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Thursday, November 20, 2008

New Classifications for Sun Care

A s reported in SkinInc.com, a detailed study of 88 Hawaii vacationers identified three groups of people with distinct characteristics and sun protection behaviors, according to a report in the December issue of Archives of Dermatology by researchers at the University of Queensland:

Those people in class 1, “unconcerned and at low risk,” were at least risk of skin cancer, intended to tan, and used the least amount of sun protection.
Those in class 2, “tan-seekers,” had the second highest risk of skin cancer, had the highest proportion of women, became sunburned easily, intended to tan, had used tanning beds in past 30 days, and had the highest proportion of sunscreen coverage and the least clothing coverage.
Those in class 3, “concerned and protected,” had the highest skin cancer risk, the highest proportion of clothing coverage and shade use, and were more likely to be Hawaii residents.

“Specific strategies should target the subsets of the beach-going population—particularly those in group 2, the tan-seekers—that intend to tan and sunburn repeatedly, taking into account their relevant personal attributes and behavior patterns,” the researchers wrote.

A targeted message is needed for that group, said Dr. Susan Weinkle, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the University of South Florida and a member of the Skin Cancer Foundation. “These vacationers are at high risk of skin cancer, and we are not getting the message across,” Weinkle said. “People like me who live right on the beach use more sun-protective clothing and don’t go to the beach with the primary goal of getting a tan. People who are on vacation often end up with sunburn.”

Vacationers should know that “you can get out on the beach, you just have to do protective things—sit in the shade when you have lunch, wear sun-protective clothing and a hat when you are taking a walk on the beach,” she said.

The Australian classification system is useful because, “if you want to intervene in a setting where you see people tanning, it is important to know their different reasons for being exposed to the sun,” said Sherry L. Pagoto, assistant professor of medicine at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, and co-author of an accompanying editorial in the journal.

Pagoto and her colleagues did a similar study of beach-goers several years age, she said, which found that “the largest class of people are very motivated to be tanned. They are well aware of the risk of skin cancer—both their actual risk and perception of risk is somewhat elevated. But they don’t use sunscreen to an adequate level,” Pagoto said.

“A great challenge” in skin cancer prevention is that “people really want to be tanned,” she said. “It is a conundrum, how to get people not to want to be tanned.” Given that feeling, “the only way to get them out of the sun is to use alternatives and understand what it is about being tanned that makes them feel good,” Pagoto said.

Skin cancer prevention measures should include not only education, but also “a change of the environment around beaches,” said Vilma Cokkinides, strategic director of risk factor surveillance for the American Cancer Society. “We need more shade and to make point-of-source information available, if people forget their sunscreen, for example,” Cokkinides said. “Also, we need signage around beaches telling people to be aware of the hours of greatest risk. I haven’t been to any beach that I recall and seen anything of that sort available.”

There is no registry of skin cancer cases, but more than a million are estimated to occur in the United States each year, she said.

Limit exposure to the sun and when you are exposed, and when you are unable to avoid exposure, cover up with protective clothing, hats, sunglasses and a broad spectrum UVA/UVB blocking sunscreen that has a minimum of SPF 30 protection. A brand like Anthelios sunscreens offers this. 

Matis Clamatis Anti Aging Skin Care

Matis Paris launches Matis Clamatis a new anti aging skin care product with a rich and creamy texture. This product has a balm effect to wrap the skin in extreme softness and comfort.

For all skin types exposed to cold climates and harsh climate variations, this creamy, cocooning everyday skincare product is also a delight for dry skin.

The skin is armed to withstand extreme conditions and harsh environmental variations. The skin is hydrated and better protected, and its comfort and suppleness are restored.

Visit www.matis-paris.com to learn more. 

SkinTour.com: Anti Aging Skin Care Site

D r. Brandith Irwin, a skin expert on The Oprah Winfrey Show and board-certified dermatologist in Seattle, has just launched an interactive website: SkinTour.com, that provides information on skin care and anti-aging.

SkinTour.com contains information from one expert source: Dr. Irwin herself. And Dr. Irwin knows cosmetic and medical dermatology. She recently published her second book, The Surgery-Free Makeover: All You Need to Know for Great Skin and a Younger Face (Da Capo 2008). She is board-certified in internal medicine as well as dermatology and sees patients at the clinic she founded in Seattle in 1999, Madison Skin & Laser Center.

Dr. Irwin’s information and opinions are also unbiased, a rare commodity these days when many doctors take money from cosmetic companies or device manufacturers. Dr. Irwin does not represent any skin care product line or device manufacturer and has no financial ties to any of those companies.

SkinTour.com offers a “virtual” cosmetic skin care consultation. Users can customize a face and then roll their cursor over different cosmetic issues, like frown lines or brown spots, to see the various treatment options for that issue. SkinTour’s Anti-Aging Tour, a self-guided tour of cosmetic, anti-aging, and skin care issues.

Other features on SkinTour.com include:
A Skin Care Test and Acne Test where users get their own Skin Care Profile, with skin care product recommendations.
Video demonstrations of Botox, Restylane, Juvederm, and laser treatments, as well as Dr. Irwin’s video blog postings on hot topics in skin care.

Articles on topics ranging from cosmetic treatments to skin care products to acne, rosacea, and skin issues during menopause.

To learn more visit www.SkinTour.com. 

Eden Home Introduces New Organic Skin Care

E den Home, the leader in natural luxury, today announced availability of its exclusive line of organic skincare products. The products, composed of the purest natural ingredients, are formulated to benefit all types of skin. Eden Home is an online organic emporium with products to enhance a natural and stylish lifestyle.

