first which part of the eyelid needs the most lift. Normally, the droopy portion is found near the center, so this is where you need to focus more. Apply the darker eye shadow in an outward direction, brushing up toward where the creasing is most obvious. This application helps to awaken your eyes and camouflage the droopiness.

Other tips
To further open up your eyes, don’t forget to groom your brows and to use mascara for your lashes. A natural arch is best, as this complements your face shape most effectively. As for the mascara, a double coat for both the upper and lower lashes is needed, to give more volume to your lashes and draw more attention to them.
You will also need eyeliner to add contour to the lash line under your eyes and the inner edge of your pupils. Black eye liners produce a more unnatural effect while deep-brown eyeliners provide more subtle results. Dark under eye circles may emphasize droopy eyelids even more, so make sure that you apply concealer under the eyes, too.
The right eye makeup can easily bring more life to your eyes and take years off your face. Say goodbye to droopy eyelids, and say hello to beautiful, more animated eyes with these easy, do-it-yourself make up tips.

The Wonders of Organic Almond Oil

Almonds, highly recognized for their delicate flavor and dietary fiber content, are considered to be one of the world’s healthiest foods.
So it doesn’t come as a surprise why organic almond oil – produced by pressing almonds but without refining or processing the oil – is also considered to be among the best skin care oils available. Loaded with monounsaturated fats and antioxidants like Vitamin E, almonds produce natural oils which have a softening, moisture-balancing effect on the skin, especially when applied topically.

Moisturizing effects
One of the best things about almond oil is that it is an excellent emollient. Emollients have the ability to soften or relax the skin; and almond oil is one of the most effective natural, topical emollients available. The moisturizing effect of emollients works by reducing water loss on the epidermis, or the skin’s outermost layer, and protects it by effectively sealing in moisture. By keeping skin moisture levels in check, the skin cells on the epidermis are able to repair themselves, resulting in healthier skin.

Excellent components
Almond oil has excellent components, including oleic acid and linoleic fatty acid. An almond is made up of as much as 49% oils and as much as 62% of oleic acid. Oleic acid is actually an omega 9 fatty acid, while Linoleic acid is a polyunsaturated omega 6 fatty acid. The essential omega 3, omega 6, and omega 9 fatty acids all produce prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are necessary in keeping skin well-moisturized and healthy.

Dry skin treatment
Due to the impressive moisturizing capabilities of almond oil, it has been used as a natural treatment for dry skin as well as for inflammatory skin disorders such as psoriasis and eczema. Almond oil relieves skin irritation, inflammation, and itching, and also helps maintain healthier skin around the sensitive eye area. Applying almond oil has also been known to help reduce crow’s feet and dark under-eye circles.
Mildly aromatic and priced just right, there is every reason for your skin to love almond oil. Whether applied topically as oil or consumed in its raw form as a snack, almonds are loaded with Vitamin E goodness – a whopping 7.3 mg per ounce. So whether you love eating almonds as a post-workout snack or like using skin products containing almond oil, there is not much difference, really. You are already doing your skin, and your health, a very huge favor!

Estrogen-laden Moisturizers Pose Added Risks to Women with Breast Cancer

Although applying topical moisturizers is considered vital in keeping your skin well-hydrated, not all brands available in the market are actually risk-free. According to the American Society of Clinical Oncology, some moisturizing creams were found to contain estrogenically active ingredients, which are especially perilous to women diagnosed with breast cancer. The study, which involved the testing of 16 different products, was published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology in 2009.

The breast cancer and estrogen connection
Estrogen is an essential hormone produced naturally by the body and is especially important in controlling the menstrual cycle, sexual and breast development, and in maintaining healthy heart function. However, exposure to estrogen also increases a woman’s risk for breast cancer. For women already diagnosed with breast cancer, unnecessary exposure to estrogen can significantly affect their chances for recovery or survival.

The importance of safer skin care choices
Since estrogen is considered as one of the most significant risks for breast cancer, patients need to understand how the use of skin care products containing estrogenically active substances, such as estadiol, estrone, and estradiol, may affect their current health condition. All the products sent for testing by the American Society of Clinical Oncology did not list the substances in their ingredients list; although the tests showed significant percentages of estrogen in the products.

It’s shocking to note that women already suffering from breast cancer are unwittingly exposing themselves to more estrogen by using these moisturizers. Many of these face cream brands are marketing their products as so-called “youth enhancers”, without making sure that their ingredients list are accurate. Women deserve to know what’s in the face creams they’re using, especially those who are already suffering from certain health conditions like cancer. With the studies done on these products however, it’s clear that some skin care brands fail to understand what ethical marketing is all about.

While it’s fine for skin care companies to promote the youth-enhancing capabilities of their products, a little transparency can go a long way. Women, especially those with delicate health conditions, need to know what’s in the topical creams and moisturizers they’re using, so they can make effective skin care choices without putting their health at risk.

The 4 Basic Skin Care Needs

Caring for your skin does not have to be expensive. There are lots of simple procedures you can avail of to have a radiant skin. Go for a great looking skin by using some tried and tested methods to prevent unwanted wrinkles. Everybody wants to have a glowing skin that is attractive rather than dry and creasy. The following are the four basic skin care needs for you to have a young looking and beautiful skin that you always longed for:

Cleanse your Face
Using a cleanser for your face is one of the simplest methods. Remove dirt by washing your face with warm water. Use natural cleanser that does not contain harmful chemicals such as fragrance or oil. Hemloq’s Fresh Citrus Wash is the perfect answer for you if you are looking for preservative free products. Avoid using a bar of soap in your face for it contains harmful elements.

Use Exfoliants
Exfoliants can strip away worn-out old skin. It can be a revitalizing experience for your face. Exfoliants make your skin smooth, start the creation of new collagen and help improve the manifestation of face lines or wrinkles and mild pimples.

Moisturize your Skin
It is advisable to use a moisturizer after you use a cleanser and an exfoliant. There is lots of moisturizer that you can choose from and you should get the best moisturizer that appropriate for your skin. The best time to use a moisturizer is when your skin is still damp because it locks in the moisture. Apply the moisturizer in both the face and neck to make it balance. Use a night moisturizing cream at night to help your skin relax and helps prevent wrinkles.

Apply Sunscreen
Too much heat from the sun can damage your skin. The major cause of wrinkles is sun damage. Applying sunscreen is the best protection you can do to your skin before going out in the sun. You should remember to wear sunscreen even during a cloudy day outside. Wearing sunscreen will help prevent sunburn, precipitate aging and skin cancer.