Ageless Beauty

NEW StriVectin-EV Get Even Brightening Serum Review

2012-02-03T05:00:00.000-06:00

[Don’t miss out on a chance to win a full size ($89 value) StriVectin-EV Get Even Brightening Serum. Follow the link just to the right of this column to read the details.]

Do you have uneven skin tone or age spots and sun damage? Get even with NEW StriVectin-EV™ Get Even Brightening Serum

Get Even is the company’s latest product based on their proprietary Myristyl Nicotinate (NIA-114™) molecule. If you follow Ageless Beauty, you know I am quite excited about NIA-114.

If you haven’t been keeping up, here are two articles I’ve written about Niacinamide and NIA-114:

• StriVectin Awarded for Development of Niacin Molecule that Promotes DNA Repair and May Help Prevent Skin Cancer; and

• Keep Skin Young and Healthy with Niacinamide Products.

The twist StriVectin has added to the Get Even formula is to combine a high concentration of NIA-114 with brightening actives including:

• A high concentration of stabilized Vitamin C (Ascorbyl Glucoside); and

• Multiple tyrosinase inhibitors (Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate and several citrus-based flavonoids) to regulate the source of dark spots, sun and age spots.

Studies have shown that a combination of skin lightening ingredients attacking out of control melanin on several fronts is more effective than any one alone. Read more in Skin Lightening Creams.

Please come back tomorrow for more on NIA-114 in Clinical Study Results on Skin Benefits of StriVectin's NIA-114™ Niacin Molecule.

Tags: anti-aging skincare, erase age spots, anti-aging cell communicating ingredients, win StriVectin-EV, effective anti-aging skincare ingredients, StriVectin giveaway, join Ageless Beauty, advances in anti-aging

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Dark Circle Eraser Review

2012-02-02T05:00:00.002-06:00

In our series leading into the new year, You’re Not as Old as You Look, Ageless Beauty!, we identified 7 mistakes mature women commonly make that age a woman’s looks beyond her years.

Mistake #5 on our list is concealers that don’t (conceal). In fact the wrong concealer can reveal and accentuate what you’re trying so hard to camouflage.

You may find that the pasty concealer you’ve used for decades now settles into lines and creases.

If you need concealer for

1. Dark eye circles, age spots, or spider veins AND
2. Have wrinkles,

Try a moisturizing brightening concealer with light diffusers.

I suggested Sephora Collection Smoothing and Brightening Concealer or Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Dark Circle Eraser.

I reviewed Sephora Collection Smoothing and Brightening Concealer and like it a lot.

The Maybelline concealer looks like a mini-version of Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Treatment Makeup and has the same sponge applicator tip which I absolutely love.

Immediately after testing the makeup, it went onto our Top Ten Cosmetics list. I'm pleased to tell you I love the concealer too.

So how does it compare to the Sephora Brightening concealer? The Sephora brightening concealer covers slightly better. The Maybelline brightening concealer is easier to apply.

The Maybelline formula, like its sister foundation, contains Goji Berry and Haloxyl, which will help even out skin tone over time.

If you need high coverage for dark circles, I recommend Sephora. If not, save a little money and time with easier to apply Maybelline.

Tags: Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Dark Circle Eraser review, cosmetic review, cosmetic mistakes that age you, fashion mistakes that age you, best cosmetics

You Could Win NEW StriVectin-EV Get Even Brightening Serum!

2012-02-01T05:00:00.001-06:00

StriVectin and Ageless Beauty invite you to get in on the fun and enter to win an $89 pump dispenser of new StriVectin-EV Get Even Brightening Serum!

You have several chances to win. As prerequisites, you must:

• Be a US resident or have a U.S. mailing address where your prize can be shipped;

• Follow this blog; and

• Leave 1 acceptable relevant comment on any post(s) from today February 1 to midnight next Friday, February 10.

The comments will be assembled sequentially in date order and the winning comment will be chosen by the random number generator at Random.org.

The winner will be announced on this blog Monday Febraury 13.

Earn two more chances to win by:

1. Being a member of the Ageless Beauty website Google Friend Connect Group (You can join at the bottom of each page); and/or

2. Being a subscriber to the Ageless Beauty free monthly newsletter.

In each case for additional chances to win, you'll also need to leave a separate comment on one of the eligible posts (between today and Febraury 10), letting me know you earned an extra "ticket" to win.

Be sure I will be able to contact you through your identity, leave your e-mail address in your comment(s) (with spaces please to thwart the spambots), or check the February 13th post for your name in the winning spot.

Good luck to all!

Tags: anti-aging skincare, erase age spots, anti-aging cell communicating ingredients, win StriVectin-EV, effective anti-aging skincare ingredients, StriVectin giveaway, join Ageless Beauty, advances in anti-aging

Reader Feedback on New StriVectin-SD Face and Body Concentrate

2012-01-31T05:00:00.005-06:00

More reader feedback from Aylin on her experience with Ageless Beauty’s recommended StriVectin products …

Skin Tone Improvement

I have also been using StriVection-SD Intensive Concentrate for Stretch Marks and Wrinkles for my face and have seen an overall improvement in my complexion.

Skin tone improvements were especially evident in the first eight weeks of use. I have combination skin and get the occasional breakout – nothing major – a blemish or two and blackheads..

The exfoliating properties in StriVectin-SD have helped combat these breakouts and blackheads. I can honestly say that I have very few breakouts. In fact can barely recall how many as they are so rare.

I also applied StriVectin-SD to my lips over the course of the treatment and, let me tell you, they look fab ... nicely plump, smooth and fewer creases.

Regarding my mum: her skin tone immensely improved over the first eight weeks of application, especially her forehead which has no sun damage ... clear, pale, and simply glowing ... the look of healthy skin.

Her skin tone in general is better though she still has sun spots which have diminished but not completely disappeared.

Overall her frown lines and those lines above her lips aren't as deep but obviously still there. Nevertheless, the firmness of her skin, especially cheek area, is better and fuller.

I always look more closely at her when her friends are around and she definitely has "younger-looking" skin in comparison to her peers.

===============================================

Thanks again, Aylin, for taking the time and trouble to send your very detailed report.

You can read my in-depth Review of StriVection-SD Intensive here.

Tags:anti-aging skincare, anti-aging product test, anti-aging cell communicating ingredients, uneven skin tone, repair sun damage, erace age spots, StriVectin user feedback, advances in anti-aging

Reader Feedback on New StriVectin-SD Eye Concentrate

2012-01-30T05:00:00.002-06:00

Aylin did some excellent testing many of us would not be willing to do, especially the split-face test! Thank you, Aylin.

She used Peter Thomas Roth Oxygenated Serum around the left eye and StriVectin-SD Eye Concentrate for Wrinkles around the right.

Here are her remarks after eight weeks.

Collagen Building Comparison.

There was an obvious improvement around the right the orbital eye area where I had been using StriVectin-SD Intensive eye cream – so much so that the right brow bone area was distinctly plumper than the left where I had been using Peter Thomas Roth Oxygenated Serum.

I stopped using Peter Thomas Roth and then began applying StriVectin-SD eye cream only to the left eye for a few weeks so it could catch up to the improvements of the other.

In the interim, I was reluctant to wear my contact lenses and I camouflaged my eyes behind my glasses to hide the hollows of one eye compared to the other.

Dark Eye Circles

It has been difficult to measure the improvement in my dark circles. They have somewhat subsided especially above the eye. I don't feel as though I have a distinct and obvious ring around my brow bone as previously.

The plumpness of this area may have also contributed to this – plumping the hollows, hence dark circles becoming less visible.

I still have dark circles particularly below the eye; however I think because I have seen an overall improvement since using StriVectin-SD Intensive eye cream, they don't bother me as much as before.

Tags: anti-aging skincare, anti-aging product test, anti-aging cell communicating ingredients, dark eye circles, eye hollows, split-face test, StriVectin user feedback, advances in anti-aging

Sunday Shopping at Ageless Beauty Jan. 294, 2012: Retinoid Adjunctive Care

2012-01-29T05:00:00.002-06:00

Save steps and money with a leisurely stroll through the aisles of the Ageless Beauty Shop featuring recently recommended items.

Today’s Ageless Beauty Shop:
Retinoid Adjunctive Care

No need to print out articles and drag them along from store to store searching out the latest and greatest in anti-aging products. Shop now from the comfort of home.
To learn more, read:
• Combining Topical Vitamin C and Retinoids Reverses Photoaging
• Confused About Skin-Normalizing Vitamin A and its Derivatives?
• Things to Know about Retinoid Skincare
• Retin-A (Tretinoin) Info and Tips; and
• Show Me the Mexoryl

Tags: Step Up Your Skin Care, anti-aging skin care, anti-aging products, best anti-aging products, Top Ten Anti-Aging Products, cosmeceutical peptides, best skincare routine, Top Ten Affordable Anti-Aging Products

[Photo Credit: Print Shop Art Gallery]

Face Lift Youth Serum with Syn-ake Review

2012-01-28T05:00:00.006-06:00

Face Lift, Youth Serum with Syn-ake, by University Medical Pharmaceuticals, is another of my drugstore finds. Now you can buy it from Amazon at one-third less than I paid. As they say, timing is everything.

The Amazon cost of $20 for 0.85 oz. makes it just $23 an ounce.

Face Lift Youth Serum is a really nice serum to be used morning and night. It serves as a good make-up primer.

One thing I really dislike is morning creams and serums that pill up when I try to apply make-up. It means I have to rub the product (and some/most of benefits) off unless I want to go bare-faced through the day. Nuh-uh – not at 66!

Read about the research behind Syn-ake Tripeptide in our Cosmeceutical Peptide Glossary. In summary, in clinical trials conducted by Pentapharm, objective measurements showed the average skin smoothing for each group of fifteen subjects was 21% for Syn-ake vs. 4% for Argireline. The average reduction in wrinkle depth was 20% for Syn-ake vs. 2% for Argireline.

The ads for Face Lift Youth Serum say it immediately softens and smooths the look of fine lines. I agree with that statement. They go on to say, "within 28 days: reduces the look of expression lines and creases up to 52% to reveal smoother, younger looking skin."

"Up to 58%" means that (probably) ONE study participant had this fabulous result. If you buy it expecting the average 20% reduction, you will not be disappointed.

If you can afford to splurge, Syn-ake is also available in Peter Thomas Roth Un-Wrinkle.

Peter Thomas Roth UnWrinkle is a skin anti-aging powerhouse which tops our list of the Top Ten Skin Anti-Aging Products.

UnWrinkle is a serum like Face Lift Youth Serum and works beautifully under make-up.

In addition to a 3% concentration of Matrixyl 3000, UnWrinkle contains 4% Syn-ake, 10% Snap-8 (chemically related to Argireline but more effective), 3% Syn-coll (Tripeptide-5) and 3% Argireline.

Tags: Face Lift Youth Serum review, products with Syn-ake, Top Ten Skin Anti-Aging Products, Cosmeceutical Peptide Glossary, anti-aging, skin health, wrinkle reduction, Peter Thomas Roth UnWrinkle review

Combining Topical Vitamin C and Retinoids Reverses Photoaging

2012-01-27T05:00:00.003-06:00

Yesterday, we talked about How to Combine Cosmetic Ingredients, specifically chemical exfoliants, antioxidants and retinoids.

For example, antioxidants applied in the morning will work primarily as sunscreens to disable environmental free radicals before they can enter your cells. However, antioxidants applied at night will apply themselves to scavenging free radicals that have already penetrated your cells.

Here’s yet another reason to be sure to apply a nightly dose of the antioxidant stabilized Vitamin C (Ascorbyl Palmitate, Vitamin C Ester, L-Ascorbic Acid, Ascorbic Acid, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, or Retinyl Ascorbate) along with your nighttime retinoid product.

Prescription Tretinion and Vitamin C Combined
One study showed that the combination of trichloroacetic acid peels, 0.05% prescription tretinoin (as in Retin-A and Renova) and Ascorbic Acid lotion are more effective than any of the components alone.

The combination therapy resulted in thicker epidermis, more even skin tone, and firmer, better organized stratum corneum. (Skin Rejuvenation Regimens, Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery, May 2003.)

OTC Retinol and Vitamin C Combined
A second study reported that the combination of Vitamin C with OTC Retinol is able to reverse some skin changes caused by chronological and photoaging. In two small double-blind studies in postmenopausal women with aged and photoaged skin, subjects applied a Vitamin C and Retinol cream twice daily for three- and six-month periods.

At the end of each trial, punch biopsies showed thinning and compacting of the stratum corneum (outer layer of the skin) as dead cells were shed and the remaining younger cells became better organized. The dermal-epidermal junction, which becomes ragged with age, smoothed out as well.

At the start, photoaged skin showed an abnormally high level of type III collagen when compared to non-photodamaged skin. Post treatment, the ratio of type I to type III collagen was restored to younger levels. (Histological Evaluation of a Topically Applied Retinol-Vitamin C Combination. Skin Pharmacology and Physiology Journal, Issue 2, 2005).

Products Containing Retinoids and Stabilized Vitamin C

True Radiance Vitamin A and C Serum with Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate and Retinol

Reviva Labs Alpha Lipoic Acid, Vitamin C Ester, & DMAE Night Cream with Vitamin C Ester and Retinyl Palmitate

Tags: retinoids, retinol, anti-aging skincare, retinoids stimulate new collagen, retinoid strength, retinoid tips, sun protection and retinoids, how to use retinoids

How to Combine Cosmetic Ingredients that Might Fight Each Other

2012-01-26T05:00:00.006-06:00

[Yvonne's question about the Gold Standard Ingredients for Healthy Skin appeared Tuesday.]

Salicylic Acid is the only beta hydroxy acid (BHA) used in skin care. It is a weaker exfoliant and generally less irritating than Glycolic Acid. It has the distinct advantage of working not only on the surface of the skin. Salicylic Acid also penetrates and exfoliates within the pores. It is beneficial for treating wrinkles, as well as acne, whiteheads and blackheads.

Salicylic Acid and AHAs, especially Glycolic Acid, may be combined with retinoid ingredients. DERMAdoctor Audrey Kunin, M.D., advises,

"If you are experiencing any flaking [associated with retinoid use], the use of a glycolic acid product such as MD Formulations Continuous Renewal Complex is very helpful for maximizing your skin rejuvenation results as well as controlling the flaking."

Be sure to read the next section for how to combine an AHA or BHA with retinoids.

For more information on retinoids and exfoliants, read Is Tretinoin an Exfoliant Like AHAs or the BHA, Salicylic Acid?

How to Combine Ingredients

According to Dr. Neal Schultz of DermTV, retinoids and Salicylic Acid or AHAs should not be used at the same time for the reason you state – the acids can break down the retinoids. He recommends using the acid exfoliating agents in the morning under sunscreen and the retinoids at night.

Dr. Schultz also explains that antioxidants, like Vitamin C, do their free radical scavenging work within the cells at night when the skin is programmed to repair itself.

Antioxidants applied in the morning are still helpful. During daylight, they are primarily occupied fighting off UV rays and free radicals from other sources before the free radicals penetrate the cells. Thus they have little power left to penetrate and clean within the cells.

As for Vitamin C, look for stabilized forms like Ascorbyl Palmitate, Vitamin C Ester, L-Ascorbic Acid, Ascorbic Acid, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, or Retinyl Ascorbate.

Let me leave you with one final thought. If retinoids are the Gold Standard of healthy skin care, broad spectrum sun protection is the Platinum. Remember, dermatologists attribute 80% of the visible signs of aging to photoaging, that is, sun damage.

