Dec
24
Understanding Skin Aging
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Tightness, fine lines, itching, and flaking. If you want to avoid these symptoms of dry skin and aging, the time to act is now.
What Makes Skin Dry as We Age?
Fewer natural oils, sun damage, and decreased cell renewal all can lead to dry, rougher skin as we get older, says Sonia Badreshie-Bansal, MD, a dermatologist practicing in California.
Loss of hormones can also lead to drier skin as we age, says Carolyn Jacob, MD, a Chicago dermatologist. “The skin doesn’t produce as much natural moisturizing factor as it used to, and the top layers of skin become dry.”
So what can you do today, to help keep skin supple tomorrow? Here are tips from top dermatologists.
Smooth on the Sunblock to Prevent Dry, Aged Skin
Sun damage is the major cause of unwanted changes to the skin as we age, says the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD).
Reflection of the sun’s rays can be as intense in winter as in summer. The damage those UVA and UVB rays cause not only speeds up the skin’s aging process, it can also lead to spider veins, age spots, wrinkles, and melanomas.
To protect your skin every day and all year, use a sunscreen containing a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or greater, suggests Leslie Baumann, MD, director of the Cosmetic Medicine and Research Institute at the University of Miami. Reach for a broad-spectrum sunblock — one that protects against UVA and UVB rays. Be sure to reapply generously and often, at least every two hours you’re outside.
And don’t forget your lips, says the AAD. “Lips get sunburned too, so apply a lip balm that contains sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher.”
Finally, stay out of the sun when it’s at its most intense, which is usually between about 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
To Prevent Dry, Aged Skin, Vitamin A Is Vital
Vitamin A is another weapon in your fight against prematurely aging.
To help keep skin looking its best, “a vitamin A cream is very important,” says Badreshie-Bansal. That’s because creams enhanced with vitamin A can help prevent wrinkles and pigmentation, Badreshie-Bansal says.
Florida dermatologist Andrea Lynn Cambio, MD, FAAD agrees. She considers vitamin A derivatives like retinoids the most important nutrient in maintaining smooth, healthy skin.
Chemically related to vitamin A, retinoids such as retinol, Atralin, Differin, Retin A, and Tazarac slow down collagen breakdown, says Jacob. Collagen, along with elastin, is a fibrous protein vital in keeping skin firm, elastic, and youthful-looking.
“Adding a topical retinoid (over the counter or by prescription) is a great way to undo some sun damage, fine lines and wrinkles, and give a brighter, healthier glow,” Cambio tells WebMD.
You can also give your diet a vitamin A boost by eating foods such as low-fat milk and cheese, eggs, leafy greens, oranges, carrots, and cantaloupe.
To Prevent Dry, Aged Skin, Amp Up the Antioxidants and Healthy Oils
Antioxidants are important to great skin because they slow down — and may prevent — the harm done to your body by free radicals. Free radical damage is one reason behind signs of aging, like wrinkles and dry skin.
Some powerhouse antioxidants that can help skin stay healthy include vitamins C and E, selenium, and coenzyme Q10 (also called CoQ10).
You can find antioxidants in all kinds of good foods, including produce such as tangerines, sweet potatoes, papayas, peppers, citrus fruits, cherries, spinach, olives, and grapes, as well as through light canned tuna in oil, cooked beef, whole wheat pasta, green tea, and sardines.
To replenish your skin’s natural protective oils, be sure to get essential fatty acids like omega-3s and omega-6s in your diet. A few foods packed with essential fatty acids include olive and canola oils, salmon, mackerel, walnuts, and flax. These essential fatty acids encourage smoother skin and may help clear blemishes.
When looking for antioxidants in skin care creams, reach for products with green tea, caffeine, and grape seed extract, suggests Baumann, author of The Skin Type Solution. The AAD suggests adding antioxidant-enriched sunscreens to your arsenal too, because antioxidants also have sun-protection properties.
To Prevent Dry, Aged Skin, Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize
To decrease the look of fine lines and wrinkles, you want to moisturize skin well.
Jacob gives a thumbs up to moisturizers with glycolic acid, but you don’t need to get too stuck on specific types of moisturizers. Many products help trap in moisture and keep skin supple. Petroleum jelly, mineral oil, aloe vera, and glycerin can do the job.
For best results, apply your preferred lotion, cream, or ointment two or three minutes after bathing. First pat skin dry with a towel (don’t rub), then smooth on your moisturizer.
Beware: Moisturizers often contain chemicals meant to help your skin hold water, such as urea, alpha-hydroxy acids, lactic acid, or ammonium lactate, says the AAD. Some of these can cause irritation. Talk to a dermatologist before buying creams with these chemicals if you already have troubled skin.
To Prevent Dry, Aged Skin: Get Smart About How You Clean
The bad news: Long, hot showers should be a thing of the past if you’re eager to discourage dry skin.