“Eden Home is excited to offer products that are good for the skin and a delight for the senses,” said Alexandra Smith, co-founder of Eden Home. “Our ‘Leaf of Approval’ ensures that our products are made from the most naturally pure ingredients available.”

The Eden Home skincare line includes products for complexions of all types:

Hydration for Dry Skin
Cucumber Cleansing Milk--enriched with shea butter and aloe to drench dry skin with moisture
Daily Repair Co-Enzyme Q10 Serum--an incredible serum delivering light moisture throughout the day
Nourishing Day Creme--moisture that doesn’t feel greasy
Nourishing Night Creme--nighttime replenishment for normal to dry skin

Pure Refreshment for Oily Skin
Cucumber Face Lotion--ideal for combination and normal to slightly oily skin types

Nourishment for All Skin Types
Premium Gel Cleanser--an incredibly invigorating fusion of organic fruit juice, chamomile and green tea
Co-Enzyme Q10 Eye Creme--appropriate for the most sensitive skin including contact lens wearers, this creme reduces fine lines and puffiness while helping to tighten and tone the delicate eye area with a specialized 100% natural bio peptide complex™ to help fade dark circles

Face “Candy”
Chocolate Macadamia Masque--this silky smooth masque redolent with the decadent scents of chocolate and vanilla, is a treat for skin and senses
Cranberry Whip Masque--bursting with vitamin C plus pomegranate and palm oils to hydrate parched skin
Raspberry Facial Peel--full of antioxidants, this creamy facial peel smells incredible, leaving skin youthful and radiant
Banana Facial Peel--a spa treatment at home with this naturally scented, extra-moisturizing creamy facial peel made with real organic bananas

The importance of knowing the ingredients in your skin care products and ensuring they are organic, natural and pure cannot be underestimated. Regulations and standards for manufacturing food and drugs in the United States are established by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA). However, according to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, cosmetics are not subject to approval or testing by the FDA before entering the marketplace.

While the FDA does collect samples to examine and analyze and inspect manufacturing plants and imports, products that cause consumers adverse reactions are only followed-up based on complaints. In addition, according to the FDA, manufacturers are encouraged, but not required to register their cosmetic establishments, file data on ingredients, or report cosmetic-related injuries to the FDA. Harmful ingredients such as mercury, nitrosamines, DEA and other toxins are often used in the manufacturing process of skin care products and are absorbed easily by the skin and can eventually spread through the body.

Eden Home carefully selects its products to be organic and pure from start to finish. The Eden Home “Leaf of Approval” ensures that product manufacturing processes and ingredients have been investigated so that customers can purchase with peace of mind. Eden Home’s new skincare line helps achieve beautiful skin with peace of mind, knowing that only the finest and purest ingredients will be used.

To learn more, please visit www.EdenHome.com.

5 Anti Aging Skin Care Tips For Under $5

I n an age where words and phrases like ‘recession’, ‘cutting back’ and ‘declining stock market’, a girl has to be out looking for bargains. That’s why you’ll love these 5 anti aging skin care tips that can be had on the cheap.

As reported by makeup artist Mickey Williams for ABC news, here are her 5 Anti-Aging tips for Under $5

Tip #1: Raid your pantry. People underestimate the aging power of stained teeth. Many teeth whitening products are available, but nothing is more affordable and effortless in restoring your pearly whites than baking soda. Simply mix baking soda with water to make a paste and brush onto your teeth.
Tip #2: Give some lip service. A slip from the lips isn’t the only thing that can reveal age. Fine lines and wrinkles on lips add years to the face. Keep lips looking young by moisturizing them daily with lip balm containing SPF-15 sun protection. Also consider looking for an anti-aging lip product, such as Blistex Deep Renewal, that offers hyaluronic acid to improve skin condition and give lips a fuller appearance and Coenzyme Q-10 for moisturization and overall revitalization.
Tip #3: Lighten up. White eyeliner eliminates the red rim that creates a tired and aged look. Gently apply a white or beige liner to the inner rim of eyes for an immediate pick-me-up and eye brightener.
Tip #4: Tame the tweezing. Not only are fuller, thicker eyebrows all the rage this season, they also push the rewind button on an overall look. If brows are over-tweezed or thin by nature, use a light blonde or taupe pencil regardless of your skin color to create an illusion of a light shadow for a more natural look.
Tip #5: Use concealer correctly. Using a lightweight concealer as a spot corrector is one of the best ways to hide bags and discoloration and ultimately erase years from your appearance.

Read the full article here.

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Glycolic Acid and Skin

G lycolic acid is an ingredient widely used in skin care products. It may be found in a range of products including cleansers, toners, serums, creams and lotions.

Glycolic acid belongs to a class of compounds known as alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs). It is derived from fruits including sugar cane, pineapple and sugar beets. Glycolic acid penetrates skin very well, which is one of the reasons why it’s use is so widespread. It may be used as an ingredient in chemical peels, at concentrations between 20 to 80% or in serums, lotions and creams in concentrations up to 10%.

Benefits of Glycolic Acid

The benefits of glycolic acid may be attributed to its exfoliating action which helps to improve skin tone and texture by helping to ‘unglue’ the lipids that hold skin cells together, thereby removing dead skin cells to reveal those that are newer and healthier residing below. In addition, glycolic acid has been shown to help stimulate collagen production, giving it benefit in anti aging skin care formulations.

Skin care products with glycolic acid are useful for aging skin. Fine lines, age spots and dry skin can all improve with the use of glycolic acid.