Tags: retinoids, retinol, anti-aging skincare, retinoids stimulate new collagen, retinoid strength, retinoid tips, sun protection and retinoids, how to use retinoids

Dermatologists say Retinoids are the Gold Standard Ingredients for Healthy Skin

2012-01-25T05:00:00.000-06:00

[Yvonne's question about the Gold Standard Ingredient for Healthy Skin appeared yesterday.]

Hi Yvonne,

Retinoids

You’re correct that dermatologists consider prescription retinoids like Retin-A and the weaker OTC retinoids like Retinol to be the #1 skin normalizing ingredients.

It’s not correct that pro-retinols are the most concentrated OTC retinoids. That prize goes to Retinol, which is the entire Vitamin A molecule.

The pro-retinols like Retinyl Palmitate, Retinyl Acetate, Retinal and Retinyl Linoleate are less active forms of Vitamin A and do not perform as powerfully as Retinol to normalize skin.

Retinoids are fascinating ingredients which can benefit such diverse conditions as acne, wrinkles, uneven skintone, Actinic Keratoses (pre-cancerous lesions) and Psoriasis.

Learn more in Confused About Skin-Normalizing Vitamin A and its Derivatives?

Acid Ingredients

What an interesting list of acid ingredients you’ve come up with.

Alpha Lipoic Acid is known as the universal antioxidant because it is able to fight free radicals in both fat and water soluble parts of the cells. It’s in a completely different class of skin actives than the other acids you listed.

Glycolic Acid is one of the alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and the most effective at exfoliating and increasing skin levels of glycosaminoglycans such as Chondroitin Sulfate and Hyaluronic Acid.

Other AHAs, such as Lactic Acid, Malic Acid, Citric Acid, and Tartaric Acid, are not as commonly used because they need to be stabilized and there is less research on their overall effects on skin.

Yvonne had more questions. Please come back tomorrow for How to Combine Cosmetic Ingredients that Might Fight Each Other.

Tags: retinoids, retinol, anti-aging skincare, retinoids stimulate new collagen, retinoid strength, retinoid tips, sun protection and retinoids, how to use retinoids

Do You Know the Gold Standard Ingredient for Healthy Skin?

2012-01-24T05:00:00.004-06:00

I have read that retinoids (Renova or Retin-A – the prescription forms of Vitamin A,) or the over the counter non-prescription version, Retinol, are the "gold standard" of anti-aging ingredients and should be the foundation of any topical anti-aging regimen, especially at night (according to dermatologists).

The lady at the drugstore told me that the Neostrata and RoC lines have the highest concentrations of active ingredients after prescription preparations like Retin-A. I use Neostrata 10% Vitamin Concentrate.

Neostrata has another product that contains various vitamins including Pro-Retinol, which she claims is the most concentrated form of Vitamin A; is this so?

Also, do you know the difference between Glycolic Acid, Alpha Hydroxy Acid, Alpha Lipoic Acid and Salicylic Acid, and what they do for your skin?

I was just curious as I see these names pop up here and there; I think they all remove dead skin cells, but maybe some work better than others.

I also read today that the acid "Salicylic Acid" can break down ingredients like Vitamin C and Retinol, and therefore the two should probably not be used at the same time; interesting!

Hope to hear from you soon.

Yvonne

Interesting indeed ... Come back tomorrow for my answer about Gold Standard Ingredients for Healthy Skin.

Tags: retinoids, retinol, anti-aging skincare, retinoids stimulate new collagen, retinoid strength, retinoid tips, sun protection and retinoids, how to use retinoids

Algenist Regenerative Cream Significantly Reduces Wrinkles in Just 10 Days. Will Algenist Lifting and Firming Products Do Even Better?

2012-01-23T05:00:00.004-06:00

Algenist Regenerative Anti-Aging Moisturizer SPF20 garnered the #5 spot in our year end update of the Ageless Beauty Top Ten Affordable Anti-Aging Skin Care Products list.

I just read that Solazyme is coming out with a new Lifting and Firming line including:

Face Cream;

Eye Gel; and

Intensive Mask.

That made me wonder how Solazyme might make Lifting and Firming products even better than Regenerative. According to the company,

"The line combines for the first time Solazyme's breakthrough anti-aging ingredient, Alguronic Acid, with ProPeptide, a unique blend of active proteins and peptides. Powered by the exclusive and powerful Alguronic Acid + ProPeptide skin restructuring complex, clinical studies have shown Algenist Firming & Lifting skincare products to enhance skin firmness, tone and elasticity."

Of course, I want to see the entire ingredient list and the results of the clinical trials before buying, but I’m intrigued.

I’ll be watching for Algenist Firming and Lifting Products at Sephora.

See my review of Algenist Regenerative to learn more about the skin benefits of Alguronic Acid.

Tags: anti-aging skincare, algae-based skincare, 55 % increase in skin cell regeneration , restore skin density, where to buy Algenist skincare, skin benefits of Alguronic Acid, reduce wrinkle depth, Algenist Lifting and Firmimg line announced

Sunday Shopping at Ageless Beauty Jan. 25, 2012: Affordable Top Ten Skin Anti-Aging Products

2012-01-22T05:00:00.005-06:00

Save steps and money with a leisurely stroll through the aisles of the Ageless Beauty Shop featuring recently recommended items.

Today’s Ageless Beauty Shop:
Affordable Top Ten Skin Anti-Aging Products

No need to print out articles and drag them along from store to store searching out the latest and greatest in anti-aging products. Shop now from the comfort of home.
1.
StriVectin-SD Intensive
Jean's Review/More Information
Special notes: Affordable on a per ounce basis. See Jean's before and after photos.

For sensitive skin, skip the Menthol and try Strivectin-SD for Sensitive Skin.
Buy Now

2.

True Radiance Youth Cream
Jean's Review/More Information
Special notes: Highly concentrated formula including Argireline 20%, Syn-Coll 5%, Hyaluronic Acid 15%, CoQ10, Vitamin A, C, E, D, B12, Pepha-Tight 3, Green Tea, DMAE 4.
Buy Now

Hair and Nail Growth Discovery

2012-01-21T05:00:00.006-06:00

Entia Biosciences (previously Total Nutraceutical Solutions or TNS) has filed a patent for the topical and ingestible use of the amino acid, L-Ergothioneine (Ergo), to maintain and improve hair and nail health, growth, and natural coloring.

But guess what? Ergo is already available online as a supplement called GROH - A Revolutionary Nutricosmetic Designed to Promote Thicker Fuller Hair & Nail Growth

Ergo is a proven and potent antioxidant, but its cell communicating power in the germinative layer of skin, hair, and nail cells has only recently come to light.

Entia plans human clinical trials later this year. The study will objectively measure hair and nail growth in study participants starting 60 days before adding the Ergo supplement and continuing for 90 days after.

Product ads say GROH:

Promotes thicker, fuller hair growth;

Helps make hair healthier and stronger;

Slows hair thinning;

Encourages longer hair and lashes; and

Increases both nail strength and growth rate.

Primary Ingredients: L-Ergothioneine Extract from six varieties of organically grown mushrooms (Pleurotus Eryngii, Hypsiszygus Mamoreus, Cordyceps Militaris, Grifola Fondosa, Trametes Versicolor, Ganoderma Lucidem) enriched with Vitamin D2 (Ergocalciferol)

Other: vegetable capsule, organic whole oats, and rice flour silica

Entia intends to expand its use of Ergo into topical health and beauty products in the near future.

Tags: hereditary hair loss, hair, hair growth clinical study planned , supplement promotes hair and nail growth, build strong healthy nails, nutricosmetic for hair and nails, new topical hair thinning treatment

Tick Tock. Tick Tock. Time to Adjust Your P.M. Skin Care Routine?

2012-01-20T05:00:00.003-06:00

[Yvonne's question, Is It Time to Adjust My Skin Care Routine?, appeared Wednesday.]

Your P.M. Routine

You already know you should wash off makeup before going to bed, but perhaps the following explanation by Dr. Diane C. Madfes, assistant clinical professor at Mt. Sinai School of Medicine, will provide the extra incentive you need to make cleansing the keystone of your nightly skincare routine.

"All day, your skin is assaulted by chemicals in the air that break down collagen and cause other damage. If you don't clean your face, your exposure to these pollutants will continue all night long, too".

Nighttime is when your skin recuperates and repairs itself. You want it to dedicate all efforts to skin renewal and not have to continue fighting whatever assaulted it during the day.

If you're too tired to do a nighttime skin routine when you go to bed, think about how else you could accomplish it.

How about cleansing your face and neck during a TV commercial earlier in the evening? Have your treatment products in a case that you can carry back to the couch with you.

Then take your time pampering yourself while you wind down for the day.

If you’re even too weary to get up during a commercial break, try wet cleansing cloths and keep those in your carrying case. I love Olay’s, either the Regenerist or 7-in-1 cloths. Read why in Olay Puzzle: Which Wet Cleansing Cloths are Better?

For the nights you get home late and go straight to bed, take the carrying case to your bedside table. Get yourself cozy and go through your routine before you lie down.

Finally, to help you know when your anti-aging skincare routine needs adjusting, refer to Ageless Beauty’s handy-dandy Step Up Your Skin Care chart.

Tags: skin care routine, skin care advice, should you adjust your skin care, sun protection, Clinique for puffy eyes, Clinique cleanser, Clinque clarifying lotions, Step Up Your Skin Care

Tick Tock. Tick Tock. Time to Adjust Your A.M. Skin Care Routine?

2012-01-19T05:00:00.004-06:00

[Yvonne's question, Is It Time to Adjust My Skin Care Routine?, appeared yesterday.]

Hi Yvonne,

Most of your routine is excellent – and the condition of your skin shows it!

I do see a few areas for improvement. Of course, you know one of them is your nighttime routine. Not to worry – I have some suggestions to help.

Your A.M. Routine

You’ve chosen some nice Clinique products, but I’m not sure why you’re using two clarifying lotions.

Clarifying Mild Lotion, which you’re using as a second cleanser, is for dry to very dry skin; and Clinique Clarifying Lotion 3, which you use as a toner, is for oily skin.

I suggest eliminating one of the clarifying lotions, depending on your actual skin type.

It’s not surprising that Clinique All About Eyes helps with your a.m. eye puffiness. It contains a lot of lovely anti-inflammatory botanicals. In addition it has a small amount of Matrixyl (Palmitoyl Oligopeptide) to stimulate collagen production.

You’ve made an excellent choice of broad spectrum sunblock. It’s high SPF, oil-free, and contains antioxidants. Clinique City Block is formulated to, not only block out harmful UVA and UVB rays, but also to fight free radicals caused by other environmental irritants.

You’re correct to put the sunblock on after cleansing and moisturizing but before make-up. Many women are confused about when to apply a sunblock versus a sunscreen.

Physical sunblock agents, like the Titanium and Zinc Oxides contained in Clinique City Block, reflect or scatter UV rays before they reach your skin, so sunblocks should be applied on top of treatment products.

Chemical sunscreen ingredients (e.g. Octylcrylene, Avobenzone, Octinoxate, Mexoryl) work by absorbing the energy of UV radiation before it affects your skin. It’s best to apply them to dry skin after cleansing and let them absorb before continuing with your treatment products and moisturizers.

Jean's answer to Tick Tock. Tick Tock. Time to Adjust Your Skin Care Routine? will conclude tomorrow. Please come back.

Tags: skin care routine, skin care advice, should you adjust your skin care, sun protection, Clinique for puffy eyes, Clinique cleanser, Clinque clarifying lotions, Step Up Your Skin Care

Tick Tock. Tick Tock. Time to Adjust Your Skin Care Routine?

2012-01-18T05:00:00.008-06:00

Hi Jean,

I am 49 years old (just about 50 actually, yikes!) and don’t have a lot of wrinkles; no "crow’s feet" around the eyes - only a few very fine lines, a bit of puffiness/darkness under the eyes, a few forehead lines (a couple of which are reasonably deep), and a bit of feathering above the upper lip.

Do you think my skin care routine is sufficient at this time or is that hard for you to say?

Morning:

Wash face with Clinique Rinse-Off Foaming Cleanser Mousse;

Wash face again with Clinique Clarifying Mild Lotion;

Tone with Clinique Clarifying Lotion #3 (with Salicylic Acid);

Apply LifeCell all over face and neck;

Neostrata 10% L-Ascorbic Acid Vitamin C Cream after the LifeCell (once the LifeCell has absorbed; approximately 5 minutes);

Apply Clinique All About Eyes Cream/Gel, once the LifeCell has sunk in - this cream helps with puffiness and darkness, which I always have first thing in the morning;

Apply Clinique City Block SPF 40 sunblock;

Apply a foundation with SPF 15 (really it’s a tinted moisturizer).

Night: This is where I still falter a bit! I'm usually too tired to do much, but I use the Clinique Astringent to remove makeup and then apply LifeCell all over; I know I should wash with the cleanser first.

Take care for now,
Yvonne

Jean's answer to Tick Tock. Tick Tock. Time to Adjust Your Skin Care Routine? will begin tomorrow. Please come back.

Tags: skin care routine, skin care advice, should you adjust your skin care, sun protection, Clinique for puffy eyes, Clinique cleanser, Clinque clarifying lotions, Step Up Your Skin Care

How to Determine Whom to Trust Conclusion

2012-01-17T05:00:00.005-06:00

[Part 1 of How to Determine Whom to Trust appeared yesterday.]

Following is an excerpt from an article I wrote on this very topic Can You Get Unbiased Reviews from Affiliate Skin Care Sites?

How to Judge Whether a Website is Worthy of your Trust
Here are some questions you can ask yourself to help you evaluate an affiliate website's credibility.

Bad Signs

Is the site just a directory of links?

Is the site touting only one brand (Just to be clear, I'm not referring to brand sites here, only to affiliate sites.)?

Is the editorial content the same you see everywhere else (meaning it was probably copied and pasted from somewhere else)?

Same question for the individual products. If you see the same words popping up all the time, you can suspect that no real product evaluation has taken place.

Good Signs

Do you like the credentials of the editor usually found in the "About Us" section of the site?

Are many, many lines of products being represented and evaluated on the site?

Is there original content and is there new content being posted regularly? [This is very important, as it indicates that people are working very hard to keep the website current. Every day we hear of website moguls who swear they work only an hour a day and are raking in tens of thousands of dollars a month. I have to question the quality of information available on such a site.]

Only you can decide.

Tags: ordering online, evaluating affilate websites, free trial offer, affilate website bias, shopping online

How to Determine Whom to Trust

2012-01-16T05:00:00.005-06:00

I've started getting a newsletter from a site called XxxxXxxx. It starts out with some lady who tells her "story." Had good skin until 30s then things went bad. Tells what all she did … bla, bla, bla.

Anyway it sounded interesting and I thought maybe I'd get some good advice, recommendations, reviews and so on.

Well, there is some of that but her BIG thing is to promote LifeCell cream. Guess that's what fixed her problems. Not sure, but I think there may be another product she's big on, don't recall right now which.

Have you heard of this site?

Elvira

Hi Elvira,

No I hadn’t heard of it, but I went and looked.

There are trustworthy affiliate sites and those that just want to make a quick buck with little regard for the consumer. Then, I guess there are those in between. That’s where I would place this site.

It’s a broad-based affiliate website and quite professionally done. The editorial content is good to excellent. There are some very interesting and informative articles on such topics as droopy eyelid and how to brighten the look of your eyes with makeup.

