Negative Effects of Paraben and How to Avoid Them With Organic Cosmetics

Negative Effects of Paraben and How to Avoid Them With Organic Cosmetics
Do you know the risks you take when you buy a cheap shampoo or moisturiser? Those ugly names on the ingredients lists of you cosmetics can be much more than just chemicals, they can be the cause of 99% of breast cancer cases. Learn the harms of paraben and the importance of using organic cosmetics.

Girl still interrupted…

Girl still interrupted…

Last week I had to visit my doctor and get a prescription to go back on anti-depressants. I’ve been off them for 8 months and while the first 3 – [...]

The post Girl still interrupted… appeared first on Skin Scrubs Beauty Blog.

Last week I had to visit my doctor and get a prescription to go back on anti-depressants. I’ve been off them for 8 months and while the first 3 – 4 months were fine, I have slowly been sinking back into the mire that is clinical depression. After having my CBT therapy last year I wanted to see if I could go it alone like Batman without his cape. Those feelings of hopelessness don’t come back straight away but they creep up on you like a toxic ooze. Any motivation you had to do stuff you enjoy fades away. Then motivation to do simple things like getting out of bed and taking a shower seem like climbing a mountain. People talk to you but you can’t take anything in, any conversations are treated with a blank stare and disinterest. Concentrating for more than 5 minutes on anything is a big ask and you feel trapped by your inability to be a capable human being. And I could quite easily sleep for weeks, as I have no energy whatsoever.

If you ask me what is causing my depression I have no answer. My life is great, I have a wonderful husband and kitty kat, fantastic friends and family and I have some exciting things happening in 2014. I work freelance at home which is what I always wanted, and I’ve made tons of new friends from blogging. I know now after 16+ years my depression will always be with me which is why I need my medication to feel normal.

I’m also worried about the effect it has on James when I’m not on my medication. He never knows who he’s going to come home to, and that can’t be easy. He’s been very patient and supportive but there are times when I know he feels exhausted with it all and I don’t blame him, although he’s never complained. This is why this will be the last time I go off my pills. The interruption to our lives is not worth it and I’m lucky that my side effects on fluoxetine are few and don’t las that long.

I would say to anyone who is on medication and thinking about coming off of it, always speak to your GP first. It’s easy to think that when you feel better everything is fine. I’ve done this too many times to count now and I feel like I’ve lost several years of my life because of it.

The post Girl still interrupted… appeared first on Skin Scrubs Beauty Blog.

New, Affordable, Effective: Camomile Waterproof Make-up Remover

A new and very definite addition to my collection of eye makeup removers: the Camomile Waterproof Eye & Lip Makeup Remover from The Body Shop. Really efficient – it actually does dissolve waterproof makeup, though you have to press the cotton wool over your eyes for a while. This is a [...]

A new and very definite addition to my collection of eye makeup removers: the Camomile Waterproof Eye & Lip Makeup Remover from The Body Shop. Really efficient – it actually does dissolve waterproof makeup, though you have to press the cotton wool over your eyes for a while. This is a good old bi-phase or dual-phase remover that has an oily layer with a watery layer – mix the two together and hey-presto, makeup removing magic. This will sit alongside Lancome’s Bi-Facil (a cult product in my books) and Clinique’s Take The Day Off.

If you don’t need the power of a bi-phase cleanser and want something a little more gentle, then you’ll often find that a brand will have a more soothing, watery version. They don’t ever do quite the same job, but they are a little kinder on the eyes. (Not that I have ever had a problem with dual-phase shakey-shakey removers. I just know that others have.) For gentler solutions, check out Klorane’s Eye Makeup Remover Lotion and also Talika’s Gentle Eye Cleanser. (Clarins, Bobbi Brown, Clinique and Lancome also do “lite” versions of their dual-phase makeup removers, and that’s just a list of brands off the top of my head. There are loads more – I’ll weed out some good ones and do a post.)

You can find the Camomile remover at The Body Shop here. It has only just launched and costs £8.

The Body Shop

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Why does Arrojo ReFinish Dry Shampoo feel so different?

Georgia’s questions…After reading about Arrojo Dry Shampoo on Refinery29 I gave it a try and was pleasantly surprised to find that it feels COMPLETELY different than the Tresemme product that I had been using. I thought all these dry sprays were just oil absorbing powders – why’s this one so different? The Beauty Brains reply: […]

Georgia’s questions…After reading about Arrojo Dry Shampoo on Refinery29 I gave it a try and was pleasantly surprised to find that it feels COMPLETELY different than the Tresemme product that I had been using. I thought all these dry sprays were just oil absorbing powders – why’s this one so different?

The Beauty Brains reply:

The product Georgia is referring to is Arrojo ReFinish Dry shampoo.

Inside versus outside

It’s not surprising that you think this product feels different than Tresemme’s Fresh Start Dry Shampoo. That product (as well as most others on the market) are based on starches or talc. (Tresemme uses aluminum starch octenylsuccinate.) While these powders are designed to leave no residue, you may find you have to brush them out after they absorb the oil from your hair.

ReFinish, on the other hand, is based on a combination of VP/VA Copolymer and  Zeolite. VP/VA copolymer is a fairly standard hair spray resin so this product is designed to provide some degree of hold.  Zeolite performs similarly to the starch in that absorbs oil but while starch absorbs on the surface of the particle, zeolite is riddled with tiny channels which allow the oil to wick inside each particle. Presumably this could difference could provide better oil removal.

Arrojo ReFinish Dry shampoo ingredients

Hydrofluorocarbon 152A, Dimethyl Ether, Alcohol Denat., Vp/Va Copolymer, Zeolite, Glycerin, Acetyl Triethyl Citrate, Peg/Ppg-17/18 Dimethicone, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Extract, Amp Isostearoyl Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Benzophenone-4, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Fruit Extract, Passiflora Incarnata (Passion Flower) Extract, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice, Hedychium Coronarium (Ginger) Root Extract, Actinidia Chinensis (Kiwi) Fruit Extract, Fragrance (Parfum).

Image credit: http://farm8.staticflickr.com

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Latest “Budget” Makeup and Skincare Finds…

Latest “Budget” Makeup and Skincare Finds…

“Budget” in inverted commas, obviously, because my budget picks never turn out to be quite as affordable as I hope they will be! I think that I just have expensive tastes, unfortunately. But these are still a darn sight more affordable than some of my usual bits and bobs – [...]

“Budget” in inverted commas, obviously, because my budget picks never turn out to be quite as affordable as I hope they will be! I think that I just have expensive tastes, unfortunately. But these are still a darn sight more affordable than some of my usual bits and bobs – mascara from Bourjois (one of my new favourites), serums from No7 and a nice, ultra-bright lipstick from Avon. I don’t think that’s out yet, but I’ll give you a nudge when it is.