The good news: Shorter, warm showers don’t strip your skin of its natural oil barrier like piping hot showers do. Your body can retain more of the moisture your skin needs to look smooth and fresh.
Also, to maintain your skin’s vital oil barrier, wash with non-scented, soap-free cleansers. Lather only the spots that really need cleansing, such as the armpits, groin, face, and back. A simple water-wash is all you usually need for the rest of your body.
Finally, be careful with exfoliants, which can irritate dry skin, says Badreshie-Bansal. Though they can help remove dead skin cells, exfoliants should be used sparingly if your skin is dry or during winter months.When you do exfoliate, Jacob recommends exfoliating moisturizers.
Whole-Body Benefits of Dry Skin Care
Taking good care of your skin has a great side benefit: It usually means you’re taking great care of the rest of your body, too.
Wearing sunscreen and eating a balanced diet rich in natural antioxidants and essential fatty acids will help you stay strong, healthy, and looking good.
Taken from WebMD
Dec
21
Skin Food: Dry Skin Solutions
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Is the Winter dryness wearing your skin down? Here’s a must watch from WebMD TV! Healthy Skin Food Facts: Combating Dry Skin.
Dec
17
Are Natural Skin Care Products Better?
Filed Under Aesthetic medicine, Beauty Tips, Skincare | 1 Comment
Pomegranates. Green tea. Mushrooms. They taste great, and scientific studies have shown that they may have powerful health benefits as foods. Now, many cosmetics companies are touting these same ingredients in their natural skin care products.
But drinking green tea is one thing, putting it on your skin another. Do these botanically based potions, often labeled “natural,” “green,” or “organic,” live up to the hype?
“The marketing is still ahead of the science for the most part, but there is enough published work to convince me that the antioxidant botanicals will be the next big thing in skin care,” says Richard Baxter, MD, faculty member at the University of Washington School of Medicine and chief medical officer of Calidora Skin Clinics.
Leslie S. Baumann, MD, an expert in the area of cosmetic ingredients, agrees that there is little proof behind most marketing claims for natural skin care products. She is the director of cosmetic dermatology at the Miller School of Medicine at the University of Miami, the first university-run cosmetic research center in the United States. If you want to try natural skin care products, Baumann recommends zeroing in on a specific concern and match the ingredient to it. Here are some botanicals she suggests:
- Argan oil, derived from the fruit of a tree that grows in Morocco, has been dubbed “liquid gold.” The vitamin E-rich oil can be found in a Kiehl’s body lotion. Baumann says Argan oil may improve skin ailments such as eczema, psoriasis,wrinkles, and dry skin. She also recommends olive, safflower, walnut, avocado, and evening primrose oils for dry skin.
- Soy can help prevent pigmentation, Baumann says. “Active soy” in Aveeno Positively Radiant and Neutrogena products has been altered in the laboratory for greater effectiveness. Licorice, mulberry, and burberry extracts, along with Vitamin C from citrus fruits — grapefruit, lime, lemon, and orange — can also fade brown spots, Baumann says. Look for products from L’Oreal, La Roche Posay, and Skinceuticals.
- Maitake mushrooms, found in Origins’ Plantidote, may help people with sensitive skin who suffer from rosacea and redness, she says. Chamomile, oatmeal, aloe vera, licorice, and cucumber extracts all have soothing properties; check out Jurlique products. Feverfew, a member of the sunflower family, also has calming properties. It’s an ingredient in Aveeno’s Ultra-Calming line.
- Rhodiola (or rhodeola), known as golden root, is native to the high Himalayas. In a recent study of people with sensitive skin, those treated with rhodiola extract reported improved skin sensation and less skin dryness. Origins’ Youthtopia skin-firming lotion contains extracts.
- CoffeeBerry is harvested from the coffee cherry, the outer, fleshy casing of the coffee bean. It is said to possess antioxidant activity greater than pomegranates, berries, and green teas. In studies sponsored by Stiefel Laboratories, which owns the proprietory name, CoffeeBerry treatment improved the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and pigmentation. Look for the Revaleskin brand.
- Resveratrol, a polyphenol from wine and grape skins, serves as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Animal studies suggest that resveratrol applied to the skin may help protect against harmful UV damage. The Caudalie line contains resveratrol.
- Green tea is rich in antioxidants, especially one that may curb UV skin damage, some studies have shown. Pomegranate products may also help protect against UV skin damage, according to other research.
- White tea is unfermented and uncured; only the young tips are used.Origins has a line called A Perfect World featuring white tea. In an industry-sponsored study, white tea extract was also shown to limit sunlight-incurred damage in human skin.
Keep in mind as you try these natural skin care remedies that many of them may not contain enough of the ingredient to make a difference.