The product reviews, however, are superficial and very limited in scope. Most of the product information seems to be from the manufacturer.

The selection of products is fairly narrow. Only a few of the most established skin care companies are represented, e.g. Peter Thomas Roth and Clarisonic. No Olay, no L’Oreal, no Revlon, no Clinique, no StriVectin …

As you noted, she is BIG on promoting LifeCell. Her top three anti-wrinkle products are LifeCell, Dermajuv and Revitol. She mentions that LifeCell and Revitol offer free trials.

By contrast, on Ageless Beauty we caution readers that the LifeCell offer is not free; it’s buy now, pay later. I tried navigating to obtain the free Revitol offer and couldn’t even find it!

For both Revitol and LifeCell, the Ageless Beauty links to buy the product take you to Amazon. On Amazon, ordering is straightforward and the buyer has the added protection of Amazon in case of any order problems.

How to Determine Whom to Trust will conclude tomorrow. Please come back.

Tags: ordering online, evaluating affilate websites, free trial offer, affilate website bias, shopping online

Sunday Shopping at Ageless Beauty Jan. 15, 2012: Best Home Use Anti-Aging Appliances

2012-01-15T05:00:00.004-06:00

Save steps and money with a leisurely stroll through the aisles of the Ageless Beauty Shop featuring recently recommended items.

Today’s Ageless Beauty Shop:
Best Home Use Anti-Aging Appliances

No need to print out articles and drag them along from store to store searching out the latest and greatest in anti-aging products. Shop now from the comfort of home.

Related Articles

• Reader Asks Ageless Beauty Opinion on DermaWand

• Nu Brilliance Home Microdermabrasion Kit

• Quasar MD Home Use Phototherapy Wand

• Review of the NuFace Home Use Facial Toning Device

• Review of Tria Laser Hair Removal Wand

• Clarisonic Skin Brush Review

Tags: boom in skin care appliances, anti-aging skin care, anti-aging products, best anti-aging products, LED phototherapy wand reviews, laser hair removal wand review, HairMax Laser Comb review, Clarisonic review

[Photo Credit: Print Shop Art Gallery]

Suzanne Somers Uses Novel Stem Cell Therapy Breast Renovation after Lumpectomy

2012-01-14T05:00:00.004-06:00

Suzanne Somers had a lumpectomy followed by radiation for her breast cancer. She describes the debilitating and disfiguring aftereffects poignantly in an interview published by Life Extension magazine.

Suzanne also details her research and battle to obtain a more natural form of breast reconstruction. The conventional methods in use in the U.S. restore symmetry and self-esteem to millions of breast cancer survivors but with some significant drawbacks:

Chronic pain;

Weakness and hernias in donor sites (if a woman’s own back or stomach muscles have been used to rebuild the breast area);

Limited lifespan of implants;

Autoimmune reactions to implanted materials.

Suzanne selected Cell Assisted Lipotransfer pioneered in Japan and then found a U.S. doctor willing to perform the procedure, provided they could find a legal way around FDA restrictions. Thus a clinical trial was born.

Breast reconstruction by autologous fat transfer has been used in the U.S. but scientific studies have failed to establish the long term viability of fat transplantation. According to Life Extension, "that’s why the concept of enriching transplanted fat with [autologous] concentrated stem cells offers such incredible potential".

Further, "by enriching transplanted fat with stem cells using this procedure, the survival rates of the fat graft is enhanced and postoperative atrophy reduced."

The entire article is available online. It’s an excellent read. Thank you, Suzanne and Life Extension Foundation, for sharing it.

Tags: breast cancer, breast reconstruction, FDA approval, Suzanne Somers cancer story, Life Extension article, cosmetic procedures

[Image credit: StockXchng_plethr]

Dr. Stanley Jacobs Visco-Elastic Transforming Serum Review

2012-01-13T05:00:00.003-06:00

[See yesterday’s post for background on Dr. Stanley Jacobs Mandelic Acid Serum.]

Clinical Trial Results

The two clinical studies of Visco-Elastic Transforming Serum conducted so far by Dr. Jacob’s unfortunately were very small – too small in fact to establish statistical significance. However the results both in objective measurements of improved elasticity and firmness and in before after photos and are impressive.

Two groups of eight patients applied Visco-Elastic Transforming Serum™ to their faces and necks twice daily.

At the start and weekly thereafter, eyelids, cheeks, jowls, and necks were tested with a Cutometer®. The Cutometer is a suction device placed against the skin. Upon release, the skin's return to its normal state is optically measured and timed.

Group 1 subjects started out with good skin elasticity (higher than 50%) as measured by the Cutometer. After just four weeks, the Cutometer measured an average improvement of 56%.

Group 2 started out with poor skin elasticity (averaging 35%) and experienced an average improvement of 51% with a maximum 86% improvement!

The Ingredients

Dr. Jacobs says the key ingredient in Visco-Elastic Transforming Serum is the alpha-hydroxy acid, Mandelic Acid (Bitter Almond Extract). Mandelic Acid has larger molecules than Glycolic Acid, for example, and consequently penetrates more slowly, thus providing sustained action on the stratum corneum.

In addition to the key ingredient, Mandelic Acid, Visco-Elastic Transforming Serum contains:

Several forms of Jojoba;

Aloe;

Glucosamine;

ECGC (Green Tea Extract) ;

Resveratrol; and

Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (Botox-mimicking cell communicating ingredient).

I’m very intrigued by the clinical results and photos (before and after). I’d like to see more research on Mandelic Acid.

Tags: DermaWand review, Dr Stanley Jacobs skincare, topical mandelic acid benefits , Stanley Jacobs mandelic acid serum review, Stanley Jacobs mandelic acid serum clinical studies, Stanley Jacobs Visco-Elastic Transforming Serum review, Stanley Jacobs Visco-Elastic Transforming Serum ingredients

Reader Asks Ageless Beauty Opinion on DermaWand and Dr. Stanley Jacobs Mandelic Acid Serum

2012-01-12T05:00:00.004-06:00

There are a couple things I want to try. I’d appreciate your comments.

One is the DermaWand RHF and something I'd never heard of, Stanley Jacobs Visco-Elastic Transforming Serum.

Saw them both on ShopNBC. Reviews there were mostly good and I checked out reviews on different sites. Good part is that I can return both.

Have you ever heard of Stanley Jacobs, I think a cosmetic doctor?

Julie

Hi Julie,

You’ll find our DermaWand Review here.

Stanley Jacobs M.D. is a prominent plastic surgeon in the San Francisco Bay Area. Dr. Jacobs is Board Certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, as well as the American Board of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery and the Royal College of Surgeons of Canada.

Stanley Jacobs Visco-Elastic Transforming Serum Background

Stanley Jacobs Visco-Elastic Transforming Serum is the first in his line of skin care products.

Dr. Jacobs partnered with Jules Zecchino, former Vice-President of Innovation and Applied Research at Estee Lauder, to formulate the serum.

He has conducted two very small clinical studies with his patients and presented his findings at the February 2010 American Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery in Boston (Facial Skin Visco-elasticity Measurements after Topical Mandelic Acid).

Together, Drs. Jacobs and Zecchino have founded World Skin, LLC to further develop and market the Stanley Jacobs skin care line.

Come back tomorrow for details on the clinical trials and our review of the product, Stanley Jacobs Visco-Elastic Transforming Serum.

Tags: DermaWand review, Dr Stanley Jacobs skincare, topical mandelic acid benefits, Stanley Jacobs mandelic acid serum review, Stanley Jacobs mandelic acid serum clinical studies, Stanley Jacobs Visco-Elastic Transforming Serum review, Stanley Jacobs Visco-Elastic Transforming Serum ingredients

Ageless Beauty Reader Highly Recommends Pure Argan Oil for Healthy Skin

2012-01-11T05:00:00.002-06:00

Hi Jean,

I think I'm gonna do a lot more skin care with pure Argan Oil.

I sure like what I’ve used it for so far - very good for anti-aging.

I have a little bottle of it made especially for hair … soooo soft. You'd think it would make the hair greasy but doesn't.

To my surprise I put a dab of the pure Argan Oil on a curling iron burn and it quit hurting. It also made some itching on my skin stop.

Another thing I'm doing is massage it into my nails and cuticles.

At night I put some on my face, neck, and chest. Really keeps skin very soft.

Also at night I mix it with some hand cream and put it all over hands, arms and wherever.

I’ve been putting it on some scars on one leg, lots of scarring on my left foot and ankle, and both heels.

I highly recommend Argan Oil.

Sharon

Hi Sharon,

Thanks for the great Argan Oil tips and testimony.

We’re currently testing Josie Maran Argan Oil Daily Moisturizer.

After receiving your note, I looked at Sephora and learned that Josie Maran also makes a pure certified organic Argan Oil product. It’s now on my wish list ;-)

According to Wikipedia, "Argan oil is exceptionally rich in natural tocopherols (vitamin E), rich in phenols and phenolic acid, rich in carotenes, rich in squalene, rich in essential fatty acids, 80% unsaturated fatty acids and depending on extraction method more resistant to oxidation than olive oil …The unroasted oil is traditionally used as a treatment for skin diseases, and has found favour with the cosmetics industry".

Regards,
Jean

Tags: argan oil for skin, argan oil uses, argan tree oil, anti-aging ingredients, essential fatty acids, reduce wrinkles, antiaging skincare

Keep Skin Young and Healthy with Niacinamide Products

2012-01-10T05:00:00.009-06:00

I just read an excellent article on Cosmetics Deisign.com about Niacinamide being added to skin care products by more manufacturers.

The article reported that CoValence Laboratories will feature Niacinamide in products for acne, hyperpigmentation and redness. CoValence is a private label manufacturer which sells exclusively to skincare professionals.

The list of skin benefits for Niacinamide continues to grow.

I guess I’ll have to stop calling Niacinamide Olay’s signature ingredient (found in the Total Effects, Regenerist and Pro-X lines); though Olay was the first company to trumpet the skin benefits of this Vitamin B3 derivative.

Next StriVectin leapfrogged Olay with its version of Niacinamide.

StriVectin's NIA-114™ (Niacin-derived Myristyl Nicotinate) garnered the only Skin Cancer Foundation's 2011 Skin Sense Award for an OTC skin care product.

NIA-114™ was also chosen by the National Cancer Institute for further study as a possible skin cancer prevention agent.

StriVectin’s Niacin compound is found in StriVectin-SD products for stretch marks and wrinkles and StriVectin-TL tightening products.

I’ve previously told you that Niacinamide is a cell-communicating ingredient which:

Increases the skin’s normal renovation process;

Increases the skin’s level of ceramides and fatty acids to help the skin retain moisture;

Promotes exfoliation;

Improves skin texture, fine lines, wrinkles and hydration; and

Inhibits the irregular production of melanin.

Now to this list we can add:

Blocks inflammatory action of iodine compounds known to exacerbate inflammatory acne.

You’ll find StriVectin-SD Intensive and four of the Niacinimide-containing Olay products in our recently updated Ageless Beauty Top Ten Affordable Skin Care Products list.

Tags: anti-aging ingredients, cell-communicating ingredients, Niacinamide, Vitamin B3 for skin, effective ingredients, Ageless Beauty Top Ten Affordable Skincare Products, cosmeceutical science

Sephora Smoothing and Brightening Concealer Review

2012-01-09T05:00:00.002-06:00

In our series leading into the new year, You’re Not as Old as You Look, Ageless Beauty!, we identified 7 mistakes mature women commonly make that age a woman’s looks beyond her years.

Mistake #5 on our list is concealers that don’t (conceal). In fact the wrong concealer can reveal and accentuate what you’re trying so hard to camouflage.

You may find that the pasty concealer you’ve used for decades now settles into lines and creases.

If you need concealer for

1. Dark eye circles, age spots, or spider veins AND
2. Have wrinkles,

Try a moisturizing brightening concealer with light diffusers. I suggested Sephora Collection Smoothing and Brightening Concealer.

I’ve been using it for about a month now and grow fonder of it every day.

The wand has a built-in antimicrobial brush applicator. A couple of twists of the wand delivers the creamy concealer to the tip of the brush.

After a few days of using the Sephora Smoothing and Brightening Concealer, I learned that less is more. A very tiny amount is all you need.

In fact, three days out of four, I don’t even need to twist out more product. The brush still carries enough to smooth and brighten dark areas.

Sephora Collection Smoothing and Brightening Concealer is now on the candidate list for when we next update the Ageless Beauty Top Ten Cosmetics list.

Tags: Sephora Smoothing and Brightening Concealer Review, cosmetic review, cosmetic mistakes that age you, fashion mistakes that age you, best cosmetics

Sunday Shopping at Ageless Beauty Jan. 8, 2012: Home Use Anti-Aging Appliances are Booming!

2012-01-08T05:00:00.005-06:00

Save steps and money with a leisurely stroll through the aisles of the Ageless Beauty Shop featuring recently recommended items.

Today’s Ageless Beauty Shop:
Home Use Anti-Aging Appliances are Booming!

No need to print out articles and drag them along from store to store searching out the latest and greatest in anti-aging products. Shop now from the comfort of home.

Related Articles

• Have You Contributed to the Boom in Home Use Skin Care Appliances?

• Nu Brilliance Home Microdermabrasion Kit

• Quasar MD Home Use Phototherapy Wand

• Review of the NuFace Home Use Facial Toning Device

• Evis MD Platinum Home Use Phototherapy Wand

• Review of Tria Laser Hair Removal Wand

• Clarisonic Skin Brush Review

• Clarisonic Opal Infusion System

Tags: boom in skin care appliances, anti-aging skin care, anti-aging products, best anti-aging products, LED phototherapy wand reviews, laser hair removal wand review, HairMax Laser Comb review, Clarisonic review

[Photo Credit: Print Shop Art Gallery]

Sephora Professional Mini Heated Lash Curler Review, Conclusion

2012-01-07T05:00:00.003-06:00

[Part 1 of this Sephora Professional Mini Heated Lash Curler review appeared yesterday.]

How to Use the Sephora Professional Mini Heated Lash Curler

Heated eyelash curlers work by warming the waxes in your mascara. Apply mascara first and allow it to dry while the wand heats up.

Place the wand at the base of your lashes as you would a mascara wand and let the lashes slide into the grooves so that they touch the (recessed) heated element.

Press the wand toward your eyelid (forcing the lashes to point upward) and hold for several seconds. The directions say one or two seconds, but that’s not enough. I need about 10 seconds.

Optional: to assure longer lasting curl, apply a second coat of mascara as a finishing touch.

How I Like the Sephora Professional Mini Heated Lash Curler

Surprisingly, I like this lash curling tool better than the standard crimping eyelash curler which tugs and can even pull out delicate lashes.

You’re more likely to hurt yourself (by pinching the eyelid) with a crimping curler than with this heated curler.

The sensation of warmth near the eye is also very soothing – especially these cold winter mornings!

My verdict: two thumbs up.

Tags: eyelash curler review, self-curling mascara, heated eyelash curler how-to, heated eyelash curler tips, Sephora Heated Lash Curler review, top ten cosmetics, cosmetic reviews

Sephora Professional Mini Heated Lash Curler Review

2012-01-06T05:00:00.021-06:00

In our series, You're Not as Old as You Look, Ageless Beauty!, we wanted to help you ring out the old year and bring in the new you.

I suggested you not skip mascara; and use a lash curler first to give your eyes an instant lift. There are three ways to curl your natural lashes for that upturned look.

Crimping eyelash curler;

Self-curling mascara like Rimmel Sexy Curves Full Body; and

Heated eyelash curling wand like Sephora Professional Mini Heated Lash Curler.