I’ve done something a bit jazzy with this video – mainly because I was so incredibly bored with editing. Let me know what you think, but please be kind. I’m in a fragile mood after the last lot of Youtube trolls did their evil work on me – you try not to let it bother you but sometimes they are just a total pain in le arse. Please click here to watch the video if you’re reading on the Daily Fix email. If you want to see lots of other videos with favourite beauty discoveries, then you’ll find a directory of them here.

Products Shown in the Vid: 

Skincare Routine Video: http://youtu.be/0dBOn2qZ8Xs

Fragrance Video: http://youtu.be/dFQNZCIpvlo

Vlog: http://youtu.be/a-dv7_aKU8g

Dior Riviera Nail Polish (sorry, not exactly budget!):http://tidd.ly/6f8c74aa

Eyeshadows all from the Avon Nudes Palette: coming soon.

Rimmel Scandaleyes Kohl in Black: http://tidd.ly/318cff75

Bourjois FanTastic Mascara: http://tidd.ly/5d9d610b

Avon Blush in Peach: http://goo.gl/DxDyQ1

Body Shop Lipstick in Shade 315: http://goo.gl/ZYuyJL

Avon True Colour lipstick in Lava red: out soon!!

JASON Cleansing Pads: http://tidd.ly/f126bf66

No7 Lift and Luminate Serums: http://tidd.ly/7281bdd7

KIKO Skin Trainer Serum: http://goo.gl/MoZzK

Garnier Clear Protect SPF30. OK, look – this isn’t literally the cheapest ever suncare, but it is ALWAYS on offer!!!!http://tidd.ly/da5bb980

Why does Arrojo ReFinish Dry Shampoo feel so different?

Georgia’s questions…After reading about Arrojo Dry Shampoo on Refinery29 I gave it a try and was pleasantly surprised to find that it feels COMPLETELY different than the Tresemme product that I had been using. I thought all these dry sprays were just oil absorbing powders – why’s this one so different? The Beauty Brains reply: […]

Georgia’s questions…After reading about Arrojo Dry Shampoo on Refinery29 I gave it a try and was pleasantly surprised to find that it feels COMPLETELY different than the Tresemme product that I had been using. I thought all these dry sprays were just oil absorbing powders – why’s this one so different?

The Beauty Brains reply:

The product Georgia is referring to is Arrojo ReFinish Dry shampoo.

Inside versus outside

It’s not surprising that you think this product feels different than Tresemme’s Fresh Start Dry Shampoo. That product (as well as most others on the market) are based on starches or talc. (Tresemme uses aluminum starch octenylsuccinate.) While these powders are designed to leave no residue, you may find you have to brush them out after they absorb the oil from your hair.

ReFinish, on the other hand, is based on a combination of VP/VA Copolymer and  Zeolite. VP/VA copolymer is a fairly standard hair spray resin so this product is designed to provide some degree of hold.  Zeolite performs similarly to the starch in that absorbs oil but while starch absorbs on the surface of the particle, zeolite is riddled with tiny channels which allow the oil to wick inside each particle. Presumably this could difference could provide better oil removal.

Arrojo ReFinish Dry shampoo ingredients

Hydrofluorocarbon 152A, Dimethyl Ether, Alcohol Denat., Vp/Va Copolymer, Zeolite, Glycerin, Acetyl Triethyl Citrate, Peg/Ppg-17/18 Dimethicone, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Extract, Amp Isostearoyl Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Benzophenone-4, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Fruit Extract, Passiflora Incarnata (Passion Flower) Extract, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice, Hedychium Coronarium (Ginger) Root Extract, Actinidia Chinensis (Kiwi) Fruit Extract, Fragrance (Parfum).

Image credit: http://farm8.staticflickr.com

For full post, click here.

Want to Know What Guys Think About Lipstick? Here it is!

BEAUTY BLABBER | MAKEUP By Huda Heidi Kattan When it comes to lipstick, there are SOOO many choices–red, pink, glosssy, matte–but what really is the most attractive lipstick out there? Huffington Post did a really interesting pictorial of quotes fromقراءة المزيد For full post, click here.

5 Overlooked, Yet Important Factors That Will Help You To Cure Acne

5 Overlooked, Yet Important Factors That Will Help You To Cure Acne
When you have acne, you might think that it is a problem that you only experience externally. In other words, you might think that it is just a cosmetic problem (not a problem associated with something inside your body). In fact, most people are thinking that acne is just a cosmetic problem (that's why they fail to cure their acne), thus they only focus on the external treatment to cure their acne. People keep buying acne products, creams, cleansers, maskers, makeups, and so on in the hope that they will make their acne disappear quick. But, without the internal treatment, using those products alone won't help them to fix the problem.

How To Cure Acne Naturally Without Buying Anything Whatsoever

How To Cure Acne Naturally Without Buying Anything Whatsoever
Is it possible to cure your acne without buying anything whatsoever? Yes, it's possible. And I won't even suggest you to buy certain fruits and change your diet (though it is important for you to know that changing your diet is important). But, in this article, I'm going to share some acne clearing tips that are completely free. Here are some tips that you should apply to cure your acne naturally (please take away your wallet!).

Can Glycerin Heal Acne?

Glycerin is a versatile ingredient used in the food as well as cosmetic industry. Most of us have come across soaps, beauty products and acne products containing glycerin. What makes glycerin a versatile product? What are its skin healthy properties? Can it heal acne and other skin diseases? Let's find out! For full post, click here.

One of My Favorite Palette’s of the Moment!

PRODUCT REVIEW | MAKEUP By Huda Heidi Kattan So I know I am constantly showing you guys new palettes from different brands, but this one is seriously one that every girl should own! The browns are gorgeous, the colors areقراءة المزيد For complete story, click here.

The Essential Steps Of Facial Skin Care

The Essential Steps Of Facial Skin Care
Facial skin care is a matter of disciple. It takes time to have a beautiful face. Read this article to learn the steps necessary in any facial skin care regimen.

SKIN FIX: The Magic of Facial Oils

No longer part of a secret society for a select few, facial oils have gone mainstream and at pricepoints everyone can enjoy. The sudden popularity of this product category has everything to do with its many benefits to a variety of skin types.

Get the whole story here.

Why is new Dove Intensive Moisture their most effective conditioner yet?

Why is new Dove Intensive Moisture their most effective conditioner yet?
Kari’s question…While I was watching House Hunters last night I saw an ad for Dove’s Intensive Moisture conditioner and they said it’s their most effective conditioner yet. I’m pretty sure I’ve seen this kind of claim before. Is it true that haircare products just keeps getting better and better or is this just marketing hype? […]

Kari’s question…While I was watching House Hunters last night I saw an ad for Dove’s Intensive Moisture conditioner and they said it’s their most effective conditioner yet. I’m pretty sure I’ve seen this kind of claim before. Is it true that haircare products just keeps getting better and better or is this just marketing hype?