“A drop of an extract in a two-ounce product is most likely not enough. Unfortunately, products containing only such ‘trace amounts’ of active ingredients for marketing purposes are still the majority on the market,” says Thomas Bombeli, MD, a Seattle-based member of the International Society of Dermatology and founder of the Shenui, Inc., a line of cosmeceuticals.
Also remember that labels such as “green” and “natural” are marketing labels that are not regulated by the government. And just because something says it’s natural doesn’t mean it works better than synthetic products. Some natural skin care products can actually aggravate skin conditions, Baumann says.
“Many natural essential oils such as rosemary, bergamot, and peppermint can irritate or inflame sensitive skin,” Baumann says. “Coconut oil, a popular natural ingredient, can cause acne.”
Although many natural skin care products make anti-aging promises, experts say these products are probably better at preventing aging than improving existing signs of aging. If you want to treat the wrinkles you already have, you may have to turn to synthetic products.
“Antioxidants can prevent future wrinkles, but they can’t treat existing wrinkles,” Bauman says. “If you want to restore youthfulness, retinoids and vitamin A products derived from red and orange fruits made in the lab are what you need. They work better than if you just put carrots on your skin.”
Nov
16
Lifting the lid on wrinkle reversal
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Expensive or cheap, the price of the cream you slap around your eyes to iron out those wrinkles makes no difference to the final outcome, consumer watchdogs have discovered.The Consumer Council also said one of the best ways to put wrinkles into reverse is to eat well, sleep well and drink plenty of green tea.
Separately, a dermatologist suggested Botox or laser treatment might be the way to go.
The council and International Consumer Research and Testing carried out tests on eight popular anti-wrinkle eye cream products sold in Hong Kong and overseas.
They found Nivea Visage anti-wrinkle Q10 Plus eye cream and Olay total effect 7-in-1 eye transforming cream, which cost HK$159 per 15 milliliters and HK$150 per 14 grams, respectively, are two of the three top performers.
Another top performer is the much more expensive Dr Brandt Lineless Eye Cream, which sells at HK$650 per 15 grams.
These three are more effective than the luxury brands – Clinique Repairwear Intensive Eye Cream (HK$320 per 15ml), StriVectin-SD Eye Cream (HK$695 per 38.45ml), Clarins Advance Extra-Firming Eye Contour Cream (HK$440 per 20ml) and NV Perricone MD cosmeceuticals Advanced Eye Area Therapy (HK$1,300 per 15ml).
The test for each product involved groups of nine to 11 users aged between 35 and 65. Over a period of six weeks, panelists observed the differences using high-definition photos.
RoC Retinol Correxion Eye Cream from France, at HK$360 per 15ml, was the poorest performer in the trials.
The council admitted there are only a few sure ways to minimize wrinkles, such as wearing sunglasses, wearing a hat or carrying an umbrella, applying sunscreen to the face and eye areas, avoiding smoking, having plenty of rest and eating a balanced diet.
However, dermatologist Henry Chan Hin- lee said there are no established studies to show creams can reduce eye wrinkles despite claims by manufacturers.
According to Chan, the most effective way to reduce wrinkles is using medical knowhow and technology such as Botox injections and lasers.
Chan said wrinkles are the result of aging and harm caused by ultraviolet rays and smoking.
He added eating more anti-oxidant foods rich in vitamin C, such as oranges, and drinking green tea could help.
Article from Aesthetic Medicine News
Patsy Moy and Beatrice Siu
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Nov
16
How to Get “Perfect” Skin
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Dr. Ellen Marmur, chief of dermatology at Mt. Sinai Medical Center and author of “Simple Skin Beauty” and Cynde Watson, a celebrity makeup expert, shared tips on how to achieve — or fake — flawless skin.
What is perfect skin, exactly?
According to Marmur, perfect skin is young, clear, radiant skin at any age. Perfect skin, she said, is free of sun spots and blemishes. She added “perfect skin” could also be defined as perfectly lined with years of smiling.
“Perfect skin makes you feel beautiful,” Marmur said.
Marmur says perfect skin is achievable by anyone. Marmur said her mantra for gorgeous skin is, “Protect, enhance and troubleshoot.”
“You can do that for 100 bucks a year,” she said. “That’s less than 50 cents a day. My philosophy is you don’t have to be rich or high-maintenance to have beautiful skin.”
If you spend the most time on any one thing, Marmur said, you want to go heavy on the protection end.
“It might not be sexy, but it is true,” she said.
Protection, she said, means moisturizing and sun protection. Marmur recommended multi-tasking your products to simplify your life. Use moisturizers and make-ups with SPF, she said. Use lotions to remove make up, not soaps. Massage your skin with creamy exfoliator to smoothe, stimulate, and moisturize all at once, she said.
Marmur said the main thing that stops people from having “perfect skin” is overdoing skin care by ‘over-enhancing” and “over-troubleshooting.”