I’d never tried option #3 and frankly was a little nervous about applying a heated wand so close to the eye.

But since one of my focus words for 2012 is EXPLORE, I figured this would be a good time to try. I bought the Sephora Heated Lash Curler and was pleasantly surprised.

You might poke yourself in the eye as you could with any mascara wand; but you’ll never burn yourself with this well-designed makeup tool.

The heated coil is recessed so that it cannot touch the skin. When you replace the cap after use, it automatically slides the switch to the off position, in case you forgot to do so.

The wand runs on a AAA battery and is very lightweight. It heats up in 15 seconds.

Come back tomorrow and let me tell you how to use the Sephora Professional Mini Heated Lash Curler and give you my bottom line on it.

Tags: eyelash curler review, self-curling mascara, heated eyelash curler how-to, heated eyelash curler tips, Sephora Heated Lash Curler review, top ten cosmetics, cosmetic reviews

Nu Brilliance™ Professional Quality Home Microdermabrasion Kit Review, Conclusion

2012-01-05T05:00:00.007-06:00

[This answer to Amrita’s question about the Nu Brilliance™ Professional Quality Home Microdermabrasion Kit began yesterday.]

Dr. Matthew Schulman, NYC board certified plastic surgeon, conducted clinical trials for Nu Brilliance with some of his own patients.

Patients treated their skin twice weekly for six weeks. All subjects reported high satisfaction with the results, as well as the machine’s ease of use.

Patients noted:

Reduction in fine lines and wrinkles;

Improvement in texture, skin tone, and elasticity;

Reduction in skin discoloration, dark spots, and scarring; and/or

Reduction of pigment irregularity and acne.

Most before and after pictures for Nu Brilliance are on sites selling the system and the results can be impressive.

However, look around and you’ll find some photos from people who report bad results. Did they misuse the product? Did they get a defective unit or tip? Are they making it all up for some reason? You’ll have to judge for yourself.

I’ve also read comments like you mentioned – that the machine gets clogged easily or that the suction action wears out quickly. However, put that in the context of the tens of thousands of units sold. It's likely that some people will experience mechanical problems. That’s when dealing with a company that is known for good customer service becomes important.

You can accept the trial offer from Nu Brilliance or one of its affiliates and pay $15 to $30 upfront. Then you have 30 days to return the system or pay a balance of $200 in 4 payments.

I would rather buy the system outright from a company I know and trust. Sephora and Dermstore carry the Nu Brilliance Microdermabrasion kit.

Sephora, for example, offers free shipping with any order over $50, free returns (when you use the merchandise return label included in your order), and three free samples of your choice with every order.

Return your purchase within 60 days to receive a full refund to your credit card. Return it within 61-90 days to receive a refund in the form of an online store credit. To me, that's better customer protection than is offered by Nu Brilliance and its affiliates.

I'm glad you're finding a lot of helpful information on Ageless Beauty. Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter.

Regards,
Jean

Tags: microdermabrasion, home-use microdermabrasion appliance, review of Nu Brilliance Microdermabrasion kit, finding good customer service, exfoliation

Nu Brilliance™ Professional Quality Home Microdermabrasion Kit Review

2012-01-04T05:00:00.001-06:00

Hi Jean,

I've looked on your site but haven't found a review of Nu-Brilliance yet.

Have you ever tried this machine? Is it any good?

I've read complaints online from users that it gets clogged up after several uses, but I don't know if that happens when the machine isn't used correctly or not.

Your site has lots of helpful information!

Thanks,
Amrita

Hi Amrita,

Let me preface my remarks by saying I’m not a big fan of do-it-yourself manual exfoliation – whether abrasive scrubs, rubbing with a rough cloth, or DIY microdermabrasion. So, no, I haven’t tried the Nu Brilliance™ Professional Quality Home Microdermabrasion Kit.

In my opinion, dermabrasion requires a trained hand. It’s a very rough way to treat your own skin, especially when you don’t have years of training to recognize what conditions would benefit from the process (and which ones would not), as well as the correct pressure for each area, and the optimal frequency of treatment.

All that said, the Nu Brilliance machine is the most sophisticated and advanced home use microdermabrasion system I’ve seen. It comes with three synthetic diamond treatment heads of varying coarseness, allowing it to be used, not only on delicate facial skin, but on the body – even feet – as well.

The diamond tip exfoliation is aided by a vacuum action to extract impurities and suck them away along with loosened surface cells.

Dr. John Shieh, LA-based physician board certified in family medicine and specializing in cosmetic and anti-aging medicine, praises the dual-action technology of Nu Brilliance.

Rotary brushes and scrubs have some cleansing and exfoliating benefit, but according to Dr. Shieh, in order to get real effects, you have to have vacuum along with the abrasive action.

Please come back tomorrow for the conclusion of this Nu Brilliance™ Professional Quality Home Microdermabrasion Kit Reviw.

Tags: microdermabrasion, home-use microdermabrasion appliance, review of Nu Brilliance Microdermabrasion kit, finding good customer service, exfoliation

How do you Want to Grow in 2012?

2012-01-03T05:00:00.001-06:00

In 2011, I chose the word "CALM" to direct my life and continue to grow. If I’ve learned anything in 66 years on this planet, it’s that one should never stop learning and growing.

In retrospect, 2011 was not a calm year: the loss of my mother-in-law who had been in my life many more years than my birth mother; the economy and its effects on our business; illnesses for both my husband and me …

So, are you wondering if having "CALM" as my word of the year helped? Unequivocally YES!

I handled all the challenges better than I normally would have, I think.

"CALM" became my mantra; and the hymn "Be Still My Soul" would play in my head whenever I invoked the word.

So I’m a bit excited to take on a new Word of the Year for 2012– actually I have two words and can’t narrow it down to one.

My words for 2012 are "EXPLORE" and "GIVE".

My husband and I went on a Panama Canal cruise in October. It was the trip of a lifetime; but, truth be told, I wasn’t even looking forward to it beforehand. Too expensive … too risky … we’re too busy … I had a lot of excuses which I tried to keep to myself.

It was on that trip that my desire to EXPLORE and "just do it!" was born. The adventure and challenges of visiting several foreign places emboldened me to become less timid, to push my boundaries, and seek out new experiences.

The word GIVE comes from my gratitude for Ageless Beauty and all our readers.

It is this business that brought us back from the brink of bankruptcy and, while business is suffering due to the poor economy, Ageless Beauty is still hanging in there. I know many people who are not so fortunate.

I have more than many; so I want to GIVE more.

You can download singer/songwriter Christine Kane’s free worksheet Your Word of the Year Discovery Tool here.

I’d love to hear what word you select and why.

Tags: avoid stress, word of the year, free ebook, uplevel your life, New Year resolutions, self-improvement, healthy lifestyle choices, quality of life

Olay Pro-X Cleansing System Review

2012-01-02T05:00:00.007-06:00

Not wanting to spend $200 for the Clarisonic Skin Care Brush, I purchased the Olay Pro-X Cleansing System.

If your skin is acne prone, has enlarged pores, or you battle whiteheads and blackheads, the Clarisonic is worth the extra bucks. Read why in my Review of the Clarisonic Skin Care System.

The Similarities Between the Olay Pro-X and Clarisonic Skin Care Systems

Both rotating cleansing brushes promise to:

Remove six times more makeup than manual cleansing;

Increase product absorption; and

Gently exfoliate.

They both have super soft bristles which feel lovely against delicate facial skin.

The Clarisonic is "used and recommended by skin care professionals". The Olay appliance was designed by dermatologists.

The Differences Between the Olay Pro-X and Clarisonic Skin Care Systems

Both brushes are designed to be used in the shower (or at the sink, of course). The Clarisonic is "waterproof", while the Olay brush is "water resistant".

I suspect this is because the Clarisonic is a closed system that recharges while resting on its cradle.

The Olay brush uses two AA batteries. In a way, the battery feature makes the Olay brush more portable. There’s less to pack for travel.

The Clarisonic brush can be used with any non-abrasive cleanser. The Olay cleansing brush may be used with any cleanser. The Olay system exfoliating cleanser is a lathering micro-bead formula.

Olay replacement brushes are two for $10.

Clarisonic replacement brushes are two for $40; however, there are four different models depending on skin type or intended use (normal, sensitive, delicate, body ).

Tags: Olay Pro-X Cleansing+ System review, best skin cleansing methods, Olay and Clarisonic compared, cleanse without stripping skin, remove impurities for healthy skin, dermatologist recommended, skin cleansing technology

Sunday Shopping at Ageless Beauty Jan. 1, 2012: Ageless Beauty New Year Makeover

2012-01-01T05:00:00.002-06:00

Save steps and money with a leisurely stroll through the aisles of the Ageless Beauty Shop featuring recently recommended items.

Today’s Ageless Beauty Shop:
Ageless Beauty New Year Makeover 2012

No need to print out articles and drag them along from store to store searching out the latest and greatest in anti-aging products. Shop now from the comfort of home.

Related Articles:

• You're Not as Old as You Look, Ageless Beauty!

• More Ways to Keep Looking Young

• How to Stage Your Comeback with "A Complete Beauty Revival for Women Over 45"

• Ageless Beauty Top Ten Cosmetics List

Tags: 7 mistakes that age your looks, hair removal, top ten cosmetic for ageless beauties, New Year makeover, look younger tomorrow, hair loss, age-appropriate exercise, best anti-aging books

[Photo Credit: Print Shop Art Gallery]

Conclusion: You're Not as Old as You Look, Ageless Beauty!

2011-12-31T05:00:00.001-06:00

[This series, You're Not as Old as You Look, Ageless Beauty! started Monday.]

This concludes our series, written to help you …

Ring out the Old Year and Bring in the New You!

Banish these 7 mistakes from your repertoire to look and feel younger in 2012:

1. Harsh or Extreme Makeup;

2. Dated Hairdo or Thinning Hair;

3. Vanishing Eyebrows;

4. Facial Hair;

5. Concealer That Doesn’t;

6. Your Carriage, Madame; and

7. Your Wardrobe Screams 1900-Something.

Have a Wonderful, Healthy, and Happy New Year!

With love,
Jean

Age Less with Ageless Beauty

Tags: Happy New Year, New Year makeover, cosmetic mistakes that age you, fashion mistakes that age you, best cosmetics

Part 5: You're Not as Old as You Look, Ageless Beauty!

2011-12-30T05:00:00.002-06:00

[This series, You're Not as Old as You Look, Ageless Beauty! started Monday.]

Mistake #7: Your Wardrobe Screams 1900-Something

Be it the 1980s, 70s, 60s … whatever, if you’re still wearing the same style of clothing you wore decades ago, lose that image of yourself.

You may have felt you looked your personal best at that point of your life; but you can look so much better and younger now with a more current fashion look, as well as shapes and proportions to flatter your changing shape.

My best advice on this is to buy and have fun with Christopher Hopkins’ wonderful book, Staging Your Comeback: A Complete Beauty Revival for Women Over 45.

You can read more about it in How to Stage Your Comeback with "A Complete Beauty Revival for Women Over 45".

Or if you live near or can visit his studio in Minneapolis, give yourself the ultimate treat for Ageless Beauties – a personal consultation and makeover.

Tomorrow, we’ll conclude this series with the hope you’re convinced that You're Not as Old as You Look, Ageless Beauty! You just may want to make a few minor adjustments.

Tags: Happy New Year, New Year makeover, cosmetic mistakes that age you, fashion mistakes that age you, best cosmetics

Part 4: You're Not as Old as You Look, Ageless Beauty!

2011-12-29T05:00:00.003-06:00

[This series, You're Not as Old as You Look, Ageless Beauty!, started Monday.]

Mistake #6: Your Carriage, Madame

Sometimes a "dowager’s hump" is caused by nothing more than neglect and lack of attention.

Make the effort to stand and sit up straight. Don’t let all those muscles and organs collapse in on themselves. It takes conscious effort, but the work is not that hard. It’s more a matter of awareness.

Young ballerinas are told to imagine they’re suspended from strings running from the tops of their heads to hooks on the ceiling. The whole body naturally falls into alignment.

The other part of standing and sitting tall is shoulders back. For this, young ballerinas are taught to stand in front of the mirror: shoulders back but down (not hunched unnaturally). Hold the shoulder position as you extend your arms straight out to the sides (2nd position arms). Arms are relaxed and graceful.

Next, gracefully raise the arms above your head to form an oval with fingers not quite touching at the top (5th position arms). Check your shoulders. Are they still down?

In fact, the complete exercise of moving through the five basic ballet positions is wonderful for your carriage and for removing any tension you hold in your neck and shoulders. If you don’t know the positions, find a ballet or ex-ballet student among your friends or family who can teach you.

My first career was as a ballet teacher. If you live near me, I’d love to teach you myself ;-)

Here’s an instructional video of the Five Ballet Positions on About.com. Practice them in front of a mirror so you can correct yourself. Once you know them by heart, try to do them smoothly, flowing from one to the next from 1st to 5th and then reversing from 5th position back to 1st.

Tomorrow, we’ll conclude this list with mistake #7 that proves You're Not as Old as You Look, Ageless Beauty!

Tags: Happy New Year, New Year makeover, cosmetic mistakes that age you, fashion mistakes that age you, best cosmetics

Part 3: You're Not as Old as You Look, Ageless Beauty!

2011-12-28T05:00:00.003-06:00

[This series, You're Not as Old as You Look, Ageless Beauty!, started Monday.]

Mistake #4: Facial Hair

Some women have to deal with dark mustaches from puberty on. By the time they’re Ageless Beauties, they’re real pros at spotting and eradicating stubble and strays.

However when an older woman sprouts dark hairs from her chin or grows a lawn of peach fuzz all over her face and neck, it shouts post-menopausal. Maybe you’re okay with that. But if you want people to see YOU rather than your age, be alert to hair in unwanted places and get rid of it!

How ironic it is that, as eyesight is typically failing, wrinkles, facial hair, and other signs of aging are gradually developing. So you may not see them in order to be able to deal with them.

Use a magnifying mirror, especially if you have age-related presbyopia and now need reading glasses to see close. Again, if you’d worn glasses for reading all your life, you’d already be in the habit.

Read about the Tria Laser Hair Removal Wand for use in the privacy of your own home.

Mistake #5: Concealer That Doesn’t

If you need concealer for

1. Dark eye circles, age spots, or spider veins AND
2. Have wrinkles,

Covering the first may accentuate the second!

Try a moisturizing brightening concealer with light diffusers instead of cakey concealer that settles into creases.

I like:

• Sephora Collection Smoothing and Brightening Concealer; and
• L’Oreal Visible Lift Serum Absolue SPF20 Brightening Concealer.

Tomorrow, we’ll share mistake #6 that proves You're Not as Old as You Look, Ageless Beauty!

Tags: Happy New Year, New Year makeover, cosmetic mistakes that age you, fashion mistakes that age you, best cosmetics

Part 2: You're Not as Old as You Look, Ageless Beauty!

2011-12-27T05:00:00.006-06:00

[This series, You're Not as Old as You Look, Ageless Beauty!, began yesterday.]

Mistake #2: Dated Hairdo or Thinning Hair

If you’ve been wearing the same hairstyle for five years, it’s probably out-of-date. Treat yourself to a new "do".

If your hair is thinning or your hairline is receding, it’s not technically a mistake. It’s an unavoidable fact of life for many Ageless Beauties.