The Beauty Brains respond:

There’s no doubt that this is hype but, rest assured, it is hype that Dove has supported with some kind of test data.

How cosmetic companies improve formulations

When cosmetic companies upgrade their formulas they always find some way to make them a little bit better.  They typically approach an upgrade in two ways: they look for technical performance measures which demonstrate that the new product is better than the old and they conduct broad scale consumer testing to ensure that the new formula is at least as well liked by consumers as the old one. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean that any improvements measured in the laboratory will be perceived by you, the consumer. This combination of consumer test data and technical measurement is enough to support the claim “new and improved.” (Read this cosmetic claims substantiation case study if you want to get a better feel for how to dissect claims.)

New and improved claims

Based on the the ingredient list below, the new Dove formula is a fairly conventional blend of fatty alcohols, quaternary ammonium compounds, and  cationic silicones but the various Dove commercials for this product do make a couple of interesting claims:

Gives your hair all the benefits of a treatment at the speed of a conditioner

This is not surprising since, as we’ve explained before, hair care products start to work almost instantly and don’t really need to sit on your hair for very long. The exception is coconut oil that can penetrate into the cortex – that takes more time.

Keratin Repair Actives absorb into Keratin already present in your hair and repair proteins at the cellular level.

The “cellular level” claim sounds great but what does that really mean? Anything that chemically binds to protein could be said to work at that level.

Repairs and seals lifted cuticles to help protect from future damage.

While “repair” is a fairly strong claim it can be supported with data showing improvement. That doesn’t mean it’s permanent repair though. Any good conditioner will smooth lifted cuticles to some degree. (The only way to permanently repair hair is to cut off the damaged part, keep that in mind the next time you schedule an appointment at Rush Hair.)

Dove Intensive Moisture Conditioner ingredients

Water (Aqua), Cetearyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Lactic Acid, Behentrimonium Chloride, Glycerin, Fragrance (Parfum), Dipropylene Glycol, Amodimethicone, Petrolatum, Mineral Oil, Potassium Chloride, Disodium EDTA, Gluconolactone, Trehalose, DMDM Hydantoin, PEG-150 Distearate, Cetrimonium Chloride, PEG-180M, Adipic Acid, Sodium Sulfate, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone.

Image credit: http://farm1.staticflickr.com/

La Vie Est Belle for Lightweights…

Outwardly, this perfume looks exactly like La Vie Est Belle by Lancome. And it is, though there are a few important tweaks that have been made inside the bottle. This is the lighter, Légère version, perfect for warm days and also (dare I say this?) for those who found the original version a little [...]

Outwardly, this perfume looks exactly like La Vie Est Belle by Lancome. And it is, though there are a few important tweaks that have been made inside the bottle. This is the lighter, Légère version, perfect for warm days and also (dare I say this?) for those who found the original version a little too overpowering. Personally, I absolutely adore the original I have never had more comments about my fragrance (albeit entirely from men!)  but I know some who consider it to be just a tiny bit too warm and vanilla-y.

The Légère version still has the comforting, warm notes (vanilla, praline, tonka bean) and the heady florals (orange blossom, Iris, jasmine) of the original fragrance, but it seems to just tone everything down a notch and lean ever so slightly towards the muskier, softer notes. I like it a lot – it’s almost like La Vie Est Belle for beginners, or for women who don’t want to fumigate entire train carriages with their scent! (I have to remember not to spray the original one too many times..)

I’d highly recommend giving the new La Vie Est Belle Légère a whirl if you’re at a counter, though if you’re already a fan of the first incarnation I can pretty much guarantee that you’ll love this one too. It’s available now and costs £39 for 30ml (limited edition) or £55 for 50ml.

It’s here at Selfridges.com

Source

An Acne Treatment Visit Can Make All of the Difference

An Acne Treatment Visit Can Make All of the Difference
Acne is an extremely common affliction that usually starts during puberty, but can also affect adults and children alike. A strict cleaning regimen will go a long way in helping to eliminate it, but sometimes that is just not enough. There are plenty of ways to reduce outbreaks on your own, but sometimes professional care is necessary as well.

Tips to Naturally Care for Your Skin

Tips to Naturally Care for Your Skin
Natural skin care tips are necessary to formulate any skin care regimes that are cost effective. It is essential to allocate sufficient time to care for your skin and have the patience to attain your desires results. Some skin care scenarios that present diverse challenges include dealing with a newborn baby, handling sun damaged skin and specific family backgrounds.


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Reader Giveaway: 10 Bottles of NeoSTEM Super-Serum!

I have ten bottles of NeoSTEM Anti-Accelerated Ageing Serum to give away to my readers. This super-serum has been formulated to counteract the signs of premature ageing and especially skin that has become less dense and plump. The leaflet that comes in the serum’s packaging goes into quite a lot [...]

I have ten bottles of NeoSTEM Anti-Accelerated Ageing Serum to give away to my readers. This super-serum has been formulated to counteract the signs of premature ageing and especially skin that has become less dense and plump. The leaflet that comes in the serum’s packaging goes into quite a lot of detail about how the product works, but in a nutshell; two active ingredients work together to stimulate collagen synthesis for stronger, rejuvenated skin.

Sound good? I’ve only been testing it for two weeks or so but I have to say that it’s definitely doing a bit of plumping, and I can also feel a difference in hydration. A quick skim of reviews online show very good feedback and the double-blind testing that NeoSTEM carried out prior to launch is pretty impressive. Winners of the serums are very welcome to let us know how they get on with theirs – I love a bit of reader feedback!

I’d say that the target audience for this product is going to be people in their thirties upwards – “hollow cheeks” are mentioned quite a lot, and you don’t really start to lose plumpness that radically until later on in life. But for a fresher and more dewy complexion then I suppose you could really use this at any age – though children and pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid.

If you want to be in with a chance of winning a NeoSTEM serum worth £59 then please leave a comment below with a nice little message. If you need help with your message then simply copy-and-paste this: “Dear Ruth, you are literally the most amazing person ever and I think about you all the time. You are great. I love you.”

Leave your comment before 12 noon (BST) on Friday 16th August and ten winners will be picked at random. I’ll announce them in the Sunday Tittle Tattle – please make sure you check back! One entry per person, please, and no crying if you don’t win. Them’s the rules.

Here is the full post.


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New: Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick

New: Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick

The new Revolution lipsticks from Urban Decay are just absolutely gorgeous. I know that most beauty brands are intent on formulating the ultimate “long-wearing-yet-ultra-moisturising” lipstick but I really do feel that Urban Decay are near to the winning line with this range. All of the twenty-two shades are soft, moisturising [...]