“Many women and men use too many products, like exfoliating way too much,” she said. “It’s best to keep it simple. I have patients who bring a big sack of potions to me, pour it out on the table, and cry ‘What am I supposed to do with this?’”
If you don’t understand the purpose of the potion, Marmur said, you should read the ingredients, and cross check with her book.
“(My book) will spell it out for you. If in doubt, don’t use that product until you know exactly how it fits in with your routine,” she said. “If anything stings or turns your skin red and flaky, it’s not for you.”
She said the exception is “the retinoid family.” Marmur’s recommendation is to ask your dermatologist for tips.
Marmur said lasers are also another way people are striving to achieve “perfect skin.”
Fractional laser resurfacing, she said, is one of the latest lasers used to help in anti-aging. She said the laser works with aging prevention and building collagen, as well as resurfacing, exfoliating, and firming skin.
The downside to lasers, Marmur said, are that they can be expensive and “are a bit painful.”
“In the old days, dermatologists would give deep chemical peels, like the Samantha peel in ‘Sex in the City,’ or carbon dioxide resurfacing, which totally ablates the skin leaving red, raw skin for weeks, sometimes months,” Marmur explained. “The side effect profile was significant, like infections or white discoloration of the skin, plus people are too busy now to hide for a few weeks to heal. The fractional laser resurfaces a fraction of the skin at a time. So what was once one or two treatments, but intense, is now four to six treatments but much more manageable.”
Marmur said the laser drills thousands of tiny microscopic pinholes into the skin in a pegboard pattern. These columns of sun damaged skin — the deep collagen and elastic that dissolve with sun damage and are the filler and tightness of the skin, plus the epidermis which is the color and complexion of the skin — get kicked out about three days after the laser treatment, making your skin feel sandy for a day or two. The normal surrounding skin, she said, heals the lasered microthermal zone, also known as a “column,” very quickly leaving new collagen, new elastin, and new epidermis.
“I’ve done this twice to my own skin and noticed a huge difference,” she said. “I am ready for my third.”
Marmur added that there are many other lasers available that are can fix many other specific issues, such as freckles or red spots. However, she added, fractional resurfacing is her favorite way to invest against future sagging and aging skin and to reverse sun damage.
Botox is a popular procedure, but a new treatment called Dysport, Marmur said, is also available. Both Botox and Dysport, she said, relax muscles using homeopathic doses of a toxin that temporarily blocks contraction.
Many people, she pointed out, confuse this with filler, which is only to fill wrinkles at rest or to add volume to the cheeks. Dysport, she said, relaxes dynamic wrinkles of expression.
People can have these relaxers placed in the frown lines between the eyes, the neck, the jaw to lift up the corners of the lip, and the eyebrows to give a lift of the upper eyelid.
“We’ve noticed something unexpected with Dysport,” Marmur said. “It seems to change the complexion of the skin too. My patients are ecstatic saying, ‘You’ve given me back my look.’”
Celebrity makeup expert Cynde Watson also appeared on “The Early Show” with ways to fake that perfect skin.
“Believe me,” Watson said, “these celebs that are gracing magazines and red carpets do not all have perfect skin.”
But how can you get the appearance of flawless skin?
Watson shared these four steps:
STEP 1
The first thing Watson said she likes to do is apply a base of foundation before she begins correcting the skin.
“You need a base of something to adhere the corrective makeup to,” she said.
Watson pointed out the difference between a corrector and a concealer. She said a corrector is a concealer with a peachy/pink hue.
She said, “The peachy/pink color helps contrast the blue, green, purple or ruddy tones on the skin common in dark circles, hyperpigmentation/pregnancy mask, age spots/sun spots, acne scars and ruddy/red patches on the skin.”
STEP 2
Using a small concealer brush apply light strokes then tap a corrector directly on the discolored area of your face to balance out your skin tone and avoid making the blemish appear more obvious, Watson said.
Watson said, first apply corrector in discolored areas then layer your foundation or a concealer in the shade of your foundation over the top of the corrector until desired coverage is achieved.
Step 3
Apply a translucent finishing powder to set makeup. It’s important to use a translucent powder because it is invisible and won’t change the shade of your makeup. If you set your makeup with your regular face powder, Watson said, the areas that you used corrector will appear darker.
Step 4
To keep your makeup from melting or disappearing during the day, Watson recommended spritzing on a makeup finishing spray.
CBS Early Show, NEW YORK, Nov. 16, 2009http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/11/16/earlyshow/living/beauty/main5667668.shtml
Aug
10
Bizarre Beauty: Animals In My Pot!
Filed Under Aesthetic medicine, Beauty, Beauty Products, Health, Skincare | Leave a Comment
With the rapid progress in science and technology, the beauty industry has tapped into it as well. The latest buzz is the use of non-traditional sources of ingredients for enhancement of beauty and to turn back the hands of time! Here’s a few of the weird and wonderful ingredients and products that are now available for commercial use.
