ALL ABOUT MOISTURIZERS
Moisturizers are to hydrate the skin. They increase the water content of the skin, giving it a smooth appearance. They also provide a barrier against the Trans-epidermal i.e. loss of water from the surface of the skin. Moisturizers contain special ingredients that help to replace the oils contained in the skin and prevent loss of moisture from the skin.
Now days there is a bombardment of a new marketing claim every other day either it be anti-aging, lifting etc etc and a new miracle ingredient that can take care of all of your skin problems is introduced almost every month, with so much of choices and marketing gimmicks out their in the skin care industry it sometimes becomes very difficult for a person to make a right product choice and at the same time that suits his/her needs.
While writing this I recall that old commercial of Olay for their oil of Olay beauty fluid that was “moisture (fly away) evaporates from skin just like it happens with apple but you are lucky that you can have oil of Olay that protects moisture of your skin"
Simple and a right message but know new ingredients have been introduced in a moisturizer to tackle various problems that skin suffers from as it aged as every one knows that prevention is better than cure.
Key Ingredient to look for in good anti-aging moisturizer are
Antioxidants
Topical antioxidants save cells from a significant amount of environmental damage, Antioxidants work their magic by turning free radicals—molecules that form in the body when you’re exposed to UV light and other environmental assault, stopping them from causing inflammation, DNA mutations, and collagen loss. That’s why adding a layer of topical antioxidants in the morning can help prevent wrinkles, spots, and maybe even skin cancer.
But with so many numbers of antioxidants being packed into more creams and serums than ever, choosing the right one can be really perplexing. Antioxidant is only effective in a high enough concentration and in a stable formulation.Jar packaging is a big no.Make sure that antioxidants should be listed in the begginning of the ingriedient list (as3,4,5 ingriedient )or at least some where in the middle ,to make sure that they are present in high enough concentration.
Top five antioxidants which are most researched and proven for their anti-aging action are:
VITAMIN A(RETINOL)
VITAMIN C(ASCORBIC ACID)
VITAMIN E (TOCOPHEROL)
GREEN TEA(Camellia sinensis)
POMEGRANATE
COFFEE BERRY
IDEBENONE
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
SUNSCREENS EXPOSED BY ENVIROMENTAL WORKIN GROUP
Sunscreens Exposed: 9 surprising truths
A latest report by enviromental working group.
Sunscreens prevent sunburns, but beyond that simple fact surprisingly little is known about the safety and efficacy of these ubiquitous creams and sprays. FDA’s failure to finalize its 1978 sunscreen safety standards both epitomizes and perpetuates this state of confusion. EWG’s review of the latest research unearthed troubling facts that might tempt you to give up on sunscreens altogether. That’s not the right answer – despite the unknowns about their efficacy, public health agencies still recommend using sunscreens, just not as your first line of defense against the sun. At EWG we use sunscreens, but we look for shade, wear protective clothing and avoid the noontime sun before we smear on the cream. Here are the surprising facts:
1. There’s no consensus on whether sunscreens prevent skin cancer.
The Food and Drug Administration’s 2007 draft sunscreen safety regulations say: “FDA is not aware of data demonstrating that sunscreen use alone helps prevent skin cancer” (FDA 2007). The International Agency for Research on Cancer agrees. IARC recommends clothing, hats and shade as primary barriers to UV radiation and writes that “sunscreens should not be the first choice for skin cancer prevention and should not be used as the sole agent for protection against the sun” (IARC 2001a). Read more.
A latest report by enviromental working group.
Sunscreens prevent sunburns, but beyond that simple fact surprisingly little is known about the safety and efficacy of these ubiquitous creams and sprays. FDA’s failure to finalize its 1978 sunscreen safety standards both epitomizes and perpetuates this state of confusion. EWG’s review of the latest research unearthed troubling facts that might tempt you to give up on sunscreens altogether. That’s not the right answer – despite the unknowns about their efficacy, public health agencies still recommend using sunscreens, just not as your first line of defense against the sun. At EWG we use sunscreens, but we look for shade, wear protective clothing and avoid the noontime sun before we smear on the cream. Here are the surprising facts:
1. There’s no consensus on whether sunscreens prevent skin cancer.
The Food and Drug Administration’s 2007 draft sunscreen safety regulations say: “FDA is not aware of data demonstrating that sunscreen use alone helps prevent skin cancer” (FDA 2007). The International Agency for Research on Cancer agrees. IARC recommends clothing, hats and shade as primary barriers to UV radiation and writes that “sunscreens should not be the first choice for skin cancer prevention and should not be used as the sole agent for protection against the sun” (IARC 2001a). Read more.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Ideal Anti-inflammatory Ingredients in skincare products and colour cosmetics
Ideal Anti-inflammatory Ingredients
Ingredients that are ideal for various aspects of the inflammation containment, recovery and prevention process include the following.
Look for any of the following key ingriedients in skincare products especially if you have sensitive skin.