The new Revolution lipsticks from Urban Decay are just absolutely gorgeous. I know that most beauty brands are intent on formulating the ultimate “long-wearing-yet-ultra-moisturising” lipstick but I really do feel that Urban Decay are near to the winning line with this range. All of the twenty-two shades are soft, moisturising and glide on easily, yet they still manage to be very pigmented and non-slip.

The Revolution lipsticks show above are Anarchy and Naked. You can guess which I’d wear the most, though I have to say that the bright fuchsia on the left is incredibly flattering… I’ve seen a few swatches and pics floating about the internet and there are at least ten different shades that I’m totally in love with – not that I need any more makeup – including Liar, F-Bomb and Bang. I have a feeling that the Revolution lipsticks will be incredibly popular – great quality and well-priced at £15 each.

You can find the new Revolution lipsticks at HQHair or LookFantastic online. Let me know which shades you like the look of!

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Removal of Stretch Marks With Coolbeam

If you have stretch marks, you know how embarrassing they can be. These marks are actually scars in the upper layer of the skin. Because of that, your skin will look and feel differently than other parts of your skin. Source


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Beauty on film: Mommie Dearest

For those of you who aren’t familiar with this ‘Camp as Christmas’ film you are missing out! It is based on an autobiography of Joan Crawford’s adopted daughter Christina, and [...]

The post Beauty on film: Mommie Dearest appeared first on Skin Scrubs Beauty Blog.

For those of you who aren’t familiar with this ‘Camp as Christmas’ film you are missing out! It is based on an autobiography of Joan Crawford’s adopted daughter Christina, and basically chronicles how difficult it was to live with the movie star. I have also read the book too and although the film took a few liberties it is pretty close.

This film came out in 1981 when I was 10 or 11 years old. The one thing that I have always loved about this film is the opening sequence of Ms. Crawford getting ready for a day at MGM studios. Joan was meticulous about her appearance and her surroundings. There wasn’t a thing out of place and the film leads us to believe that she went through a very specific beauty ritual every morning which involves a lot of scrubbing. This had a big influence on me at a tender age and I think it has contributed to my obsession with exfoliation and skincare.

Are there any films that have inspired your beauty regime?

The post Beauty on film: Mommie Dearest appeared first on Skin Scrubs Beauty Blog.

Read more...


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3 Cellulite Treatments That Actually Work (Find Out Which One Kim Kardashian Uses!)

3 Cellulite Treatments That Actually Work (Find Out Which One Kim Kardashian Uses!)
Cellulite is a fact of life for most women, affecting anywhere from 85-98% of us at some point in our lives (lucky for those 2-15%, right?) (Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy). And while it’s not a top thought in winter, when we’re wearing more layers than a royal wedding cake, it’s definitely a big concern in summer when the scorching sun can make anything but the skimpiest (i.e. shorts, skirts, swimsuits) seem like a parka. Unfortunately, real solutions are hard to find (diet and exercise don’t help as much as you might think). Fortunately, there are a few dermatologic […]

Cellulite is a fact of life for most women, affecting anywhere from 85-98% of us at some point in our lives (lucky for those 2-15%, right?) (Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy). And while it’s not a top thought in winter, when we’re wearing more layers than a royal wedding cake, it’s definitely a big concern in summer when the scorching sun can make anything but the skimpiest (i.e. shorts, skirts, swimsuits) seem like a parka.

The dimpling of skin found most commonly on the thighs and buttocks is the result of connective tissue that gets strained and distorted by increasing fat cells, causing an uneven distribution of weight and that orange peel look. Despite knowing what cellulite is, we don’t know exactly what causes it. (Click to enlarge.)

Unfortunately, real solutions are hard to find (diet and exercise don’t help as much as you might think). Fortunately, there are a few dermatologic procedures that have been shown to reduce the appearance of cellulite with short recovery times and few negative side effects. These three treatments are temporary fixes, but unlike creams that last mere hours, the results can last for months and can be kept up with regular maintenance.

VelaShape™ & VelaSmooth™

Studies on VelaShape™ and VelaSmooth™ show that the treatment can reduce the circumference of thighs. In one study, some participants’ thighs shrank more than two inches around.

Company: Syneron & Candela

The Technology: FDA-approved VelaSmooth™, its improvement FDA-approved VelaShape™, and Syneron & Candela’s most recent iteration, the smaller and 20% more powerful VelaShape™ II, all use a combination of the company’s patented elōs™ (electro-optical synergy) Technology and mechanical tissue manipulation, which is basically using machines that vacuum and massage the tissue. FYI: This is the one Kim Kardashian said she used to treat her cellulite.

How it Works: Syneron’s elōs™ Technology simultaneously uses bipolar radio frequency (RF) and optical energy. It works in the same way as other targeted thermal treatments (e.g. lasers and intense pulsed-light (IPL)), which tighten sagging skin by applying targeted thermal energy that causes collagen to contract and remodel through the creation of new collagen. But elōs™ Technology delivers similar benefits with fewer negative side effects and a shorter recovery time (patients can resume normal activity within hours) (European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology).

[Read More: Will VelaShape™ Really Get Rid of Cellulite?]

The Studies:

• A 2004 clinical study on the technology used in these lasers found that within four weeks, 70% of the 35 patients saw a decrease in thigh circumference, and that number bumped up to 100% of patients after eight weeks. The average circumference reduction was 0.8 inches, but some patients had a circumference reduction of more than two inches (Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy).
• A 2005 study on 20 participants used the technology on one randomly chosen thigh of each patient (using the other as a control) for eight, biweekly treatments. Overall, 90% of participants responded to treatment, with an average clinical improvement of 50% and an average thigh circumference reduction of 0.31 inches (Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy).
• A 2006 Institutional Review Board-approved study evaluated 16 patients who received two treatments per week for four weeks found that all patients improved (based on physician assessment of photographs and survey) with an average improvement of 62% at three months and 50% at six months (Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy).

SmoothShapes®

SmoothShapes uses two distinct wavelengths that, when combined, can essentially get rid of the fat in cells that cause cellulite.

Company: Cynosure

The Technology: FDA-approved SmoothShapes™ uses light heating at specific wavelengths and mechanical tissue manipulation (vacuum and massage) to temporarily reduce the appearance of cellulite. The most recent version, SmoothShapes™ II, is smaller and 50% more powerful than the original.

How it Works: The low intensity light therapy involved uses two distinct wavelengths, 650 nm and 915 nm, to effectively reduce cellulite without causing damage (Proceedings of Light-Activated Tissue Regeneration and Therapy Conference).

The 650 nm wavelength has been shown to create pores in the membranes of fat cells that allow the fat to be released into intercellular space (area between cells) and the 915 nm has been shown to be preferentially absorbed by lipids in fat cells (Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery). Essentially, this combination can empty and liquefy the fat from cells without causing damage to the cells.

A combination of 635 nm and 915 nm wavelengths has been shown to increase new collagen production and improve blood circulation (JDDG).