SNAKE VENOM
The slithering snake’s poison does not seem a likely candidate for delicate skincare. However, snake venom is actually a complex mix rich in pepides, proteins, toxins and enzymes. It inhibits a nerve transmission enzyme- anticholinesterase- thus blocking nerve signals to the facial muscles to contract. The result? Its action is similar to Botox, causing muscle relaxation and smoothens out wrinkles.
Although in nature snake venom attacks normal healthy cells and causes excessive salivation, tearing, and paralysis and eventual death, the products that we get containing snake venom are actually synthetic versions of the real thing (*phew*). Called Syn-Ake, the proteins, peptides, and enzymes are mimicked to produce a much gentler effect on the skin, while avoiding the deadly consequences of the snake venom toxins. Gwyneth Paltrow is known to use snake spit to keep her youthful looking skin.
Syn-Ake is manufactured by Pentapharm, and its own research comparing a Syn-Ake infused cream against a placebo showed 67% of the participants using the cream reported a decrease in muscle contraction, and wrinkle size was reduced by 52%. Read more on Pentapharm’s press release on Syn-Ake HERE.
If you’re interested, here are some products containing snake venom:
Sonya Dakar’s Ultraluxe 9 Age Control Complex
Planet Skincare Anti-Ageing Skincare Technology
Syence Skin Venom Memory Cream
PLACENTA
As gut wrenching it may be to imagine bloody placenta tissue on your face, placenta has been used since ancient times by Eastern cultures as in ingredient in both medicine and health products. The placenta functions to nourish the unborn fetus by supplying oxygen, nutrients and blood supply, and post delivery of the infant, the placenta has been utilized in various products for its regenerative properties. Famous beauties regularly applying placenta directly onto their faces? Cleopatra and Marie Antoinette!
Nowadays, placental tissue are mostly extracted from animals, and the high concentration of nutrients, collagen, enzymes and amino acids offer anti aging properties. Celebrity endorsement? Jennifer Lopez uses placental products!
Interested? Find placenta in
EMK Placental Anti Aging Serum
SNAIL SECRETIONS
Slimey snail secretions are not quite what you’d like mixed into your face cream, but the secretions are rich in a substance called calcite which, while snails use to repair their shells, is said to improve the texture of skin as well as help reduce scars.
Scientific analysis of the complex compound shows it is loaded with antioxidants & anti-inflammatories, immune modulators, proteins & peptides, enzymes & co-enzymes, cell-communicating and bio-available ingredients that act in concert and are biologically compatible with living cells. The serum is a complex compound that glycobiology scientists have identified as powerful biological glycoprotein enzymes, copper peptides and co-enzymes, proteoglycans, and glycosaminoglycans. It triggers cell turnover, dissolves or “digests” denatured, damaged and dying cells and releases their amino-acids and other components for the rebuilding of healthy molecules to replace blemished cells, enhances skin’s recovery capabilities, is antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, repairs and regenerates damaged and sunburn skin cells, promotes the proliferation of the water holding glyco molecules within the skin and enhances the capability of skin to secrete antimicrobials and control microbes, including those that proliferate in acne inflammatory lesions.
SPERMINE
Yeps, you read it right. Spermine, a powerful anti-oxidant, was originally recovered from sperm. Spermine is a polyamine present in many cells, tissues and organs, and plays an essential role in DNA systhesis and stability. Its anti-oxidant properties allows it to function as a free radical scavanger, and is a powerful anti-oxidant when applied to the skin.
According to Scandinavian manufacturer Skinscience, their research showed that their product was able to increase collagen production by 4 times, is 30 times stronger than Vitamin E, slowed aging by 25%, strengthened the skin’s barrier function and stimulated the glow and vitality of the skin.
Skinscience Anti-Aging Normal Cream
FROG SKIN
Just when you thought it was the end of the list, here’s one last food for thought. Scientists have successfully extracted a protein from the skin of the bullfrog, which is high in anti-oxidant properties and incredibly effective fighting free radicles. According to their study, when the peptide was added to a wall of human cells, it reduced the effects of oxidization by up to 73%! The peptide is also water soluble, which means it is possible to use it beauty products! So its worth keeping an eye out for it when it appears on the anti-aging market!
Move over vitamin E capsules… The animal revolution has started!
Jul
29
The Perricone MD Sample Sale on Gilt Groupe has started!
Dr. Nicholas Perricone, MD, FACN, is a board certified clinical and research dermatologist. After years of research Dr. Perricone arrived at the conclusion that cellular inflammation may be the underlying cause of wrinkles. According to Dr. Perricone, this inflammation is not the redness that is visible to the naked eye but rather microscopic irritation that takes place in your cells leading to cellular damage. He believes that this inflammation is responsible for skin-related problems like breakouts, wrinkles, and loss of firmness. His holistic approach to aging treats aging related inflammation in three ways: through diet, nutriceutical supplements, and his award-winning line of skin care products and cosmeceuticals. Through his program this type of inflammation can be stopped, which slows down the skin’s aging process and even reverses existing damage. The effects of this program are not only visible externally but will enhance your life with better overall health and increased energy.