Boerhavia diffusa root extract (red hogweed). This stops the production of proinflammatory agents and limits neurogenic inflammation by favoring the production of the anti-inflammatory neurohormone MSH in order to restore tissue integrity.
Helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed extract. This contains ceramides, which play an essential role in maintaining the integrity of the skin and ensuring the proper cohesion of skin cells, minimizing skin dehydration. It optimizes the skin’s protective properties.
Hydrolyzed algin. Derived from brown seaweed, this ingredient has antioxidant and film-forming properties that help with skin’s protective function.
Oenothera biennis (common evening primrose) oil. This is a skin nutrient high in gamma linoleic acid, and is a fatty acid that is also required for intact epidermal lipid bilayers.
Persea gratissima (avocado) sterols. This has lipid moisturizer functionality and is a rich source of natural plant phytosterols that help maintain the lipid barrier layer.
source:www.skininc.com
Ingredients that are ideal for various aspects of the inflammation containment, recovery and prevention process include the following.
Look for any of the following key ingriedients in skincare products especially if you have sensitive skin.
Boerhavia diffusa root extract (red hogweed). This stops the production of proinflammatory agents and limits neurogenic inflammation by favoring the production of the anti-inflammatory neurohormone MSH in order to restore tissue integrity.
Helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed extract. This contains ceramides, which play an essential role in maintaining the integrity of the skin and ensuring the proper cohesion of skin cells, minimizing skin dehydration. It optimizes the skin’s protective properties.
Hydrolyzed algin. Derived from brown seaweed, this ingredient has antioxidant and film-forming properties that help with skin’s protective function.
Oenothera biennis (common evening primrose) oil. This is a skin nutrient high in gamma linoleic acid, and is a fatty acid that is also required for intact epidermal lipid bilayers.
Persea gratissima (avocado) sterols. This has lipid moisturizer functionality and is a rich source of natural plant phytosterols that help maintain the lipid barrier layer.
source:www.skininc.com
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
shoppers guide to safe cosmetic's by enviromental working group
shoppers guide to safe cosmetic's by enviromental working group
List of toxic chemicals to avoid in skincare products which can cause allergies,cancer and can damage skin by enviromental working group.Make your own safe cosmetics guide which is easy to follow ,you can print it and take it with you every time you go to cosmetic counter.
With no required safety testing, cosmetics companies can use almost any chemical they want, regardless
of risks. Read labels before you buy.
Link to safe cosmetic's guide.
List of toxic chemicals to avoid in skincare products which can cause allergies,cancer and can damage skin by enviromental working group.Make your own safe cosmetics guide which is easy to follow ,you can print it and take it with you every time you go to cosmetic counter.
With no required safety testing, cosmetics companies can use almost any chemical they want, regardless
of risks. Read labels before you buy.
Link to safe cosmetic's guide.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Dermtv with Dr.Neal Schultz (latest live questions and answers session recording)
Dermtv with Dr.Neal Schultz (latest live questions and answers session recording)
Here is the link of his latest live questions and answers session recording.
Next DermTV Live! is Thurs, April 29th @ Noon EST.
Causes and treatment of Acne
Causes and treatment of Acne
Acne is an inflammatory disorder . Your skin contains millions of tiny pores. Within each pore is a gland called a sebaceous gland which is responsible for producing an oily substance called Sebum. You need Sebum because it keeps your skin moist by reducing the water loss from the surface of the skin when the pore becomes plugged with sebum (oil) and dead skin cells, Inside an oil gland a type of bacteria called Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) which is already present in the skin finds a perfect environment for growth which causes irritation and leads inflammation. That's why most blemishes are red and swollen ,white blood cells are produced in abundance and comes to rescue at site to fight bacteria. Inflammation sets in as dead bacteria and dead white blood cells accumulate (pus), and a blemish pops out.
Major contributing factors :
hormonal changes and imbalances: A group of hormones called androgens (male sex hormones) are key factors in the development of acne. Androgen levels increase in both males and females during puberty.
Overproduction of oil by the sebaceous (oil) gland:
Androgens are responsible for enlarging the sebaceous glands and increasing the production of sebum (oil). Surging hormonal levels also can cause acne breakouts in women 2 to 7 days before their menstrual period
Irregular or excessive shedding of dead skin cells: both on the surface of the skin and inside the pore dead skin cells begin to clump together. The Sebum mixes with the dead skin cells and block the pore, preventing the sebum from passing through to the surface of the skin.
Buildup of bacteria in the pore, leading to inflammation.
Stress :Stress can be a contributing factor, A number of studies have shown that stress can worsen acne breakouts by increasing male hormone levels and by inhibiting the body's natural healing processes.
Sensitizing reactions to:
1) Cosmetics: Many cosmetics contain oils and other ingriedients which contribute to blocked pores. Look for products labeled "nonacnegenic" or "non-comedogenic (list of ingriedients to avoid click here).
2) Specific foods (high iodide food like shrimp,lobster and some vegetables spinach ,sea weed or kelp) or medicines.