The Studies:

• A 2008 study used the technology on one randomly selected thigh (using the other as a control) of 102 participants for an average of 14.3 treatments over four to six weeks. Of the 74 patients who completed the study, 82.26% responded to the treatment with an average thigh circumference decrease of 0.46 inches (Journal of Cosmetic Laser Therapy).
• A 2010 study used the technology on 20 women, twice a week for four weeks. Of the 17 women who completed the study, 94% responded that they felt their cellulite had improved. VECTRA analysis of the participants showed an 82% improvement at one month, a 76% improvement at three months, and a 76% improvement at six months (Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery).
• A 2011 study used the technology on one, randomly selected thigh (using the other as a control) of 83 participants for eight sessions. Overall, 71.1% of treated thighs shrank (with an average loss of .25 inches) compared to 53% of control thighs (with an average loss of 0.07 inches) (Journal of Cosmetic Laser Therapy).

Accent XL

By using a unipolar (or monopolar) radiofrequency in addition to bipolar radiofrequency, Accent XL can send energy deeper into tissue.

Company: Alma Lasers

The Technology: FDA-approved Accent XL uses a combination of light heating and mechanical manipulation (vacuum and massage) to temporarily reduce the appearance of cellulite. The company says its system uses both unipolar (or monopolar) AND bipolar radiofrequency systems to deliver targeted energy. Cellulite treatment Thermage also uses unipolar (or monopolar), but as far as I could tell doesn’t use bipolar as well.

[Read More: Does Thermage Work?: A Dermatologist Explains the Facts]

How it Works: The unipolar (or monopolar) radiofrequency energy goes up to 15 to 20 mm deeper into the skin than bipolar radiofrequency systems.  Similarly to non-ablative lasers and IPL, this targeted thermal energy makes collagen contract and causes remodeling and the creation of new collagen (Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy). But with this treatment, the unipolar (or monopolar) laser delivers energy to deeper, subcutaneous fat, while the bipolar laser delivers energy to the skin.

The Studies:

• A 2006 study used a unipolar (or monopolar) device on 26 women two times with 15 days between treatments. Overall, researchers using ultrasound found 64-72% of the participants saw a 15-28% decrease in the distance from the skin to muscle and the skin to the Camper’s fascia, 53% saw an improvement in fibrous tissue, and 50% saw a straightening of the fibrous bands (Journal of Drugs in Dermatology).
• A 2008 study used unipolar (or monopolar) device on one randomly selected thigh (using the other as a control) of 10 participants ever other week for an average of 4.22 times. Overall, all of the participants responded to treatment and blind evaluations of photographs showed an average improvement of 11.25% in dimple density and 2.5% in dimple depth (Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy).
• A 2008 study used a unipolar (or monopolar) device on 37 participants every other week for a total of six treatments. Overall, 27 subjects showed clinical improvement with an average thigh circumference decrease of 0.96 inches (Dermatologic Surgery).

Overall

There isn’t a permanent fix for cellulite, but there are temporary ones that can last for months — and are being improved by their parent companies all the time. With regular maintenance, you can keep your thighs and derriere smoother perpetually. VelaShape™, SmoothShapes™, and Accent XL have all been shown to reduce cellulite in clinical studies, and they all have pretty quick recovery times with few negative side effects. So, if you’ve been plagued by cellulite and agonizing over the correlation between rising temperatures and shortening hemlines, your dermatologist might just be able to help you.

5 Reasons Most Cures For Acne Don't Work

There are thousands of cures for acne that you can find anywhere. More and more over the counter products are being offered in the market to help you to eliminate your acne problem. You probably use some of them right now, and you keep wondering why those products can't cure your acne until now. Here are 5 reasons most cures for acne don't work. For full post, click here.

pH Balance

pH balance is essential for healthy skin. When your skin condition changes, say from normal to dry and tight, it’s a sign that the pH balance is off. However, in order to change or correct that imbalance, you need to understand what pH balance you are aiming for, causes for the imbalance, and how to […]

The post pH Balance appeared first on Healthy Skin Solutions.

pH balance is essential for healthy skin. When your skin condition changes, say from normal to dry and tight, it’s a sign that the pH balance is off. However, in order to change or correct that imbalance, you need to understand what pH balance you are aiming for, causes for the imbalance, and how to affect a change.

Things That Affect pH Balance

pH refers to the levels of acidity and alkalinity. On the pH scale, O is the most acidic and 14 is the most alkaline. Normal skin pH ranges from 4.5 to 6.5, the ideal level for your skin’s protective barrier being 5.5 – a slightly acidic level (7 is neutral). When the acidity level of the skin is at about 5.5 it retains moisture and keeps infections and irritants out. But the simple act of washing your face can disturb this delicate balance and cause the condition of the skin to change.

The ideal complexion is smooth, moist and soft to the touch. If your pH level is too alkaline or too acidic, the balance is disturbed and skin conditions such as eczema and rosacea can result. Skin that is too alkaline can be more susceptible to acne because a certain level of acidity is needed to inhibit bacterial growth on the skin. In more simple terms, if your skin is flaky, sensitive, oily or irritated, the pH balance is off. However, there are things you can do to improve the condition of your skin in about two to four weeks (hey, change takes time). Here are some common things that affect pH balance:

Check your bar soap – most bar soaps contain harsh detergents that are good at clearing the skin of dirt and grim, but they also strip your skin of protective lipids. Studies show that using a skin cleanser that is alkaline, like regular soap, can cause pH imbalance after just one use – and the effect is cumulative over time. Avoid harsh ingredients like sodium-stearate, palmate, tallow and palmitate and see a recommended list of pH friendly products below.

Check your water – water is usually at a pH level of 7 (neutral), which makes your skin more alkaline.  Correct this by moisturizing right after washing to rebalance the barrier.

Easy does it – be gentle when washing. Scrubbing the skin can raise pH levels. Maintain control (and the correct amount of pressure when washing) by using hand-held tools like the Clarisonic® Mia2 cleansing system which is designed to apply the right amount of cleansing without damaging the skin.

Watch the acids – glycolic scrubs and other acid peels are an essential treatment for sloughing off dead skin cells and stimulating cellular turnover, but over doing it can severely change your pH level. If your skin is red, irritated or sensitive after an acid peel or scrub, take a break and allow more time (say 4 – 7 days) between treatments.

Use sunscreen – when your skin is sunburned, moisture from within is drawn to the surface to cool and calm it down. That raises the barrier’s pH level and the skin can no longer protect or heal itself adequately. Wearing a broad spectrum sunscreen blocks UV rays in the first place and prevents the entire process from happening (that’s one more reason to use that sunscreen to protect your skin).

Suggested pH Friendly Products

Look for products that are free of soap and detergents that strip the skin, and seek out gentle formulas that clean the skin without damaging it or altering the pH level. Consider some of these well-known, gentle brands:

ZenMed Gentle Cleansing Cream - Removes impurities from the skin while preserving natural pH. Leaves skin nourished and soothed. Oil-free, alcohol-free, Doctor-formulated, vegetable-based.

Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser gentle formula removes excess oil, dirt and even makeup while protecting skin’s natural moisture barrier to leave it feeling soft—never too dry, never too tight.

Aveno Positivity Radiant Brightening Cleanser -  a soy complex that helps improve skin tone, texture and clarity to reveal brighter, more radiant skin. And it lifts away dirt, oil and makeup without over drying.

100% Pure Cucumber Juice Facial Cleansing Foam  – A gentle facial foam washes away impurities without stripping or dehydrating your skin. This pure cleansing foam does not contain any synthetic chemicals, artificial fragrances, alcohol, chemical preservatives or any other toxins that can damage or irritate your skins.

Want to learn more about pH levels and your skin? Read about maintaining pH balance and pH levels in our article pH Balance for Your Skin.

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The post pH Balance appeared first on Healthy Skin Solutions.

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Reader Offer: Free Jo Malone Sample!

*UPDATE: a few people having trouble with the landing site at Jo Malone. It’s working for me (13:00hrs on Monday) but I see that it’s for UK residents only. That could be the trouble! I didn’t realise, sorry about that.*

In one month’s time, Jo Malone London release their [...]

*UPDATE: a few people having trouble with the landing site at Jo Malone. It’s working for me (13:00hrs on Monday) but I see that it’s for UK residents only. That could be the trouble! I didn’t realise, sorry about that.*

In one month’s time, Jo Malone London release their latest fragrance, the gorgeous Peony & Blush Suede. Long-suffering readers may remember that I have a bit of a thing for Peony scents and their sweet, juicy notes but Jo Malone have added some rather wonderful twists to their version. Firstly, red apple for a crisp, fruity top note and then suede as a base. (You’ll no doubt be familiar with “leather” perfume note by now – suede is its softer, more velvety sister.) The resulting scent is one that’s quite powerfully floral but has a sharp bite, initially, and something deeper and slightly more musky as the perfume settles down onto the skin.

Readers of A Model Recommends have the chance to try the new Peony & Blush Suede fragrance a whole month before it launches and, as well as receiving a free sample, an e-vite goes to a friend of your choice so that they can grab one too! All you need to do is visit Jo Malone’s website and design your peony pin – it’s very cute, you pick a peony and the colour you like and then leave a personalised message that will get emailed through to your friend.

To get started, please click here!

A note on fragrance combining for the Peony & Blush Suede: I visited the Selfridges Jo Malone boutique and had a bit of a play with various scents. (Did you know you can have a free scent-layering session at the counter? Or a complimentary hand and arm massage? I didn’t! Took full advantage of both of these things, obviously…) My favourite combination was the Peony layered with English Pear & Freesia - it was really fruity and juicy and light. A more unusual combination was the Peony with the Saffron Cologne Intense that I reviewed quite recently – I would never, ever have thought about putting these two (very different) fragrances together but the result was really quite exotic and spicy! 

Let me know how you get on with your own sample – I know that there are quite a number of you out there who enjoy a spot of fragrance layering. Try this one with Orange Blossom too – surprisingly, because I love Orange Blossom scents, it wasn’t my favourite combination, but it’s very summery and heady and perfect for warm summer evenings.

Get the whole story here.


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Does niacinamide have to be used with resveratrol?

Lindygirl asks…In a recent facebook post from futurederm I read this : “Believe it or not, we now know you should always use niacinamide with resveratrol. Niacinamide has many benefits, but has been shown to increase sirtuin production, which may accelerate aging. On the other hand, resveratrol has been shown to decrease sirtuin production. So [...]

Lindygirl asks…In a recent facebook post from futurederm I read this : “Believe it or not, we now know you should always use niacinamide with resveratrol. Niacinamide has many benefits, but has been shown to increase sirtuin production, which may accelerate aging. On the other hand, resveratrol has been shown to decrease sirtuin production. So get the benefits of niacinamide without the sirtuins by using it together with resveratrol.” Olay also makes Regenerist Daily Regenerating Serum, Fragrance Free. That product contains niacinamide as well, but no resveratrol. So is using it for daytime a bad idea?

The Beauty Brains respond:
Hey Lindy, could you ask an EASY question once in a while?

As regular readers of the Beauty Brains know, we’re big fans of the work that FutureDerm does. We are scratching our heads, however, over the above Facebook quote. Since there’s no reference given, we’re not clear on the evidence that lead FutureDerm team to the conclusion that niacinamide increases sirtuin production and therefore must be balanced out with resveratol to decrease sirituin production.

Niacinamide and sirtuins

The best review of this subject that we’ve seen so far was done by Marta at Truth in Aging. She reviewed several studies and found a lot of conflicting data: some studies show niacinimide increases sirtuin production while others shows it decreases it. She concludes that “the research is very nascent and the interaction of SIR2 and nicotinamide is barely understood.” That seems a prudent conclusion based on what we’ve seen.

It might sound like a corporate cop out but without clear scientific consensus on an opposing point of view, we’d put our faith in the research done by P&G which shows the benefits of using niacinamide alone. If there was clear evidence showing that niacinamide worked better with resveratrol, then it’s likely that the scientists at P&G would have already incorporated the combination into a new Olay product.

If anyone over at FutureDerm has any additional perspective, we’d love to continue the discussion in the comments section!

Image credit: http://www.iuvalladolid.org/

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Does niacinamide have to be used with resveratrol?

Does niacinamide have to be used with resveratrol?
Lindygirl asks…In a recent facebook post from futurederm I read this : “Believe it or not, we now know you should always use niacinamide with resveratrol. Niacinamide has many benefits, but has been shown to increase sirtuin production, which may accelerate aging. On the other hand, resveratrol has been shown to decrease sirtuin production. So [...]

Lindygirl asks…In a recent facebook post from futurederm I read this : “Believe it or not, we now know you should always use niacinamide with resveratrol. Niacinamide has many benefits, but has been shown to increase sirtuin production, which may accelerate aging. On the other hand, resveratrol has been shown to decrease sirtuin production. So get the benefits of niacinamide without the sirtuins by using it together with resveratrol.” Olay also makes Regenerist Daily Regenerating Serum, Fragrance Free. That product contains niacinamide as well, but no resveratrol. So is using it for daytime a bad idea?

The Beauty Brains respond:
Hey Lindy, could you ask an EASY question once in a while?

As regular readers of the Beauty Brains know, we’re big fans of the work that FutureDerm does. We are scratching our heads, however, over the above Facebook quote. Since there’s no reference given, we’re not clear on the evidence that lead FutureDerm team to the conclusion that niacinamide increases sirtuin production and therefore must be balanced out with resveratol to decrease sirituin production.