He is the author of the three New York Times # 1 Best Sellers, The Perricone Promise (Warner Books 2004), The Perricone Prescription (HarperCollins 2002), and The Wrinkle Cure (Warner Books 1998) as well as the New York Times best seller, The Perricone Weight Loss Diet (Random House 2005). His most recent books are Dr. Perricone’s 7 Secrets to Beauty, Health and Longevity (Random House 2006), and Ageless Face, Ageless Mind (Ballantine 2007).
Products from Perricone MD that are on Gilt Groupe at fantastic prices (normal retail prices in brackets):
- Intensive Moisture Therapy $56 ($125)
- Cleanse and Tone Duo $32 ($76)
- Firming Neck Therapy $42 ($95)
- Ceramic Eye Smoother $22 ($50)
- Face Finishing Moisturizer $28 ($65)
- Hand Lipid Replenishment $22 ($50)
- Advanced Face Firming Activator $54 ($120)
- Men’s Duo $54 ($120)
- Amine Complex Face Lift $45 ($100)
- Hydrating Nutrient Mask $28 ($65)
- Neuropeptide Firming Moisturizer $110 ($280)
- Nutrient Fortifier $40 ($90)
The sale for Perricone MD Cosmetceuticals on Gilt Groupe has started, so check it out asap to avoid missing out on your favourite product!
Gilt Groupe provides invitation-only access, to men’s and women’s coveted fashion and luxury brands at prices up to 70% off retail. Each sale lasts only online for 36 hours and many items sell out quickly, so check it out before it’s too late! If you’re not a member yet, you can do so via my personal invitation link, just click here to join and get started on shopping!
Just to give you an idea of other great stuff they have on sale currently:
- Rachel Roy
- Inhabit
- Carlos Falchi
- Gara Danielle and Rosena Sammi
- Shirt by Shirt
- Helmut Lang
- Warren Tricomi
- Casadei
- Lee Angel
- Kiki de Montparnasse
- Just Cavalli, J. Lindeberg
- John Varvatos
What are you still waiting for? Check out Gilt Groupe today!
Jul
27
Erasing Tyre Tracks: What Can Be Done For Stretch Marks?
Filed Under Aesthetic medicine, Beauty, Skincare | Leave a Comment
A friend of mine just got pregnant, and inevitably we got into discussing the topic of pregnancy stretch marks. Every mother-to-be has a fear of stretch marks, and one of the common questions I get asked is what can be done about those stretch marks, and what are the effective ways to cure stretchmarks.
WHAT CAUSES STRETCH MARKS
Stretch marks are, in truth, a form of scarring on the skin. The medical term for stretch marks is striae. It occurs when the area of skin undergoes a large amount of stretch over a short period of time, like in pregnancy, quick weight gain or extreme weight loss. The dermis stretches more than it can handle and tears, leaving behind an area of discoloured, thinned skin.
Fresh stretch marks tend to have a reddish or purplish hue. With time, they gradually fade to become whitish or silverish. The most commonly affected areas are the parts where more fat deposits are stored, like in the abdomen, breasts, arms, thighs, hips and buttocks. Stretch marks in pregnant women usually occurs in the 3rd trimester, when the baby is growing larger than the abdominal cavity and the skin gets stretched the most. Between 75%-90% of pregnant women get stretch marks. Other causes of stretch marks are rapid weight gain or weight loss, muscle building, puberty, hormonal inbalances and medical conditions such as Cushing’s Syndrome and medications.
Some of the risk factors for development of stretch marks during pregnancy are a younger age, family history of stretch marks in pregnancy, significant weight gain during pregnancy, higher pre-pregnancy Body-Mass Index (BMI), higher pregnancy BMI, larger birthweight and gestational age of baby, drinking alcohol and drinking less water during pregnancy. (Information sources from theJournal of the Medical Association of Thailand, American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, and the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology)
The most commonly affected regions of the body affected by the problem of stretch marks are the abdomen, thighs, breasts, upper arms and lower back. Stretch marks are not a health threat, but they do cause significant distress to many people who have them.
HOME REMEDIES
- Diet. Take foods that help give you healthy skin- fish, nuts, legumes, colourful vegetables, green leafy vegetables. They will also promote collagen formation and improve elasticity of the skin. Look for foods high in Vitamins A, C, and E (carrots, citrus fruits, green leafy vegetables), zinc (nuts and fish), protein rich foods (fish and eggs).
- Adequate hydration
- Reduce caffeine consumption- caffeine is a diuretic, which dehydrates the skin and reduces its elasticity and pliability, making stretch marks more prone to occur.