Acne treatment in three easy steps
1) Gentle Cleansing twice a day:
Effective acne skin care starts by gently washing your face twice a day with a mild cleanser and warm water to remove the dirt and oil that accumulates on the surface of your skin. Avoid Bar soaps and bar cleansers, they can make matters worse because they leave a film or residue on the skin that can clog pores. Never rub your face always pat dry.Never sleep with make up on your face.
2) Exfoliation:( removes dead skin cells and clean pores)
Start exfoliating every day with a product containing 1%-2% salicylic acid. Salicylic acid has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.It helps reducing inflammation, redness, and swelling, thus decreasing the chance of further breakouts and it can kill the bacteria that cause acne. Some of the good options are available in Neutrogena like Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Stress Control 3-In-1 Hydrating Acne Treatment.
3) Disinfecting:
Benzoyl peroxide is considered the most effective over-the-counter choice for a topical antibacterial agent in the treatment of blemishes. The concentration of benzoyl peroxide in products ranges from 2.5% to 10%. Use minimal amount only at the spot.
Some of the good options at drug store includes:
Clean &Clear Persa-Gel
Clearasil Stay Clear Vanishing Acne Treatment Cream
Oxy Oxy Spot Treatment
Moisturization:
Look for oil free and water based products.If your acne is accompanied by dry skin use a serum type moisturizer like Olay Regenerist Daily Regenerating Serum , Boots Expert Sensitive Hydrating Serum or Clinique Super Rescue Antioxidant Night Moisturizer, for Combination to Oily skin.
Note:For severe acne involving cyst see your dermatologist.
Acne is an inflammatory disorder . Your skin contains millions of tiny pores. Within each pore is a gland called a sebaceous gland which is responsible for producing an oily substance called Sebum. You need Sebum because it keeps your skin moist by reducing the water loss from the surface of the skin when the pore becomes plugged with sebum (oil) and dead skin cells, Inside an oil gland a type of bacteria called Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) which is already present in the skin finds a perfect environment for growth which causes irritation and leads inflammation. That's why most blemishes are red and swollen ,white blood cells are produced in abundance and comes to rescue at site to fight bacteria. Inflammation sets in as dead bacteria and dead white blood cells accumulate (pus), and a blemish pops out.
Major contributing factors :
hormonal changes and imbalances: A group of hormones called androgens (male sex hormones) are key factors in the development of acne. Androgen levels increase in both males and females during puberty.
Overproduction of oil by the sebaceous (oil) gland:
Androgens are responsible for enlarging the sebaceous glands and increasing the production of sebum (oil). Surging hormonal levels also can cause acne breakouts in women 2 to 7 days before their menstrual period
Irregular or excessive shedding of dead skin cells: both on the surface of the skin and inside the pore dead skin cells begin to clump together. The Sebum mixes with the dead skin cells and block the pore, preventing the sebum from passing through to the surface of the skin.
Buildup of bacteria in the pore, leading to inflammation.
Stress :Stress can be a contributing factor, A number of studies have shown that stress can worsen acne breakouts by increasing male hormone levels and by inhibiting the body's natural healing processes.
Sensitizing reactions to:
1) Cosmetics: Many cosmetics contain oils and other ingriedients which contribute to blocked pores. Look for products labeled "nonacnegenic" or "non-comedogenic (list of ingriedients to avoid click here).
2) Specific foods (high iodide food like shrimp,lobster and some vegetables spinach ,sea weed or kelp) or medicines.
Acne treatment in three easy steps
1) Gentle Cleansing twice a day:
Effective acne skin care starts by gently washing your face twice a day with a mild cleanser and warm water to remove the dirt and oil that accumulates on the surface of your skin. Avoid Bar soaps and bar cleansers, they can make matters worse because they leave a film or residue on the skin that can clog pores. Never rub your face always pat dry.Never sleep with make up on your face.
2) Exfoliation:( removes dead skin cells and clean pores)
Start exfoliating every day with a product containing 1%-2% salicylic acid. Salicylic acid has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.It helps reducing inflammation, redness, and swelling, thus decreasing the chance of further breakouts and it can kill the bacteria that cause acne. Some of the good options are available in Neutrogena like Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Stress Control 3-In-1 Hydrating Acne Treatment.
3) Disinfecting:
Benzoyl peroxide is considered the most effective over-the-counter choice for a topical antibacterial agent in the treatment of blemishes. The concentration of benzoyl peroxide in products ranges from 2.5% to 10%. Use minimal amount only at the spot.
Some of the good options at drug store includes:
Clean &Clear Persa-Gel
Clearasil Stay Clear Vanishing Acne Treatment Cream
Oxy Oxy Spot Treatment
Moisturization:
Look for oil free and water based products.If your acne is accompanied by dry skin use a serum type moisturizer like Olay Regenerist Daily Regenerating Serum , Boots Expert Sensitive Hydrating Serum or Clinique Super Rescue Antioxidant Night Moisturizer, for Combination to Oily skin.
Note:For severe acne involving cyst see your dermatologist.
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