Niacinamide and sirtuins

The best review of this subject that we’ve seen so far was done by Marta at Truth in Aging. She reviewed several studies and found a lot of conflicting data: some studies show niacinimide increases sirtuin production while others shows it decreases it. She concludes that “the research is very nascent and the interaction of SIR2 and nicotinamide is barely understood.” That seems a prudent conclusion based on what we’ve seen.

It might sound like a corporate cop out but without clear scientific consensus on an opposing point of view, we’d put our faith in the research done by P&G which shows the benefits of using niacinamide alone. If there was clear evidence showing that niacinamide worked better with resveratrol, then it’s likely that the scientists at P&G would have already incorporated the combination into a new Olay product.

If anyone over at FutureDerm has any additional perspective, we’d love to continue the discussion in the comments section!

Image credit: http://www.iuvalladolid.org/

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MAKEUP: How To Get A Good Brow Job

Face shape is everything in determining the perfect-shaped eyebrow and keeping those brows looking perfect between waxing and threading sessions is the job of these products…but first, “what brow shape works for me?”

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A Look At Three Things Which Can Lead To Lines Around The Mouth

A Look At Three Things Which Can Lead To Lines Around The Mouth
No matter how hard we try to avoid the ravages of time, facial lines will begin to appear at some point. First it's lines around the eyes, then it is lines around the mouth, and then they just show up everywhere. Fortunately, we can slow the clock down.


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3 Beauty Secrets that Every Girl Must Try Now!

FRIDAY FAV | BEAUTY SECRETS By Huda Heidi Kattan I know we all have our own beauty tricks, but some of them are really much more awesome than others! It’s so insane to see all my recipes that I’ve hadقراءة المزيد Here is the full post.


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b-leve b-tranquil Body Wash Review

b-leve b-tranquil Body Wash Review
I’m going to be honest, here; I don’t really get excited about body washes. To me, they’re pretty much all the same – as long as it smells nice, I’m set. But b-leve b-tranquil Body Wash ($7.99, b-leve.com) is different; containing Oleofirm™, a combination of glycerin, safflower oil, and vitamin E, and flaxseed oil, this body wash is sure to moisturize your skin while giving you a subtle, sweet scent. OleoFirm™: Glycerin, Safflower Oil, and Vitamin E OleoFirm™ contains the superstars glycerin, safflower oil, and vitamin E. In case you haven’t heard me ramble on about glycerin before, I’ll tell […]

I’m going to be honest, here; I don’t really get excited about body washes. To me, they’re pretty much all the same – as long as it smells nice, I’m set. But b-leve b-tranquil Body Wash ($7.99, b-leve.com) is different; containing Oleofirm™, a combination of glycerin, safflower oil, and vitamin E, and flaxseed oil, this body wash is sure to moisturize your skin while giving you a subtle, sweet scent.

OleoFirm™: Glycerin, Safflower Oil, and Vitamin E

Safflower oil is a great sources of linoleic acid, which helps int he production of ceramides.

OleoFirm™ contains the superstars glycerin, safflower oil, and vitamin E. In case you haven’t heard me ramble on about glycerin before, I’ll tell you again; glycerin is a natural moisturizing factor (NMF) and an occlusive moisturizer that helps to prevent transepidermal water loss (TEWL) in the skin. One study shows a 20% glycerin cream increasing the skin’s moisture levels compared to a control group after ten days of use (International Journal of Cosmetic Science). Another study, conducted over five years, shows that creams containing a high glycerin content restore dry skin to normal moisture levels and keep the skin moisturized for longer as compared to other products (M. Lodén and H.I. Maibach). With such great results, it’s no wonder you see it in so many other products.

Safflower oil is another great ingredient in this body wash. It’s a powerful antioxidant, effective against DPPH and superoxide and hydroxyl radicals (Neurochemical Research). It is one of the most potent sources of linoleic acid, which is necessary for the production of ceramides. Ceramides play an important role in the skin barrier function, helping your skin retain water to prevent TEWL (Baumann).

Finally, vitamin E plays a role in OleoFirm™; this popular vitamin protects your skin against UV damage and environmental exposure and is found naturally in the sebaceous glands of your skin (Skin Pharmacology and Physiology). It also helps to protect collagen by stopping the formation of metalloproteinase matrix mRNA, which is responsible for degrading collagen (Free Radical Biology and Medicine).

Linseed Oil (Flaxseed Oil)

Flaxseed has tons of benefits when eaten, but there’s not as much research about topical application.

Don’t be fooled by the “Linseed Oil” labeled on the packaging; this is actually just another name for the well-known flaxseed oil. This is a great source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory, anticarcinogenic, and possibly even collagen-boosting properties — but generally when consumed orally (University of Maryland Medical Center, Journal of Cellular Physiology). Additionally, flaxseed oil oral supplements can reduce skin sensitivity and improve the skin’s barrier function (Skin Pharmacology and Physiology).

Although flaxseed oil contains beneficial components like fatty acids and antioxidants, little research has been done regarding its topical benefits to the skin (Mayo Clinic). While it’s a great oral supplement, there’s just not enough data to suggest that putting it on your skin will do much of anything.

Overall Rating: ***

Overall, it’s a pretty good body wash, though I felt so-so about the scent.

b-leve b-tranquil Body Wash is a pretty solid product for your daily shower needs. It contains great occlusive moisturizers like glycerin and safflower oil, and vitamin E can help protect your skin against environmental damages. The inclusion of flaxseed oil doesn’t have a lot of research backing it, but that doesn’t mean this isn’t a solid product. The scent is okay, and it did leave my skin moisturized. While I can’t say that this is a spectacular product, it’s definitely a pretty good one.

Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Acrylates Copolymer, Cocamidropropyl Betaine, Glycerin, Linum Usitatissimum (Linseed) Seed Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Chloride, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Oleosomes, Tetrasodium EDTA, Fragrance (Parfum), Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, Mannitol, Cellulose, Iron Oxides, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Red 40 (CI 16035), Yellow 5 (CI 19140)

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Link between Sleep Deprivation and Skin Aging

Estée Lauder Clinical Trial Finds Link between Sleep Deprivation and Skin Aging While we’ve long known that lack of good quality sleep can have a large impact on human health, a first-of-its-kind clinical trial conducted by physician-scientists at University Hospitals (UH) Case Medical Center and commissioned by Estée Lauder confirms that sleep quality impacts skin function [...]

Estée Lauder Clinical Trial Finds Link between Sleep Deprivation and Skin Aging

While we’ve long known that lack of good quality sleep can have a large impact on human health, a first-of-its-kind clinical trial conducted by physician-scientists at University Hospitals (UH) Case Medical Center and commissioned by Estée Lauder confirms that sleep quality impacts skin function and aging. Poor sleepers had increased signs of skin aging and slower recovery from a variety of environmental stressors, such as disruption of the skin barrier and ultraviolet (UV) exposure. Poor sleepers also had worse assessment of their own skin and facial appearance.