- Exercise. Firm skin makes stretch marks less apparent. And it helps to keep your weight steady, which will help as excess weight gain will exacerbate the stretch marks.
COSMECEUTICALS
- Stretch mark creams and lotions. There are many stretch mark creams around. Some popular ingredients in stretch mark creams are aloe vera, cocoa butter, dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE), glycolic acid, palmitoyl oligopeptide, palmitoyl pentapeptide-3, retinyl palmitate, and shea butter.
Some popular stretch mark creams are
Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Stretch Mark Cream
Revitol Stretch Mark Prevention
The current evidence for effectiveness of stretch mark creams is weak and anecdotal. Studies performed on stretch mark creams show equivocal results and there is no evidence of definite consistency of stretch mark reduction between users. However, they may benefit some users, and even though it is unlikely that the stretch marks will disappear, stretch mark creams may be able to lighten and reduce the amount of stretch marks present.
The best time to start applying stretch mark creams in pregnancy is as soon as you find out you’re pregnant! The frequent massaging, moisturising and effects of the ingredients in the creams will take some time to manifest, and so you’d ideally want to start as early in the pregnancy as possible. Once stretch marks appear, it is hard to eliminate, so prevention is the best cure.
WHAT YOUR DOCTOR CAN DO
- Chemical peels- more beneficial for fresh and superficial striae.
- Dermabrasion- Reduces appearance of stretch marks by aiming to even out the skin. More effective for smaller stretch marks. It may require a series of a dozen dermabrasion treatments spaced two to three weeks apart, but its best to discuss with your doctor how many sessions is beneficial.
- Laser Treatment- More effective for fresh stretch reddish marks, less effective for old silver stretch marks.
- Tummy Tuck Surgery- removes stretch marks and loose skin in the abdominal area.
Stretch marks are a common problem that can affect many individuals, and are a concern for many females. Having healthy skin is important in limiting the appearance of stretch marks. Stretch mark creams may benefit, but should be started as early as possible, and have better results on fresh stretch marks over older ones. Cosmetic treatments are also more effective for newly appearing stretch marks.
Jul
23
Korres Skincare Sale on HauteLook
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The Korres Skincare Sample Sale on HauteLook has started!
Established in 1996, out of Greece’s oldest homeopathic pharmacy, KORRES today offers advanced natural formulations that deliver maximum results. The active natural extracts used in the formulas ensure enhanced product performance, bringing you clinically proven, advanced skincare benefits, while also avoiding harmful synthetic compounds, to ensure maximum skin compatibility and environmentally- conscious products.
Korres is committed to continuously developing products using technology and research in more environment-friendly and skin-compatible ways. They avoid the use of specific synthetic compounds, replacing them with naturally derived ingredients, such as vegetable oils and amino-acids that have nourishing properties and are friendly to the skin.
Products from Korres that are on HauteLook at fantastic prices (prices in brackets indicate the usual retail price):
- Best of Korres $12.50 ($25)
- Party Survival Kit $14.50 ($29)
- New Holiday In Greece $16.50 ($33.50)
- Littles Travel Set $12 ($24)
- Honey Kit $27 ($54)
- Body Butter Trio in Pouch $12.25 ($24.50)
- Bosy Butters Trio Box $12.25 ($24.50)
- Guava Gift Set Guava Shower $14.50 ($29)
- Guava Gift Set 2pc Box $14.50 ($29)
- Guava Gift Set 3 Pc $17 ($34)
- Summer Cocktails Collection $6 ($12)
- Quince Body Butter $10.50 ($21)
- Yoghurt Body Butter $10.50 ($21)
- Fig Body Butter $10.50 ($21)
- Vanilla Plum Body Butter $10.50 ($21)
- Quince Body Butter $4.25 ($8.50)
- Fig Body Buter $4.25 ($8.50)
- Citrus Showergel $10 ($20)
- Citrus Showergel $6.50 ($13)
- Mint Tea Showergel $6.50 ($13)
- Cedar Showergel $6.50 ($13)
- Bitter Almond Showergel $6.50 ($13)
- Vanilla Cinnamon Showerget $6.50 ($13)
- Nutmeg Showergel $6.50 ($13)
- Fig Showergel $6.50 ($13)
- Juniper and Rum Showergel $6.50 ($13)
- Vanilla Plum Showergel $6.50 ($13)
- Basil Lemon Body Milk $7.50 ($15)
- Cedar Body Milk $7.50 ($15)
- Jasmine Body Milk $7.50 ($15)
- Sugarcrystal Multivitamin Antioxidant Treatment $19.75 ($39.50)
- Wild Rose Imperfection Targeting Oil $12.50 ($25)
- Eyebright Firming Eye Cream $19.25 ($38.50)
- Yellow Hibiscus Ultra Concenrated Eye Serum $19.25 ($38.50)
- Olive and Rye Night Cream $19.50 ($39)
- Thyme Honey Mask $13.50 ($27)
- Black Tea and Verbena Anti Cellulite Cream $22.50(45)
- Rice Proteins Shampoo $9 ($18)
- Sage Shampoo $9 ($18)
- Aloe and Soapwort Shampoo $11 ($22)
- Achillea Conditioner $9.50 ($19)
- Acacia Milk Conditioner $9 ($19)
- Silk Milk Conditioner $9.50 ($19)
- Rice Proteins Hair Tip Serum for Split Ends $11.50 ($23)
- Lime Styling Gel $7.50 ($15)
- Green Silt Hair Scrub $15 ($30)
The sale for Korres Skincare on HauteLook has started, so check it out asap to avoid missing out on your favourite product!