The mistake is in not doing something about it. Buy a wig. The new synthetic wigs get better all the time. They instantly erase ten years from your look; and they’re affordable. Think of it as buying a new hat.

Mistake #3: Vanishing Eyebrows

If your brows have been plucked to within an inch of their life, get Eyebrow Templates and learn to "replace" the hair that over-plucking and age-related hair loss have destroyed.

Peter Thomas Roth Lashes to Die For works to regrow eyebrows as well as longer lusher lashes. By the way, Bimatoprost and its analogues (as used in Lashes to Die For) do not generate new hair on the scalp. However scientists are working on that idea.

Tomorrow, we’ll share mistakes #4 and 5 that prove You're Not as Old as You Look, Ageless Beauty!

Tags: Happy New Year, New Year makeover, cosmetic mistakes that age you, fashion mistakes that age you, best cosmetics

You're Not as Old as You Look, Ageless Beauty!

2011-12-26T05:00:00.003-06:00

Maybe you’re not as old as you look and feel. It might be your hair, makeup, and/or fashion sense that are aging you beyond your years.

Let’s ring out the old year and bring in the new you!

What are looks that age a woman over 40? In a nutshell:

• Anything dated;
• Ill-fitting or ill-proportioned clothes;
• Fashions best suited to teens and 20-somethings;
• Anything harsh or extreme.

Take a long hard look in the mirror or ask a good friend (who looks younger than her years) for her honest opinion. Are you guilty of any of the 7 mistakes which follow?

Mistake #1: Harsh or Extreme Makeup

Think subtle; not severe. No garish lips, lids, or nails. If you like red, find a sheer one. If you like dark pink, find one with less blue in it.

Don’t skip mascara. Use a lash curler first to give your eyes an instant lift. Try a self-curling mascara like Rimmel Sexy Curves Full Body. The contrast of dark upturned lashes against sparkling lids – wow!

My choice for sparkling (though subtle) lids these days is L’Oreal Paris Studio Secrets The One Sweep Eye Shadow.

Come along with us the rest of this week and get ready for the New Year and the New You!

Tomorrow, we’ll share mistakes #2 and 3 that prove You're Not as Old as You Look, Ageless Beauty!

Tags: Happy New Year, New Year makeover, cosmetic mistakes that age you, fashion mistakes that age you, best cosmetics,

Sunday Shopping at Ageless Beauty Dec. 25, 2011: Affordable Top Ten Skin Anti-Aging Products 2011

2011-12-25T05:00:00.008-06:00

Save steps and money with a leisurely stroll through the aisles of the Ageless Beauty Shop featuring recently recommended items.

Today’s Ageless Beauty Shop:
Affordable Top Ten Skin Anti-Aging Products 2011

No need to print out articles and drag them along from store to store searching out the latest and greatest in anti-aging products. Shop now from the comfort of home.

1.
StriVectin-SD Intensive
Jean's Review/More Information
Special notes: Affordable on a per ounce basis. See Jean's before and after photos.

Related Article: NEW Affordable Top Ten Skin Care Picks.

Merry Christmas to All

2011-12-24T05:00:00.001-06:00

For me, Jesus is the reason for the season and Christmas is a day for thanksgiving; even more so than Thanksgiving Day.

The nativity crèche above is the plainest of my three but my favorite.

I bought it for $1.95 at the West Point PX the one year my husband and I were apart for Christmas. He had recently graduated, got his first lieutenant's commission and been sent to Fort Riley, Kansas. To keep my job, I stayed in New Jersey with our infant son.

This crèche is a poignant reminder of how grateful I was to have him back home with us safe and sound – to have our family back together. It’s also a reminder to be grateful that he is still in my life after 44 years.

The stockings are hung by the chimney with care tonight. Saint Nick is coming, but not with a sack of tangible gifts, with loads of memories.

Our tree is full of them - the ornaments lovingly made or received from special people in our lives over the years.

Our first Christmas, my husband and I made every ornament ourselves (out of necessity) and hung them on a live tree cut from his best man's lake cottage property.

The needles all fell off within three days. It was sort of a Charlie Brown Christmas tree after that.

Then there are the ornaments my son and I made together: bread dough clay Santa faces, trees, and stars; Styrofoam balls covered with all manner of decorations.

For a while, I collected Hallmark ornaments bought half price in after Christmas sales. I love all their incredible detail: the house with its own Christmas tree inside, the vintage Hallmark store, the baby bird sitting on a cracker with a bite missing ...

Under the tree is my collection of fancy tin cans. They too came from special places or special people.

One from Germany was filled with yummy candy and has a music box built in. It plays Silent Night, or I should say Stille Nacht.

Yes, God has been very good to us.

On that happy note, may I say …

… Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

Tags: Age Less with Ageless Beauty, holiday memories, Christmas decorations, Christmas ornaments, make Christmas meaningful, Merry Christmas

Quasar Pro Photorejuvenation Light Therapy Solution

2011-12-23T05:00:00.000-06:00

Hello!

I was wondering what the professional version of the Baby Quasar is named and where I could find it? You said it is over $1500.

I looked up the manufacturer name Advanced Therapeutics and had no luck. If you could help that would be wonderful.

Thank you,
Graciela

Hi Graciela,

As the company has grown it has become more difficult to contact directly. The website is now quasarpro.com, but you must be registered to enter.

Anyway, long story short … the article where I quoted the price for the spa model of the Quasar LED appliance was written in 2008.

In the meantime, the design has been improved and the power output has been increased. All the advances included in the latest version Quasar Pro Photorejuvenation Light Therapy Solution will set you back about $5,300.

The Quasar Pro is a complete system for treating skin conditions due to photoaging (including fine lines, wrinkles, uneven skin tone, and age spots), as well as other skin conditions such as acne, rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis.

The treatment is easy to perform, soothing and pain free, has a wide range of benefits, and no negative side effects.

Light therapy is the fastest growing new treatment for day spas, estheticians, cosmetologists, and salons. Over 90% of clients respond immediately with visible long-lasting results. Light therapy combines beautifully with other treatment modalities.

Professionals command fees of $70 to $125 per treatment. Monthly or bi-monthly maintenance treatments are recommended which builds customer returns and satisfaction.

If you are an esthetician or medical professional and have an active practice, this would be an excellent investment.

However, if you are a consumer who wants to buy an LED appliance for personal use, I recommend the Quasar MD. The Quasar MD is 3Xs as powerful as the Baby Quasar home use LED wand AND is as powerful as the previous version of the Quasar Pro.

Regards,
Jean

Tags: Baby Quasar anti-aging results, green tea extract for wrinkle reduction, LED/green tea combination anti-wrinkle therapy, powerful antioxidant EGCG, combined LED and EGCG cream reduce wrinkles 10 times faster, skin anti-aging, improved LED treatment results

How NOT to Apply L'Oreal Paris Studio Secrets The One Sweep Eye Shadow if You’re an Ageless Beauty

2011-12-21T05:00:00.002-06:00

I gave L'Oreal Paris Studio Secrets The One Sweep Eye Shadow a very Good Review and we’re considering it for our Top Ten Cosmetics list.

Imagine my surprise when I saw illustrations like the one above which seem to indicate I’ve been using the paddle upside down! The instructions in my review reflect my upside-down method.

However, I’m not taking my advice back. I still recommend that Ageless Beauties can get a beautiful look that make your eyes pop, using my directions.

With my method you get the lightest color close to the lash line and on most of the lid. This provides beautiful contrast for dark lashes. The contrast accentuates both the lashes and the eyelid.

Applying the darkest color on the lid (as indicated in the illustrations I’m commenting on) makes the eyelid appear to recede!

I can’t count the compliments I’ve been getting on my new eye shadow look – from men and women alike. The women always ask for the secret of my sparkling eyes.

Now you know the secret too ;-)

Tags: cosmetics review, new eye shadow tool, fav cosmetics, best cosmetics for ageless beauties, top ten cosmetics, Ageless Beauty, age appropriate makeup

Why Didn't New LifeCell All-In-One Treatment Garner a Place on the Ageless Beauty Affordable Top Ten List?

2011-12-20T05:00:00.003-06:00

[Yvonne’s Questions about New StriVectin-SD Intensive and LifeCell All-In-One Treatment appeared yesterday.]

Hi Yvonne,

It’s no bother – really. This is what I do … and what I love to do.

1. Wherever did you hear that?! I directly answered that question for another reader by cross-checking EVERY ingredient in the new StriVectin-SD Intensive against DermaDoctor’s Table of Comedogenic or Irritating Ingredients.

There are three ingredients in StriVectin-SD that are potentially comedogenic but none that are potential irritants. You’d be hard pressed to find a skin product which didn’t have some ingredient that would irritate the skin of a few people.

On the contrary regarding StriVectin’s formula, did you see my post, StriVectin Awarded for Development of Niacin Molecule that Promotes DNA Repair and May Help Prevent Skin Cancer ?

NIA-114™ is included in many of the new StrVectin products including the new SD Intensive which we've been discussing and the TL Tightening products. The TL Neck cream is pictured above. There is also a TL Face serum. We're in the process of testing both.

Further, NIA-114™ has been chosen by the National Cancer Institute for further study as a possible skin cancer prevention agent.

2. Quite simply, LifeCell doesn’t qualify for the Ageless Beauty Affordable Top Ten Skin Anti-Aging Products because of its cost, which is about $75 USD an ounce.

The most expensive products on the affordable list are Bliss the Youth as We Know It and Algenist at $46 and $45 an ounce respectively.

Regards,
Jean

Tags:StriVectin safety, ingredient safety, anti-aging skin care, Ageless Beauty Affordable Top Ten table of comedogenic or irritating ingredients

Does New StriVectin-SD Intensive Contain Harmful Ingredients?

2011-12-19T05:00:00.004-06:00

Hello Jean;

Thank you so much again for sending me all This Information and allowing me a sneak preview of the NEW Affordable Top Ten Skin Care Picks!

This was very nice of you! Thank you for all the work you did, and this gives me a good list to have on hand!

Please don’t kill me, but I just want to pose a couple more questions/concerns if you don't mind. I also noticed that Olay seems to be a good skin care line according to your recommendations.

1. I have read before that StriVectin is not really a safe product to use, or is that not true?

2. How does the new LifeCell product fit into your top ten list? You seemed pretty impressed with its ingredient list and even though it may have a lower concentration of cell communicating ingredients, it still has an impressive ingredient list of top anti-aging ingredients that are in high concentration (e.g. Retinol, which is one of the top key anti-aging ingredients, from everything I've read) and this is an all-in-one product, therefore no need to buy different products; you get everything in one tube!

If you don't mind answering my concerns/questions this time again, I promise I will stop pestering you so much! However, I do value your opinion and the great help you have provided me so far up to now.

Hope to hear from you when you have a chance,

Take care,
Yvonne

Please come back tomorrow for Jean's Answers about New StriVectin-SD Intensive and LifeCell All-In-One Treatment.

Tags:StriVectin safety, ingredient safety, anti-aging skin care, Ageless Beauty Affordable Top Ten table of comedogenic or irritating ingredients,

Sunday Shopping at Ageless Beauty Dec. 18, 2011:

2011-12-18T05:00:00.006-06:00

Save steps and money with a leisurely stroll through the aisles of the Ageless Beauty Shop featuring recently recommended items.

Today’s Ageless Beauty Shop:
Affordable Top Ten Skin Anti-Aging Products 2011

No need to print out articles and drag them along from store to store searching out the latest and greatest in anti-aging products. Shop now from the comfort of home.

1.
StriVectin-SD Intensive
Jean's Review/More Information
Special notes: Affordable on a per ounce basis. See Jean's before and after photos.

Related Article: NEW Affordable Top Ten Skin Care Picks.

New Effective Forms of Topical Vitamin C

2011-12-17T05:00:00.003-06:00

Just a couple of weeks ago, I answered a question from Yvonne about the Most Effective Forms of Topical Vitamin C.

Science marches on …

Thursday, Cosmetics Design.com ran an interesting related article: Stable Vitamin C Provides Potency to Collagen Boosting Products.

"New discoveries of natural potent sources of Vitamin C are making their way into collagen boosting, lightening skin care products. These effective ingredients are raising the bar for clinical claims of lightening and collagen synthesis."

To the partial list I offered Yvonne, we should add these new and increasingly powerful sources or formulations of stable Vitamin C:

• Australian Kakadu Plum – contains highest recorded levels of C, 100 times that of oranges;

• Ethyl Ascorbic Acid – for skin brightening, lightening age spots, and stimulating collagen production;

• Ascorbic Acid 2-Glucoside – C with Glucose as a stabilizer;

• Syner-C – combines action of anti-inflammatories and antioxidants to fight hyperpigmentation on dual pathways.

Tags: Vitamin C serum, Vitamin C cream, topical Vitamin C, stable forms of Vitamin C", best topical antioxidants, anti-aging skincare

[Image credit: courtesy of "Australian Produce Company".]

A Skin Serum is Not Necessarily Better than a Cream

2011-12-16T05:00:00.003-06:00

Hello again Jean,

I would like your opinion about using serums as opposed to an anti-aging "cream".

Would a serum containing Retinol, peptides, antioxidants, Hyaluronic Acid, etc. work better and faster in correcting/preventing lines, wrinkles etc. in the long run; as serums are generally very concentrated and quickly absorbed into the skin, whereas a cream sits more on the surface of the skin?

Perhaps anti-aging serums would contain a higher "concentration” of ingredients, such as cell communicating peptides.

I look forward to hearing back from you when and if you can.

Regards,
Yvonne

Hi Yvonne,

You are absolutely spot-on about serums.

They are formulated to penetrate rather than sit on the surface. An ordinary moisturizing cream usually contains humectants which sit on the surface and draw moisture from the air to envelope the skin and keep it feeling moist and plump.

However, creams can be very effective anti-aging treatments as well. Look for one with cell communicating peptides in addition to humectants. Peptides are small enough to penetrate the epidermis.

The humectants remain on the surface, while the peptides continue on their journey to deeper levels of the skin.

As for concentration of ingredients, that depends on the order of listing as always.

If you look at our recently updated list of Affordable Top Ten Skin Anti-Aging Products, you’ll see that nine out of ten are creams or lotions. Only one is a serum this year.

Regards,
Jean

Tags: skin care product awards, anti-aging skin care, skin care ingredient review, best anti-aging products, skin care clinical studies, best skin care lines, best skincare products, Top Ten Affordable Anti-Aging Products

What to do When Winter Weather Gives You the Dry Skin Blues, Conclusion

2011-12-15T05:00:00.004-06:00

[Sherry's letter about Dry Winter Skin appeared yesterday.]

Hi Sherry,

I'm glad to hear you might be onto something to help your dry winter skin.

You've heard of SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder), haven't you? It's been known for a long time that lack of sunlight (like in colder climes) can cause depression or just depressed feelings.

Cold weather also causes dry skin, more severe in some people than in others. But that's not eczema. Have you ever seen a dermatologist when you are having a flare? The first thing to do is to get a firm diagnosis. Then you can work on how to control whatever it is.

You definitely can irritate the skin with excessive exfoliation. The body just can't keep up with the healing process when you overdo it. I'm very careful with Retin A and do not use any type of manual exfoliation (e.g. scrubs with abrasive granules, even when they are termed microdermabrasion to indicate they are gentle).

However in general, Retinol (topical Vitamin A) is very good for dry skin, as is Vitamin A in your diet and supplement form. Too little vitamin A can cause dry, cracked skin, that can even lead to infection.

A lack of any one of several vitamins or minerals can cause skin disorders.