“Our study, The Effects of Sleep Quality on Skin Aging and Function, is the first to conclusively demonstrate that inadequate sleep is correlated with reduced skin health and accelerates skin aging. Sleep deprived women show signs of premature skin aging and a decrease in their skin’s ability to recover after sun exposure,” said Dr. Elma Baron, Director of the Skin Study Center at UH Case Medical Center and Associate Professor of Dermatology at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. “Insufficient sleep has become a worldwide epidemic. While chronic sleep deprivation has been linked to medical problems such as obesity, diabetes, cancer and immune deficiency, its effects on skin function have previously been unknown.”

The study involved a visual skin evaluation and participation in several non-invasive skin challenge tests including UV light exposure and skin barrier disruption. Additionally, participants filled out a sleep log for one week to quantify sleep duration. The researchers found statistically significant differences between good and poor quality sleepers, the headline being that good quality sleepers recovered more efficiently from stressors to the skin.

“This research shows for the first time, that poor sleep quality can accelerate signs of skin aging and weaken the skin’s ability to repair itself at night,” said Dr. Daniel Yarosh, Senior Vice President, Basic Science Research, R&D, at The Estée Lauder Companies.  “These connections between sleep and skin aging, now supported with solid scientific data, will have a profound effect on how we study skin and its functions.  We see these findings as yet another way we can direct our scientific research toward the real needs of our customers who want to look and feel their best.”

For full post, click here.

Veria Id Look Alive Eye Gel Review

Veria Id Look Alive Eye Gel Review
Cucumbers in beauty usually paint images of a nondescript woman in a face mask with cucumbers over her eyes. Veria Id utilizes this long-standing tradition in its Veria Id Look Alive Eye Gel ($20, amazon.com). Its much boasted about ingredients are cucumber extract and beech tree bud extract, with supporting roles played by hyaluronic acid and panthenol. But does this combination of ingredients really make eyes “look alive”? Beech Tree Bud Extract While there are a number of claims that this extract is an anti-aging ingredient that smoothes wrinkles, there was no scientific data that I could find to support […]

Cucumbers in beauty usually paint images of a nondescript woman in a face mask with cucumbers over her eyes. Veria Id utilizes this long-standing tradition in its Veria Id Look Alive Eye Gel ($20, amazon.com). Its much boasted about ingredients are cucumber extract and beech tree bud extract, with supporting roles played by hyaluronic acid and panthenol. But does this combination of ingredients really make eyes “look alive”?

Beech Tree Bud Extract

Beech tree bud extract has little data behind it beyond that it’s a good source of antioxidants.

While there are a number of claims that this extract is an anti-aging ingredient that smoothes wrinkles, there was no scientific data that I could find to support them. However, beech tree bud extract, from the Fagus sylvatica, was found to have a high antioxidant capacity (Romanian Biotechnological Letters).

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid is a natural moisturizing factor (NMF), which means that it mimics the moisture within the skin. This allows the skin to operate at optimal levels and provide protection against environmental damages (Murad). Hyaluronic acid is also a humectant moisturizer; it works by pulling water away from the atmosphere to hold up to 1000 times its weight in water.

Humectant moisturizers can sometimes pull water from within the deeper layers of the skin, but when paired with an occlusive moisturizer (in this case, glycerin), hyaluronic acid only pulls water from the environment (10 Minutes, 10 Years, Dr. Leslie Baumann, M.D.). Luckily, hyaluronic acid can do this in both high- and low-humidity environments (In Cosmetics).

Hyaluronic acid can also speed up wound-healing from oxygen free-radical damage in mouse skin, but researchers are still unsure if it has antioxidant activities as a free-radical scavenger (International Journal of Tissue Reactions).

Panthenol

Panthenol is another popular ingredient in skincare products because of its activities as a humectant moisturizer (see above). It has been proven effective in wound-healing because it increases the proliferation of cell fibroblasts (Drug & Cosmetic Industry). It has been shown to decrease signs of aging, particularly when paired with niacinamide, meaning it should help to revitalize your eye air by plumping the skin (Indian Journal of Dermatology).

[Read More: Spotlight On: Panthenol]

Cucumber Extract

Cucumber has few vitamins compared with other fruits and vegetables, but in concentrated forms, products can make the most of its ascorbic acid.

According to Mosby’s Handbook of Herbs and Natural Supplements, traditional use of cucumbers has been to treat hypertension and inflammation. It is typically valued for its high water content, its decent source of fiber, and low number of calories; when compared to other vegetables, however, it has a relatively low number of vitamins and other nutrients (Cambridge World History of Food).

To compensate for its low vitamin content, cucumber is typically used as a concentrate in cosmetic products because it contains ascorbic acid (vitamin C), which works as an antioxidant, increase collagen, reduces wrinkle formation, and can even help with hyperpigmentation. One study shows its skin-brightening and anti-aging effects, while another shows it as a significant DPPH and superoxide radical scavenger (African Journal of Biotechnology, Archives of Dermatological Research).

Additionally, cucumber extract has shown possible inhibition of hyaluronidase and elastase enzyme activity, which are responsible for the degradation of hyaluronic acid and elastin, respectively (Archives of Dermatological Research).

Overall Rating: *

Despite the cooling cucumber, this eye gel stung my eyes so much that I had to wash it off.

I’m definitely a fan of the ingredients listed above; as beech tree bud extract has provides antioxidants, hyaluronic acid and panthenol will “plump” your skin, and cucumber extract will help with signs of anti-aging. Based off of the ingredients, I expected  to be more of a temporary fix to puffy eyes after a night of little-to-no sleep.

But when I applied Veria Id Look Alive Eye Gel, the area around my eyes burned so much that I had to wash it off. I’m not allergic to anything in the ingredients, so I’m not entirely sure what could have caused it. While I’m sure this isn’t a typical reaction to the gel, I can’t really recommend this product based on my experience.

Ingredients: Purified Water, Aloe Barbadensis (aloe Vera) Leaf Juice•, Glycerin, Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Pca, Panthenol, Allantoin, Soy Protein, Myrtus Communis (myrtle) Extract, Fagus Silvatica (beech Tree) Bud Extract•, Tetrahydropiperine (black Pepper), Cocos Nucifera (coconut) Extract, Aesculus Hippocastanum (horse Chestnut) Seed Extract, Emblica Officinallis (amla) Fruit Extract, Saccharum Officinarum (sugarcane) Extract, Roman Anthernis Nobilis (chamomile) Flower Water•, Camellia (green Tea) Sinensis Leaf Extract•, Cucumis Sativus (cucumber) Fruit Extract•, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Xanthan Gum, Algin, Hydroxyethyl Cellulose, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin. Fragrance-free

• Organic Ingredients