HauteLook is a private, member’s only club that organizes 24-48 hours online sales of premium brands. HauteLook sells premium brands for 50-75% off of retail prices. HauteLook is free to join and there are no commitments or charges for being a member. As a member, HauteLook will send you an e-mail every morning to announce the brand(s) on sale that day. If you’re interested, you can click through the e-mail and shop. If you’re not interested, simply ignore the e-mail.
To join HauteLook, click here to get to their website, then go to “Sign Up,” enter your name, zip code, e-mail address and choose a password. After you click “Submit” you’re immediately registered and can start shopping right away!
Just to give you an idea of other great stuff they have on sale currently:
- Cardigan
- Tova
- Herve Leger
- Current Elliott
- Erickson Beamon
- Robin
- Freeze 247
- Breville
And coming up soon
- Splits 59
- Lavina G
- Beyond Yoga
- Delman
- Zoe Chicco
- Designer Home Sale
- Reed & Barton
- Pink Chicken New York
- Patricia Rothman Dream Baby and Kids
- Rebelette
What are you still waiting for? Check out HauteLook today!
Jul
21
Freeze 247 Sale On HauteLook
Filed Under Beauty Products, Skincare | Leave a Comment
The Freeze247 Skincare Sample Sale on HauteLook has started!
Freeze 24-7™ products are specially formulated to PREVENT + TREAT the common signs of aging including fine lines and wrinkles, crow’s feet, lip lines, forehead creases and dull skin. Clinical research carried out by the brand found that the Freeze 24-7™ Instant Targeted Wrinkle Treatment can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by 50-90%.
Their premium collection of Age-Less Skincare products is focused on cutting edge, anti-aging innovation, using the world’s most advanced technologies for today’s dynamic lifestyles. Whether your concern is treating aging skin to retain your youthful appearance or preventing the aging process, Freeze 24-7™ can help you achieve healthy and youthful looking skin quickly and effectively.
Products from Freeze 247 that are on HauteLook at fantastic prices:
- Instant Targeted Wrinkle Treatment $57 (UP$95)
- Skin Glace Detoxifying Cleanser and Mask $32.50 (UP$65)
- IceCrystals Anti Aging Prep and Polish $32.50 (UP$65)
- Ice Cream Double Scoop Intensive Anti Aging Moisturizer $52.50 (UP$105)
- Eyecing Fatigue Fighting Eye Cream $57.50 (UP$115)
- Freeze 247 & Go Instant Smoother And Brighter $32.50 (UP$65)
- Plumplips Lip Plumper in Windchill $15 (UP$42.50)
- Plumplips Lip Plumper in Brr… Berry $15 (UP$42.50)
- Plumplips Lip Plumper in FirstFrost $15 (UP$42.50)
- Daily Essentials Kit $75 (UP$150)
- Miracle Kit $75 (UP$150)
The sale for Freeze Skincare on HauteLook has started, so check it out asap to avoid missing out on your favourite product!
HauteLook is a private, member’s only club that organizes 24-48 hours online sales of premium brands. HauteLook sells premium brands for 50-75% off of retail prices. HauteLook is free to join and there are no commitments or charges for being a member. As a member, HauteLook will send you an e-mail every morning to announce the brand(s) on sale that day. If you’re interested, you can click through the e-mail and shop. If you’re not interested, simply ignore the e-mail.
To join HauteLook, click here to get to their website, then go to “Sign Up,” enter your name, zip code, e-mail address and choose a password. After you click “Submit” you’re immediately registered and can start shopping right away!
Just to give you an idea of other great stuff they have on sale currently:
- Bvlgari Watches
- TenThousand Things
- Freeze 247
- Sheri Bodell
- Danang
- MOR
- Joseph Abboud
And coming up soon
- Herve Leger
- Current Elliott
- Erickson Beamon
- Robin
- Breville
- Korres
- Cardigan
- Pink Chicken New York
- Patricia Rothman Dream Baby and Kids
What are you still waiting for? Check out HauteLook today!
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