Several of the B vitamins, as well as C and E are good for skin. Try to get these vitamins in a well-balanced diet and supplement form, as well as applying them topically.

Thanks for the suggestion to research Vitamin D and skin. I haven't seen any studies on that yet.

Here's what we have so far on Ageless Beauty: Why Do We Need Vitamin D?

Perhaps it needs updating.

Have you tried any of these Topical Products Formulated to Heal Dry Flaky Skin?

Regards,
Jean

Tags: anti-aging skincare with eczema, anti-aging skincare, effective ingredients, eczema tips, vitamins for skin care, avoid skin irritants, exfoliation, retinol

What to do When Winter Weather Gives You the Dry Skin Blues

2011-12-14T05:00:00.004-06:00

Hi Jean,

I recently had to stop using my favorite anti-aging skin products.

I have been a sufferer of eczema for as long as I can remember. Up until 2002 it was very bad. I say until 2002 because that is when I traveled to Europe and spent every day at the beach for a month. After that the eczema on my leg pretty much disappeared. Since then I have continued to spend every summer at the beach.

This has made me think that the salt water of the Mediterranean has helped heal this frustrating skin condition. Even though, it reappears as the weather cools and changes; it has never redeveloped to the excessive and irritating condition it once used to be.

Late last week on the news there was a report about whether winter weather makes one age more rapidly and be more depressed. Studies shown identified that the lack of sun/vitamin D absorbed by the body accelerates aging in women up to 5 years in the winter and we also become more depressed.

I considered that my eczema reappears in the winter (hence the lack of Vitamin D. I also find I'm more down in the winter). I do take Vitamin D supplements but not very regularly.

For the last week I have been taking 1-2 Vitamin D tablets per day. Within a matter of about 3 days the flakiness around my mouth and eyes has completely disappeared. The eczema on my leg has minimised as well. I know it’s early days yet but I still believe the Vitamin D supplements have greatly helped me in my battle with eczema and the flaky skin around my face.

Just thought I'd let you know, perhaps it’s something that other readers would like to consider.

Regards,
Sherry

Jean's answer on Dry Flaky Winter Skin will appear tomorrow.

Tags: anti-aging skincare with eczema, anti-aging skincare, effective ingredients, eczema tips, vitamins for skin care, avoid skin irritants, exfoliation, retinol

Top Ten Effective Affordable Skin Care Products

2011-12-13T05:00:00.004-06:00

Just in time to buy an extra special gift for any Ageless Beauty on your list, we’ve completed our annual ranking of affordable anti-aging skin care products!

This is one of the most arduous and important tasks we undertake each year at Ageless Beauty.

It involves a lot of product testing, review of complete ingredient lists, and reading of any available clinical studies.

It’s my impression that ingredient lists are becoming more standardized; or when trade names are used, it’s easier to track down what the chemical ingredients are.

More companies also are submitting their clinical trials to scientific publications for peer review.

This is all pretty exciting progress for skin anti-aging and for consumers.

However, the most exciting news is in the products themselves. So without further ado …

StriVectin-SD Intensive Concentrate for Stretch Marks and Wrinkles has garnered the #1 spot, based on:

• Review of StriVectin-SD Intensive’s Ingredients;

• My Personal 8-Week Test of StriVectin-SD Intensive including before and after photos; and

• The Skin Cancer Foundation Skin Sense Award to StriVectin for development of its exclusive NIA-114™ technology. NIA-114™ has been chosen by the National Cancer Institute for further study as a possible skin cancer prevention agent.

The #2 spot was taken by a relative newcomer, True Radiance for its Youth Cream based on the brand’s commitment to high and/or effective concentrations of proven skin healthcare ingredients.

Olay is still deservedly well-represented on the list with four winners from the Pro-X and Regenerist lines.

Click here for Ageless Beauty’s complete Top Ten Affordable Skin Care Product List.

Tags: skin care product awards, anti-aging skin care, skin care ingredient review, best anti-aging products, skin care clinical studies, best skin care lines, best skincare products, Top Ten Affordable Anti-Aging Products

DASH for the Top Nutritionists' Top Pick

2011-12-12T05:00:00.001-06:00

Dash for the DASH diet instead of the Mall!

If you visited the Ageless Beauty Shop yesterday, you may have wondered why we didn’t feature any products about the DASH eating plan.

The DASH plan was recently selected as the #1 diet in U.S. News and World Report’s ranking by top nutritionists.

We didn’t feature it in our shop because you can’t buy it ANYWHERE.

Don’t be alarmed. The DASH Plan is free!

The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) eating plan was developed by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and designed for people with high blood pressure.

However it’s a great eating plan for all adults to follow.

The 64-page full color booklet includes:

• A primer on blood pressure;
• Detailed reports of the supportive studies;
• The plan itself, with lots of tips and testimonials;
• Guidelines to adjust DASH to your caloric needs;
• A week’s schedule of meals to get you started; and
• A section of recipes.

There’s a great Vegetarian Spaghetti Sauce, surprisingly rich and cheesy Zucchini Lasagna, and a meal-in-a-pot Chicken and Spanish Rice – just to name a few.

Be sure not to miss the super-easy 3-ingredient Spicy Baked Fish.

A lot has been added since I last wrote about DASH. So I’m re-reading it myself.

You can download the DASH Plan, view it online, or request a free copy in the mail (one to a customer please) by clicking on this link.

Sunday Shopping at Ageless Beauty Dec. 11, 2011:

2011-12-11T05:00:00.004-06:00

Save steps and money with a leisurely stroll through the aisles of the Ageless Beauty Shop featuring recently recommended items.

Today’s Ageless Beauty Shop:
Best Books: Healthy Body Image and Eating Healthy for Life

No need to print out articles and drag them along from store to store searching out the latest and greatest in anti-aging products. Shop now from the comfort of home.

Related Articles:

• Improving on the HAES Eating Plan

• Top Nutritionists Select Best Eating Plans

• How to Stage Your Comeback with "A Complete Beauty Revival for Women Over 45"

• Be Younger TOMORROW

Tags: best diet plans, best eating plans, healthy body image, eat healthy for life, be younger tomorrow, feeling fat, age-appropriate exercise, best anti-aging books

[Photo Credit: Print Shop Art Gallery]

I Hate Feeling Fat. Feeling Fat Usually Leads to Feeling Ugly and Feeling All Around "Yuck."

2011-12-10T05:00:00.007-06:00

I read today’s guest post the very day Improving on the "Health at Every Size" Plan ran on this blog. I thought, "How perfect!" Cheryl gave Ageless Beauty permission to share her muse with you.

It's not that I jumped on a scale or couldn't fit into my pants. It's just a feeling.

I am by no means in the best of shape nor the shape I dream of being, but I have lived many a day like this and haven't felt fat.

Today is my fat day. I think this comes around every so often.

I hate feeling fat. Feeling fat usually leads to feeling ugly and feeling all around "yuck."

It doesn't motivate. It doesn't energize. It depletes. It slugs and moans and groans. It begs for compliments while the claws are out. The inside is soft and hurting. The outside is a fortress ready for the inevitable attacks.

The feeling will leave at some point. Maybe even later today – I did take some extra time with my hair and face. That's good, right? Oh, to fight back and win the war.

The war isn't won by exercise and eating right – even though they are great to do. It isn't defeated with compliments - as good as they might feel in the moment. It could be battled with the right combination of hormones. I'm just dreaming now. The answer eludes me just as much now as when the monster will strike again.

I think of my daughters and want to solve it for them too. If I can capture the monster, I can give them tools to fight it as well. So many girls fight it regardless of their shape and size. In the end, I know it has nothing to do with reality. Sometimes feelings are just that way.

Here's what I've done so far:

1. I took a nap. It's not something I can always do, but I could today. Having rested, I am in a better place to think.

2. I did a reasonable amount of grooming and chose clothes I feel comfortable and attractive in. Not going to win a fashion award in this, but I don't want to hide myself either.

3. I am writing. That is a salve for me. It doesn't work for everyone. But for me, it gets it out, and usually it leads to better resolve.

What do I need to do next? I need to do things that are positive, things that are good to do. It doesn't have to solve it all. I have responsibilities that need my attention. I'm already moving in the right direction. I have won.

- Cheryl

Please visit Cheryl at her blog, In My Girl Cave. I did; and now I’m a follower.

Tags: fighting fat days, enjoy your food, holiday diet tips, fighting for self esteem, eat healthy for life

Are Dr. Perricone's Products Worth the Premium Price? (Conclusion)

2011-12-09T05:00:00.009-06:00

My answer to Shirley's question, Are Dr. Perricone's Products Worth the Premium Price? started yesterday.]

I haven’t reviewed the High Potency Perricone products you received in the kit; but I took a quick look at the ingredient lists. They all come in airtight pump bottles to preserve ingredient effectiveness.

Eye Lift contains DMAE for firming and an excellent highly concentrated antioxidant cocktail (stabilized Vitamin C, Green Tea Extract, Resveratrol, and CoQ10 to name just a few).

The ingredient list ends with (i.e. low concentrations) an equally stellar cell communicating ingredient cocktail of Copper Gluconate, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5, Dipeptide-2, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7.

The Amine Face Lift Complex has high concentrations of DMAE and Glycolic Acid, some good antioxidants including two forms of stable Vitamin C and a small concentration of cell communicating ingredients.

The High Potency Evening Repair has high concentrations of the synergistic antioxidants Alpha-Lipoic Acid and DMAE, which also firms facial contours. This is the least impressive formula of the three in your kit. It has a low concentration of Retinol. At night, when skin is primed for repair, a higher dose of Retinol is called for. There are no other cell communicating ingredients in Evening Repair to help the skin behave in a younger manner.

On balance I think you received three excellent products in your kit (Nutritive Cleanser and two of the three High Potency products). The sizes are sufficient for you to try for at least a month and decide whether they’re worth the high price to purchase again.

In the meantime, enjoy pampering yourself ;-)

Regards,
Jean

Tags: anti-aging skincare, Perricone product value, sodium l. sulfate risk, Perricone High Potency ingredients, effective anti-aging skincare ingredients, are high-priced skincare products worth it?

Are Dr. Perricone's Products Worth the Premium Price?

2011-12-08T05:00:00.003-06:00

Out of curiosity, I just ordered Dr. Perricone MD little trial kit and could not believe how small the bottles are for the price!! In your opinion, is it worth the price he wants? How effective is it?

The kit contained:

1. Nutritive Cleanser 2 oz,
2. High Potency Eye Lift treatment .5 ml,
3. High Potency Amine Complex Face Lift 1 oz,
4. High Potency Evening Repair 1 oz

I noticed he used Sodium Sulfate in his cleanser (top of the list) which is not a great ingredient.

I was really surprised how expensive his products are.

Shirley

Hi Shirley,

Most of Dr. Perricone’s products are very pricey, so only you can decide if they’re worth it to you.

They’re all splurges for me except for the doctor’s new natural Super line. I look for special deals on the high end Perricone products when I want to pamper my aging skin.

I’ve used and then reviewed Dr. Perricone Nutritive Cleanser here.

Ingredient names can sure be confusing. Perricone Nutritive Cleanser does not contain SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate), which is one of the most irritating cleansing agents around.

Many people cannot tolerate it; however many can. So it is still used in shampoos and cleansers, since such products are not in contact with the skin for extended periods.

Perricone Nutritive Cleanser contains SLES (Sodium Laureth Sulfate) which is considered to be a gentle and effective cleansing agent.

In your concern for sulfates, you may have in mind an internet hoax from the 1990s (still floating around) about both SLS and SLES being carcinogenic. You can read the details debunking that hoax on Snopes.com.

We'll take a look at the Ingredients in Perricone High Potency Products tomorrow.

Tags: anti-aging skincare, Perricone product value, sodium l. sulfate risk, Perricone High Potency ingredients, effective anti-aging skincare ingredients, are high-priced skincare products worth it?

Top Nutritionists Select Best Eating Plans

2011-12-07T05:00:00.001-06:00

In an evaluation of 20 diet or eating plans, conducted by U.S. News and World Report, the top two overall were the:

#1 DASH Diet, and

#2 Mediterranean Diet.

Both of these are long term eating plans, rather than diets to go on and off. That’s a big plus.

If you’re not sure why, read last week’s post: Restrictive Diets Don’t Work; Healthy Eating Does.

The U.S. News expert panel included 22 nutritionists and medical specialists in various fields from cardiology to diabetes to pediatrics.

The team spent six months researching the diets in medical journals, government reports, and elsewhere. They created a profile for each diet explaining its rationale and whether its claims are met, along with any potential health risks and whether dieters find it doable over time.

The profiles were then used to rate each diet on a scale of 1 to 5 for:

• Short-term weight loss,
• Long-term weight loss,
• How easy it is to follow,
• Its nutritional completeness,
• Its safety,
• Its ability to prevent or manage diabetes, and
• Its ability to prevent or manage heart disease.

The panel decided they could not assign scores to exercise noting, “Exercise gets serious attention in some diets and lip service in others, but the primary focus of a diet, after all, is food. Whether to exercise, how, and how much is a lifestyle decision beyond the scope of a mere diet."

If you feel you need a real diet to jumpstart some weight loss, the top two weight-loss diets were:

#1 Weight Watchers, and

#2 Jenny Craig.

You can read the full U.S. News Best Diets Report here.

Tags: cravings, enjoy your food, holiday diet tips, avoid holiday weight gain, eat healthy for life

How to Find Cosmetic Testing Opportunities Conclusion

2011-12-06T05:00:00.003-06:00

[My answer to Maureen’s question about How to Find Cosmetic Testing Opportunities started yesterday.]

Register for Clinical Trials with Ingredient Manufacturing Companies
Every time a new "breakthrough" ingredient is launched by ingredient manufacturers, it is backed by clinical studies. You read about those studies in product ads all the time: "93% saw fewer wrinkles, 67% reported improved …"

If any such labs are in your area – again you have to be very available to them – ask if they have a volunteer registry.

Get into the Cosmetic Industry Yourself
We launched the Ageless Beauty website in 2004, our What’s New in Ageless Beauty newsletter in early 2005, and then the Ageless Beauty blog in mid-2006.

It took about three years for us to get noticed by cosmetics manufacturers and offered free products for testing. That was okay with us because our focus has always been on the consumer, not the manufacturers.

Today, we still buy most of the products we test at retail. It helps keep Ageless Beauty honest, in my opinion.

However, there are many "overnight" success stories in this industry. Social and multi-media are such huge phenomena today.

If you and your sister can leverage social media and start producing video reviews, you might be the next YouTube phenom and find products for testing on your doorsteps every day!

I can tell you, this is a fascinating and fun field to be in - with or without the freebies. I hope this helps.

Tags: best anti-aging cosmetics, anti-aging skincare, effective ingredients, Ageless Beauty Top Ten skin anti-agers, skincare reviews, cosmeceutical peptides, buy anti-aging products, buy best cosmetics

How to Find Cosmetic Testing Opportunities

2011-12-05T05:00:00.002-06:00

I have been on your site before for information with my sister and was wondering how you can get involved in trying products and testing them and then doing reviews and surveys on them.

I want to get involved in this process and am not sure how to get into it.

Thank You,
Maureen

Hi Maureen,

I can think of several ways you can get involved in product testing for cosmetic products.

Work for a Company in the Industry
My first experience was while I worked for Hearst Magazines in New York City. Good Housekeeping is one of the Hearst properties.

The Good Housekeeping Research Institute is always looking for volunteers to use products and report on their experience. That’s a really fun way to try a lot of different products.

