November 14, 2011
When I found my first gray hair as a 20-something, I was in shock. I wasn’t even old enough to rent a car in most states, but there, against my espresso brown strands was a gray hair that could be spotted from miles away. Of course I thought, if someone handed me a pill to rid myself of these aging grays, I would swallow it instantly, no questions asked. So imagine my delight when I heard that L’Oreal is developing that very pill with plans to release it around 2015.
Here’s the thing–drugs that work to enhance your appearance are by no means new. But with the long approval process these drugs go through, many are beginning to second-guess the process.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) evaluate these types of “cosmetic drugs” in the same way as medical drugs. A drug that is used to treat heart disease or cancer undergoes the same process as one to lengthen eyelashes. This is to ensure safety no matter what the substance is. So here’s the question, should we be prioritizing the medical drugs? Does the FDA need to re-evaluate their system? What do you think?
November 7, 2011
Break out the allspice, the pie pan and the crock pot. Fall is finally here and we’re ready to dig into all the autumn-flavored foods that remind us of falling leaves, family get-togethers and sitting by the season’s first fire. The produce section at your grocery is a bounty of beauty-boosting foods that you can add to pies, stews and much more, while reaping their benefits for your skin, hair and smile. Here are a few of our favorites:
Pumpkin: Like many fall squashes, pumpkin is chock full of beta-carotene. Once you’ve consumed pumpkin, it’s converted into vitamin A, which is crucial for cell repair and skin health. Beyond your annual pie, also consider pumpkin soup, ravioli or even adding some cubed pumpkin to a stew.
Apples: These little gems are available year-round, but they’re at their crispy, juicy best during fall–the height of apple season. You likely already know that apples are a great source of fiber that keeps you feeling full. In fact, people who eat apples regularly have been shown to have less abdominal fat. In another form, apple cider vinegar, they can add shine to your hair, remove buildup and even ease dandruff. Once a week, in the shower, shampoo and rinse your hair. Then apply a rinse of apple cider vinegar and water. Leave on for a few minutes and rinse well. Towel dry hair, but forgo the blow dryer. (We don’t recommend this treatment for those of you with color-treated hair. The vinegar can strip the color out.)
Root vegetables: Fall is all about hearty, richly flavored foods. Most notably: root vegetables like carrots, turnips, parsnips, beets and radishes. Not only are these full of vitamins and antioxidants that keep the skin youthful and supple, but finishing a meal with a raw, fibrous, chewy vegetable like one of these will help remove plaque from your teeth and stimulate your gums–which are essential for keeping a healthy, sexy smile. Now, that’s something to really fall for.
October 25, 2011
You’ve heard about how stress is taking it’s toll on your blood pressure, but did you know it affects your looks as well? Fortunately, you can counteract the effects of stress with some simple lifestyle changes.
When you get stressed out, your body starts producing more of the hormone cortisol. High levels of cortisol can act like toxins and cause the sebaceous glands to go into overdrive, leading to inflammation, weight gain, free-radical formation and acne.vNews reporters have even begun to question if stress is turning President Barack Obama’s hair gray. Plus, there’s that cranky mood you just can seem to shake.
To combat stress internally and externally, try these steps:
• Get enough sleep. Aim for six to eight hours every night to help boost cell renewal.
• Just breath. A few calming breaths will help to put things into perspective and trigger relaxation cues that you vitally need.
• Fight off inflammation by eating a diet rich in antioxidants, especially brightly colored fruits and vegetables and heart-healthy fats like avocados, nuts and olive oil.
• Opt for products that target stress-induced beauty issues, like anti-stress oils.
October 13, 2011
Shopping for anti-aging beauty products can be overwhelming and confusing. Let us take some of the guesswork out by identifying the most potent ingredients in the fight against fine lines and wrinkles.
1. Niacin. Niacin, otherwise known as vitamin B3, promotes cell turnover while it repairs sun damage and protects from further assault. These products will protect against the sun’s rays and supply the skin with vitamin B3 to replenish skin’s moisture barrier.
2. Vitamin A. This powerful vitamin is essential for proper cell function and not only fights off wrinkles, but will reduce oil and the size of the sebaceous glands that lead to acne. Not everyone can tolerate taking vitamin A orally, but a topical application will work well, due to its ability to turn over cells.
3. Retinol. This is a type of vitamin A, and a go-to ingredient often used in products for its collagen-boosting properties.
4. Peptides. These amino acids are proven to speed healing and restore collagen, which helps smooth the skin and ease wrinkles.
5. Hyaluronic acid. This powerful, naturally occurring molecule is found in abundance in young skin. As we age, it diminishes. Plastic surgeons often opt for a hyaluronic acid-based filler to restore facial volume.
6. Marine botanicals. Manufacturers of wrinkle-reducing creams and serums turn to plants from the sea for their ultra-hydrating effects on human skin.
7. Glycation fighter. Sugar is not only bad for your waistline, it also causes inflammation and prematurely wrinkles skin. Glycation occurs when oxidized glucose covers the surface of proteins in the body and makes them work less effectively. When this happens to collagen, wrinkles and aging skin emerge.
8. Antioxidants. Inflammation caused by bad choices (like smoking) and environmental stress (like pollution) can lead to premature aging that often results in wrinkles. Antioxidants can repair and protect against the damage inflammation causes, inside and out.
9. Infrared light. Exposing the skin to warm infrared light is believed to engage the fibroblast cells that, in turn, boost collagen and elastic production. The result? Smoother skin, smaller pores, fewer fine lines and better overall tone within a few weeks.
10. Glycolic acid. You may have heard of this when speaking to your plastic surgeon about a chemical peel, but it’s also found in many products. This acid easily absorbs into the skin, making it ideal for topical application. Not only does it exfoliate away fine lines and discoloration, but it also fights acne.
September 23, 2011
1. Color Pops – Bold colors, including teal, burgundy and tomato, are being featured this season. Sweep cobalt blue across your brows or a layering of pink, red and orange on the lip for an unexpected trend.
2. Blush Hour – Flushed cheeks are a standout this time of year. Placing the blush closer to the lips and bottom of the jaw is an option for this season, as well as highlighter on cheekbones.
3. Head Dressing – Adorn locks with jewels, features and even barrettes for a totally unique look.
4. Metal Queens - Hints of metallic including silvers, pewters and golds will light up eyes, nails and hair this season.
5. Red Alert – Red in a multitude of shades will prevail this season, as always. Succulent cherry pouts set off by flawless complexions will always wow on and off the runway.
6. Handsome Ladies – From minimal complexions to boyish hairstyles creates a masculine, yet strong, woman. Extreme parts and sleek hair complete the looks.
7. Pony Tails – From low and loose to sleek and strict, this easy style showcases its versatility this season with varying heights and textures.
8. Brow Power – Lush, full brows are making a statement this season. It’s a sure sign to stop bleaching your brows! Let them stand on their own.
9. Wild Tips – New takes on traditional styles will rule the nails this season. Very point, streamlined nails paired with blacks and taupes are the style.
10. Mad About Mod – Twiggy lashes, bouffant hair and sex-kitten cat eyes will be all the rage. Tons of mascara, lots of lashes and big hair will take center stage. Cat eye glasses might even been seen to accent the look of the eyes.
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