The GHRI recruits from the ranks – so to speak. You have to be available, that is, live or work nearby.

People who work at major cosmetic companies have similar opportunities.

Tomorrow, I’ll share a couple of other ways to Find Cosmetic Testing Opportunities.

Tags: best anti-aging cosmetics, anti-aging skincare, effective ingredients, Ageless Beauty Top Ten skin anti-agers, skincare reviews, cosmeceutical peptides, buy anti-aging products, buy best cosmetics

Sunday Shopping at Ageless Beauty Dec. 4, 2011: Christmas Gifts for Him

2011-12-04T05:00:00.003-06:00

Save steps and money with a leisurely stroll through the aisles of the Ageless Beauty Shop featuring recently recommended items.

Today’s Ageless Beauty Shop:
Christmas Gifts for Him

No need to print out articles and drag them along from store to store searching out the latest and greatest in anti-aging products. Shop now from the comfort of home.

Related articles:

• Laser Light Therapy Reversees hair Loss
• Skin Care for Men
• Younger Next Year
• Anti-Aging Exercise
• Age Appropriate Exercise

Tags: Christmas shopping, anti-aging skin care, anti-aging products, Christmas gifts for him, skincare for men, live younger for men, treat hair loss, Hair Max Laser Comb for Christmas

[Photo Credit: Print Shop Art Gallery]

Improving on the "Health at Every Size" Eating Plan, Conclusion

2011-12-03T05:00:00.004-06:00

It’s the diets, stupid!

That statement is not aimed at my intelligent and intellectually curious readers. It’s directed at a culture which penalizes people for not being a socially acceptable weight.

It’s my conclusion as to what would make the HAES Plan a complete way to better health for millions of people whose health is negatively impacted by excess weight.

Restrictive diets don’t work. Demonizing and blaming "fat people" doesn’t work.

While the HAES Plan helps people feel better about themselves regardless of weight and does yield minor health improvements (lower cholesterol and blood pressure) with a more active lifestyle; it doesn’t seem to help them take off pounds in a non-punitive way (and with a low rate of recidivism, i.e. weight cycling).

Over this past week, we’ve looked at why:

• Being Overweight May be Healthier than Dieting;
• Restrictive Diets Don’t Work; Healthy Eating Does;
• There’s Food for Thought in the HAES Eating Plan; and
• The HAES Plan Needs to go a Step Further.

As someone who took off 40 excess pounds and has maintained the loss for over 30 years with only minor setbacks, I think I can help.

Feel and Look Better while the Weight Comes Off

Wear clothes that fit and flatter your shape, so you’ll be more comfortable both physically and with what you see in the mirror. I recommend Christopher Hopkins’ Staging Your Comeback book.

When you learn to like yourself – whatever weight you are – you may find that you treat yourself better and get healthier, even without losing weight.

Eating Plans You Can Live With
As for an eating plan for life, next week I’ll review the latest best choices. These are plans that are healthy and balanced – not crash diet plans that do more harm than good.

It’s no surprise to me that the Mediterranean Diet is high on the list. The Sonoma Diet, designed to make the Mediterranean Diet accessible to those who don’t live on the Mediterranean, is my all-time favorite.

Tags: cravings, enjoy your food, holiday diet tips, avoid holiday weight gain, eat healthy for life

Improving on the "Health at Every Size" Eating Plan

2011-12-02T05:00:00.002-06:00

Yesterday, I said there is Food for Thought in the "Health at Every Size" (HAES) Eating Plan.

What I don’t like about the 2005 HAES Study reported Wednesday is that none of the participants really succeeded in significantly improving their health.

The diet group regained all the lost weight within two years and had no improvement in blood pressure or cholesterol levels.

The participants following the HAES plan liked themselves better, had improved blood pressure and cholesterol levels but had lost no weight and were still obese.

In my opinion, the HAES Plan needs to be taken one step further. I agree that it is important to:

1. Have good self-esteem, no matter what you weigh;
2. Not blame yourself for restrictive diets that don’t work;
3. Learn to listen to your body’s cues regarding when and what to eat; and
4. Enjoy your food.

For those who are seriously overweight or obese, The HAES Plan is a step in the right direction; but it’s not enough.

If you’re in one of these high weight groups (or even inching your weight toward them), you know that the HAES Plan is not enough.

You know the pain in your joints caused by excess weight, the difficulty rising from a chair, the acid reflux, perhaps even type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, ... or other diseases associated with high weight.

So to the four points of the HAES Plan above, I would add that it is important:

5. To lose weight, but not with restrictive diets and weight cycling.

Tomorrow, I’ll give you some real strategies to help you do this in Improving on the "Health at Every Size" Eating Plan, Conclusion.

Tags: cravings, enjoy your food, holiday diet tips, avoid holiday weight gain, eat healthy for life

Food for Thought in the Health at Every Size Eating Plan

2011-12-01T05:00:00.009-06:00

In If Diets are Harmful and Don’t Even Work, What Should the Overweight Do? , I said I believe there is some food for thought in the HAES (Health at Every Size) plan.

There is a lot of "blame the victim" mentality in our society’s attitude toward the overweight and obese. The Nutrition Journal article by Drs. Linda Bacon and Lucy Aphramor to which I have been referring is titled Weight Science: Evaluating the Evidence for a Paradigm Shift .

The article challenges many long-held beliefs. Among them:

1. Assumption: Obesity poses significant mortality risk.

Evidence: Except at statistical extremes, body mass index (BMI) only weakly predicts longevity and, while obesity is associated with increased risk for many diseases, it is not necessarily the cause.

2. Assumption: Anyone who is determined can lose weight and keep it off through appropriate diet and exercise.

Evidence: Long-term follow-up studies document that the majority of individuals regain virtually all of the weight they lost on restrictive diets. Further, yo-yo dieting is deleterious to good health.

3. Assumption: Obesity-related costs place a large burden on the economy.

Evidence: Most of the cost increases cited in this argument are not "statistically different from zero." Also, the estimates fail to account for many confounding variables like physical activity, history of weight cycling and access to medical care.

The paradigm shift the authors call for is from the current focus on weight to a focus on health.

I agree with that: let’s take the blame and shame out of being overweight.

Instead of a restrictive diet that leaves you craving favorite foods and beating yourself up for every slip, why not try focusing on getting healthier by being more active and searching out healthy foods which you enjoy.

Tomorrow, I’ll talk about Improving on the Health at Every Size Eating Plan.

Please come back.

Tags: cravings, enjoy your food, holiday diet tips, avoid holiday weight gain, eat healthy for life

Restrictive Diets Don't Work; Healthy Eating Does

2011-11-30T05:00:00.003-06:00

Have you read Being Overweight May be Healthier than Dieting?

In a review of decades of research into the relationship between weight and health, nutrition experts at City College of San Francisco concluded that there is little evidence to support telling people to lose weight for health reasons (Bacon and Aphramor, Nutrition Journal, Jan., 2011).

True, there are many studies they reviewed which found correlations between being heavy and premature death, as well as correlations between obesity and conditions like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, acid reflux, sleep apnea, high cholesterol, osteoarthritis, high blood pressure, abdominal hernias, varicose veins, gout, gall bladder disease, respiratory, and liver malfunction.

However, correlation does not prove causality. The authors suggest that a sedentary lifestyle and poor physical fitness may be the real culprits.

Lead author Linda Bacon, PhD and professor of nutrition, says that, "It’s not that dieters fail. It’s the concept of dieting that fails."

Instead, the authors suggest we should be focusing our efforts on what people can do and what we know will make them healthier, such as being physically active and eating more nutritious foods.

In a previously published study, Dr. Bacon divided 78 obese chronic female dieters into two groups. One group followed a conventional weight-loss diet; the other enrolled in the Health at Every Size [HAES] plan. ("Size acceptance and intuitive eating improve health for obese, female chronic dieters", Bacon et al., Journal of the American Dietetic Association, 2005;105:929-936).

The HAES plan emphasizes eating in response to hunger cues. Both programs lasted six months. At that point, 42% of the conventional diet participants had dropped out; while only 8% of those following the HAES plan had.

The remaining dieters did lose weight; but after two years, they had regained it all on average.

Women in the HAES group stayed the same weight throughout the two years, but showed significant improvements in their cholesterol levels and blood pressure.

In addition, 53% of the dieters reported feeling like failures; none of the HAES women did.

In my opinion, both restrictive diets and simply ignoring obesity are extreme views to be avoided. Yet there is some food for thought in the HAES plan.

More on my view tomorrow in Food for Thought in the Health at Every Size Eating Plan.

Tags: cravings, enjoy your food, holiday diet tips, avoid holiday weight gain, eat healthy for life

Being Overweight May be Healthier than Dieting

2011-11-29T05:00:00.003-06:00

Last week, I promised you lots of encouraging words about weight control so that you can enjoy this holiday season with no regrets over what you ate.

I hope you’ve had time to read the background info included in May Your Days be Merry and Light this Holiday Season, as well as Holiday Eating Tips: How Not to Gain Weight over the Holidays

Now for the encouraging words: there is significant evidence to suggest that dieting may be worse for your health than being "overweight". If you’ve ever struggled to lose weight and keep it off, those words should be music to your ears.

You haven’t failed; the diets have!

A panel of experts convened by the National Institutes of Health agreed that no matter what weight-loss plan people follow, almost all of them regain all or most of the weight.

Diet failure leads to yo-yo dieting, which has been linked to reduced bone mass, higher cholesterol, higher blood pressure, increased inflammation, insulin resistance and depressed immune function.

The obvious conclusion is that restrictive diets:

• Do not lead to long term weight loss; and
• Are actually harmful to your health.

I’m not suggesting that you stop paying attention to what you eat. As I often say, we all need to Eat Healthy for Life.

Come back tomorrow for If Diets are Harmful and Don’t Even Work, What Should the Overweight Do?

Tags: cravings, enjoy your food, holiday diet tips, avoid holiday weight gain, eat healthy for life

Most Effective Form of Topical Vitamin C

2011-11-28T05:00:00.004-06:00

I have a question about topical Vitamin C.

I have read that L-Ascorbic Acid is the only form of Vitamin C that is effective as a topical antioxidant and that derivatives such as Ascorbyl Palmitate are not as effective; also that the Vitamin C must be stable.

What is then the best formulation to use?

• An enclosed capsule (such as Neostrata 10%, L-ascorbic acid),
• A cream (such as La Roche-Posay Active C, 5% active and stable L-Ascorbic Acid), or
• A serum, where the concentration could be fairly high, being a serum in liquid form?

Please let me know at your earliest convenience.

Yvonne

Hi Yvonne,

You’re mostly correct. Good research, by the way!

If not stabilized, Vitamin C oxidizes and deteriorates quickly. There are several versions of (and names for) stabilized topical Vitamin C. Ascorbyl Palmitate is one of them.

Others are:

• Vitamin C Ester,
• L-Ascorbic Acid,
• Ascorbic Acid,
• Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate,
• Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate,
• Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate,
• Retinyl Ascorbate, … and so on.

Vitamin C is the topical antioxidant with the most science behind it and it definitely should be in your skincare routine.

No one form of stabilized Vitamin C can be said to be superior to the others ... except by product marketers.

For the well-established and successful manufacturers like the ones you mention, the choice of one form of stable Vitamin C over another is made in the context of the entire product formulation by highly qualified and degreed cosmetic chemists.

Look for a concentration of 5 to 10% stabilized Vitamin C and, just as importantly, airtight opaque packaging.

The form – capsule vs. serum vs. cream – matters less. Choose the type that you like to use.

============================================

Good morning Jean;

Thank you so much for getting back to me and providing me with such detailed and helpful information!

I'm glad now that Lifecell 'introduced' me to you and your Ageless Beauty website; so far you have been very helpful with my skin care questions and concerns.

I may have some more questions for you in the near future!

Regards,
Yvonne

Tags: Vitamin C serum, Vitamin C cream, topical Vitamin C, stable forms of Vitamin C", best topical antioxidants, anti-aging skincare

Sunday Shopping at Ageless Beauty Nov. 27, 2011: Christmas Gifts for Her

2011-11-27T05:00:00.003-06:00

Save steps and money with a leisurely stroll through the aisles of the Ageless Beauty Shop featuring recently recommended items.

Today’s Ageless Beauty Shop:
Christmas Gifts for Her

No need to print out articles and drag them along from store to store searching out the latest and greatest in anti-aging products. Shop now from the comfort of home.

Related articles:

• Review of New Improved StriVectin-SD Intensive Concentrate for Stretch Marks and Wrinkles

• StriVectin Awarded for Development of Niacin Molecule that Promotes DNA Repair and May Help Prevent Skin Cancer

• How to Maximize the Benefits of LED Wand Treatments

• Review of Olay Pro-X for Skin Anti-Aging

• These are Not My Daughter’s Jeans!

• Review of Clarisonic Opal Sonic Infusion System

• Clarisonic Skin Care Brush Review

• Review of Tria Laser Hair Removal Wand

• What Does the Optimal Anti-Aging Skin Care Routine Cost?

Tags: Christmas gifts, review of Tria Laser Hair Removal Wand, anti-aging products, gifts for her, LED wand tips, Not Your Daughter's Jeans review, review of New Improved StriVectin-SD Intensive, review of Clarisonic skin care appliances

[Photo Credit: Print Shop Art Gallery]

Holiday Eating Tips: How Not to Gain Weight Over the Holidays

2011-11-26T05:00:00.002-06:00

Most of this blog post is excerpted from an article I wrote a couple of years ago – an oldie but goodie.

I hope to entice you to read the whole article, but even this tidbit may help you keep your motivation up and your weight down during the holiday whirl.

Click for Reduced Calorie Breakfast in a Pan Recipe.
You can get through the winter holidays without packing on pounds that you will regret and battle to lose for months or years after. And you can still enjoy all the festivities!

Here are Jean's tips for enjoying your holiday feasts - with NO REGRETS.

1. Read this article on Low Calorie, High Density Foods. Pay particular attention to the calorie density table and select your favorite foods with a density of less than 50. Commit them to memory.

[The article also explains how to calculate calorie density for foods you don't find on the list.]

2. I disagree with the advice to eat before the party so you don't arrive ravenous.

I think that's an insult to the hosts who have worked so hard to entertain you.

Bring your appetite, but before you start noshing, scope out the entire scene. Look for the foods you selected in tip 1 and stay with them for the most part.

Do allow yourself just a taste of high calorie foods you crave, but savor each bite slowly.

3. Limit your alcohol intake. As you saw in the calorie density table, alcohol is one of the most calorie dense "foods" there is. Not only that, but it lowers inhibitions and self-control. It releases your "inner pig" so to speak …

Click on Holiday Eating Tips: How Not to Gain Weight Over the Holidays to read more.

Tags: cravings, enjoy your food, holiday diet tips, avoid holiday weight gain, eat healthy for life

May Your Days be Merry and Light this Holiday Season

2011-11-25T05:00:00.004-06:00

As I promised yesterday, now that Thanksgiving is (literally) under our belts, I’m sharing:

• Some diet tips;
• Lots of encouraging words; and
• The latest on the best eating plans to achieve and maintain a healthy weight.

Some very interesting research and new ways of looking at dieting have been published recently. I’ll go into those in detail over the following week. Believe me, there are lots of encouraging words for dieters!

In the meantime, much of what we already have online at Ageless Beauty is still valid since we’ve never advocated fad or extreme diets.

Rather, our focus has always been on How to Eat Healthy for Life including:

1. Basic Diet Math;
2. Diet Secrets of the World's Healthiest Populations;
3. Health Risks of Long Term Restrictive Diets; and
4. Our Take on "Magic" Diet Pills.

Take a look at Some (not so) Silly Diet Tips and Why They're Not and then some More Diet Tips I know you’ll love.

Finally, in Fat Fighting Tips Based on the Latest Fat Fighting Research we looked at 15 diet studies and synthesized all the data into four easy-to-remember categories:

• Foods with appetite suppressing power;
• Foods that boost your metabolism;
• Foods that fill you up for less; and
• How a good night’s beauty sleep can also help you eat less.

If you’re not already a follower of Ageless Beauty, join now and come along with us to make your holidays merry and light.

Tags: cravings, enjoy your food, holiday diet tips, avoid holiday weight gain, eat healthy for life,

[Image Credit: Print Shop 23 Art Gallery]

Happy Thanksgiving to All You Ageless Beauties!

2011-11-24T05:00:00.007-06:00

The winter holidays are officially in full swing now that Thanksgiving has arrived.

We wish you and yours a very
Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving!
This wonderful festive season brings lots of opportunities to overindulge and live to regret it. Over the next week, I'll be sharing tips to help you avoid a New Year of regret (diet-wise) including an update on the latest ranking of diet (I prefer "eating") programs.

It's important not to allow bad eating habits to take hold amidst all the festivities. But it's also important to give yourself permission to slip occasionally.

Recognize that you are human. Plan ahead as to how you will handle these lapses in a positive way.

My diet mantra is, "everything in moderation." I'll be saying that to myself a lot today as the traditional Thanksgiving feast is laid out.

Tags: cravings, enjoy your food, holiday diet tips, avoid holiday weight gain, eat healthy for life, The Sonoma Diet

[Image Credit: Print Shop 23 Art Gallery]

Can't Find That Lipstick Color Anymore? You Need to Know About Three Custom Colors.

2011-11-23T05:00:00.004-06:00

Three Custom Colors is a small cosmetic company out of NY which customizes lipstick colors that have expired (among many other cosmetic products).

I am wondering if their lab is clean and up to industry standards, if there are any.

I am a bit of a germaphobe, so this concerns me. Wonder if you have any info on this company.

Thank you for any help you can give me,
Linda

Hi Linda,

I found nothing but rave reviews for Three Custom Colors. There’s a lot of good press from customers at iVillage and on beauty forums. What impressed me more was the stellar write-up the company received at Paula Begoun’s Beautypedia.com. I rarely see any this good! Paula, the Cosmetics Cop, tells it like it is.

I spoke with a representative of Three Custom Colors and, while she wouldn’t get into the details of their manufacturing process, she did share that:

• All new custom orders are analyzed and blended in the New York lab. You send a fabric swatch or lipstick remnant (anything to represent the color you want) in a prepaid envelope direct to the lab.

• The company saves the data in their color archives which currently contain over 9,000 discontinued shades of color cosmetics dating back to the 1930s.

• All custom colors are 100% guaranteed, and will be redone at no additional charge. She was quick to add that this rarely happens.

Three Custom Colors' services are available online at Dermstore and in dermatologist offices, medical spas, laser centers, and retail stores in the U.S. and abroad.

If that’s not enough to assure you that Three Custom Colors adheres to safe and sanitary manufacturing practices, it may help to know that they started custom blending cosmetics in 1997 and immediately came under the purview of the FDA since they initially used the U.S. mail to ship all orders.

The Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act "prohibits the introduction or delivery for introduction into interstate commerce of cosmetics that are adulterated or misbranded (Sec. 301).

A cosmetic may be deemed adulterated (Sec. 601) for essentially four reasons, namely:

1. It may be injurious to users under conditions of customary use because it contains, or its container is composed of, a potentially harmful substance.

2. It contains filth.

3. It contains a non-permitted, or in some instances non-certified, color additive.

4. It is manufactured or held under insanitary conditions whereby it may have become injurious to users or contaminated with filth."

I hope that puts your mind at ease. Personally, I wouldn’t hesitate to order from Three Custom Colors.

Tags: cosmetic safety, consumer safety, custom color cosmetics, Three Custom Colors review, FDA oversight of cosmetic safety,

More Research Needed for Drug Which Completely Reverses Hair Loss

2011-11-22T05:00:00.001-06:00

Saturday, in Research Reveals Hope for Reversing Hair Loss, I mentioned that there is another injectable drug being investigated to treat hair loss.

Astressin-B yields total hair growth ... in bald mice.

Here’s what I know.

1. Research into using Astressin-B for hair loss is in the very early stages.

2. One injection of Astressin-B for five consecutive days caused genetically bald mice to grow full coats of hair indistinguishable from normal mice. The effects lasted up to four months (consider that the life span of mice is less than two years).

3. The discovery of Astressin-B’s potential to grow hair on bald mice led the UCLA and VA research team to apply for a drug patent.

4. Divine Skin Labs took the news and ran with it to produce the first topical hair loss product containing a synthesized version of Astressin-B (Biotinyl-GHK and INCI name: Biotinyl Tripeptide-1). They named their product Spectral.F7.

5. Custom peptide manufacturer, RS Synthetics, cites studies in which Biotinyl-GHK increased hair growth in vitro by "as much as 121%".

It’s a real leap from two successful hair growth studies on mice using an injectable drug to a topical hair growth product for humans based on vaguely described in vitro studies.

1. Do we know if Astressin-B is effective at growing hair in live humans even when injected? No.

2. Do we know if injectable Astressin-B is safe for humans? No.

3. Do we know if topical Astressin-B is safe for humans? Probably. The MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) lists no cautions.

4. Is there any indication that Astressin-B will work at all topically to reverse hair loss either in mice or in men? Just an inkling.

Let me leave you with one final question.

Are we in for another battle (like we saw over the drug Bimatoprost for eyelash and brow regrowth) over the use of cosmetic ingredients that have patents pending as drugs?

Tags: hereditary hair loss, hair, clinical study demonstrates hair regrowth, injectable hair loss drugs, reverse hair loss, stop hair loss, new topical hair loss treatments

New Improved LifeCell All-in-One Anti-Aging Treatment Ingredients

2011-11-21T05:00:00.006-06:00

I was sent a link for Ageless Beauty from South Beach Skin Care concerning a product called LifeCell.

I had wanted to know the ingredients of this product, and a lady called Jean from Ageless Beauty listed all the ingredients in this product as well as talking about it in general.

However, on the LifeCell website, the ingredient list (posted June, 2011) is different from what she (Jean) posted.

I am not sure which ingredient list is correct. Jean did say her list was for the "new improved" Lifecell product?

I am now very confused!

What are the actual ingredients of the LifeCell anti-aging treatment on the market right now?

I have ordered the product, so this is important to me. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Yvonne

Hi Yvonne,

You’ve reached Jean from Ageless Beauty who wrote the article on the New Improved LifeCell All-in-One Anti-Aging Treatment to which you refer.

I find it pretty funny that the LifeCell company referred you to me rather than answering the ingredient question directly, don’t you?

Anyway, I received my tube of LifeCell in August, 2011 and my article reflects the formula I received. I really can’t vouch for what is on the LifeCell site or what is currently in the product.

After I reviewed the "New Improved" LifeCell, I got a note from a distressed LifeCell fan saying, "PLEASE tell me they didn't really change the LifeCell formula and add all of this stuff to it … If this is true, they have ruined LifeCell for me and I will not be able to use it anymore. Why can't they leave well enough alone or just offer both? Gah....so bummed. :( "

A few days later, Kari wrote again saying , "I called the company and apparently they are still going to make the original formula for anyone who wishes to keep using it … they are telling me a simple request can keep that formula coming instead."

I’m confused too, Yvonne!

Since you already ordered LifeCell, I guess you’ll have to wait and see what comes in the mail.

Regards,
Jean

=============================================

Good morning Jean;

Thank you so much for getting back to me with this info.

I did receive the tube of LifeCell, which I had ordered, yesterday. When I read the ingredient list on the box, it is exactly what you had listed.

Yvonne

Tags: LifeCell new formula, auto-ship alert, LifeCell review, anti-aging skincare, all-in-one anti-aging product, cell communicating ingredients for younger skin, antioxidants for free radical protection, always read terms and conditions

Sunday Shopping at Ageless Beauty Nov. 20, 2011: Thinning Hair Solutions

2011-11-20T05:00:00.003-06:00

Save steps and money with a leisurely stroll through the aisles of the Ageless Beauty Shop featuring recently recommended items.

Today’s Ageless Beauty Shop:
Thinning Hair Solutions

For now, try an affordable, comfortable, natural-looking synthetic wig. It’ll take 10 to 20 years off your appearance instantly!

For the longer term, keep an eye on the latest research into hair loss treatments.

For more information read:

• Research Reveals Hope for Reversing Hair Loss

• Clinical Proof: Laser Wand Reverses Female Hair Loss

Tags: hereditary hair loss, hair loss in women, FDA approved appliances for hair loss, clinical studies demonstrate hair regrowth, affordable wigs, reverse hair loss, stop hair loss, safe effective HairMax LaserComb [Photo Credit: Print Shop Art Gallery]

Research Reveals Hope for Reversing Hair Loss

2011-11-19T05:00:00.004-06:00

In dermatologist Neil Sadick’s latest book The New Natural: Your Ultimate Guide to Cutting-Edge Age Reversal, he predicts that several increasingly effective topical hair-growth stimulant preparations will hit the market within the next year or two and that stem cell research is also yielding breakthroughs toward hair loss reversal.

Dr. Sadick was one of the researchers in a hair regrowth clinical trial published in the Nov. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology.

A single injection of a human cell-derived formulation, termed Hair Stimulating Complex (HSC), produced an increase in hair shaft thickness (average 6.3%), thickness density (12.8%), and terminal hair density (20.6%) at 12 weeks. Total hair count continued to increase over the year of the study.

NYC dermatologist Doris Day recently spoke about advances in understanding and treating hair loss. Last year Columbia University published their findings for 139 genetic markers associated with hair loss. Understanding the root (sorry- I couldn’t resist) causes, will certainly help in the search for effective treatments.

Dr. Day expects better treatments to be available in five to ten years. Dr. Sadick expects an injectable drug to be available within five years.

ClinicalTrials.giv lists no less than 75 current studies for new hair loss treatments.

One study series which seems especially promising is being conducted by Allergan, the makers of Latisse eyelash regrowth drug. The company is testing three different formulations of Bimataprost, the active ingredient proven to grow longer fuller eyelashes and fill in sparse brows.

There's another injectable which, while tests are more preliminary, yields total hair regrowth ... in mice.

I'll talk more about that next week. Please come back.

Tags: hereditary hair loss, hair, clinical study demonstrates hair regrowth, injectable hair loss drugs, reverse hair loss, stop hair loss, new topical hair loss treatments

Product Test Update: Perricone Cold Plasma and Acyl-Glutathione

2011-11-18T05:00:00.003-06:00

I finished my combo Test of Perricone Cold Plasma and Acyl-Glutathione (as recommended on the Perricone website).

Pro: My free 0.5 oz. sample of Cold Plasma lasted exactly six weeks. That’s longer than you would normally expect from a cream product even though I used it on my face, neck, and upper chest.

Pro: After trying Perricone Cold Plasma on my recommendation, Saja sent in a very detailed review of her experience in which she said:

"I have used many products including the most ridiculously priced ones; but have never been as impressed by any as much as I am impressed and happy with the results of Perricone Cold Plasma … I am looking for a good [anti-aging] moisturizer [to] suit my acne prone skin … It's the only thing missing from the Cold Plasma ... for me at least."

It didn’t surprise me then, when I found that neither Perricone Cold Plasma nor Acyl-Gluthatione provided adequate moisture for my dry skin.

Con: It’s a bit disappointing, when you buy premium priced anti-aging skin care products, to have to buy an additional moisturizer just to keep your skin feeling hydrated. Good hydration is one of the skin anti-aging basics.

Pro and Con: My skin tone continued to even out with these Perrcione products, but I see no further improvement in sagging facial and neck skin, beyond what I achieved with StriVectin-SD Intensive Concentrate for Stretch Marks and Wrinkles.

Con: I still have a problem with the Perricone jar packaging. Dr. Perricone needs to up his game. I still love his books and advice. On balance, these products could use some tweaking. I would like:

1. Airtight packaging;
2. Better moisturization, and/or
3. Lower price to compensate for the lack of 1 and 2.

Tags: anti-aging skincare, anti-aging product test, anti-aging cell communicating ingredients, test of Perricone products, clarify skin tone, advances in anti-aging

Revlon Age Defying Makeup Review

2011-11-17T05:00:00.004-06:00

Revlon Age Defying Cream Makeup with DNA Advantage and SPF20 dries to a creamy consistency but is very thin for application. I found it difficult to blend. It’s only available in eight shades from light to medium; but the colors do match those skin tones well.

Mica particles provide a luminous finish.

The SPF 20 (UVB protection) is a nice feature and the makeup also includes UVA protection with Titanium Dioxide.

In addition to the broad spectrum sun protection, Revlon Age Defying Makeup contains the cell communicating ingredients Acetyl Hexapeptide 8 (Botox-mimicking) and Niacimamide which benefits aging skin in several ways.

Revlon Age Defying Makeup also has a very good antioxidant cocktail (Acerola Fruit Extract, Viola Tricolor Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate) and several skin identical ingredients (mainly Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate and several ceramides).

My biggest issue with this foundation is that it is advertised as "complete coverage makeup". It is one of the lightest coverage makeups I’ve tried in a long time. I can’t recommend it for Ageless Beauties who have any blemishes or uneven skin tone to cover up.

"96% of women saw flawless younger-looking skin in two weeks."

Tags: cosmetics review, Revlon DNA Advantage review, cosmetics for Ageless Beauties, best cosmetics for ageless beauties, top ten cosmetics, Ageless Beauty, age appropriate makeup

Psychologist Roy Baumeister and Therapist Martha Beck Tell How to Recharge Your Willpower

2011-11-16T05:00:00.004-06:00

Do you have a habit you’d like to change? Be honest now, who doesn’t?

Roy Baumeister, psychologist and author of Willpower: Rediscovering the Greatest Human Strength says his research shows that willpower can be:

• Strengthened with practice; and

• Fatigued by overuse.

The book is co-authored by New York Times science columnist John Tierney to help make the science accessible and even entertaining.

If you feel like your willpower has run out of steam, perhaps you’ve simply fatigued it and need to switch gears before you can get back on track.

Whether you’d like to stop smoking, exercise more, drink less, be more optimistic, work more efficiently, or lose a few pounds, here are some simple exercises from Baumeister’s research that might help you rev up your willpower.

• Use you non-dominant hand for everyday activities like brushing your teeth or holding your coffee cup.

• Sit up straight. People who consciously worked on improving their posture for two weeks did better on self-control tests.

Baumeister also stresses proper nutrition and adequate sleep to keep your willpower engine in tip-top shape.

Martha Beck’s May We Help You column in the September issue of O magazine also had some interesting suggestions for building your willpower.

Rather than berating yourself for all the times you failed, focus on the bright spots – the times when you:

• Resisted a craving;
• Ate well;
• Worked out;
• Whatever.

List five such bright spots. Don’t you feel more motivated already?

Tags: willpower, control your life, me time, do it for you, boost your self esteem, feel better about yourself, shorten your to-do list, take care of you

[Image Credit: Print Shop Art Gallery]

Dr. Maita Sheds Light on the Controversy over Daily Supplements, Conclusion

2011-11-15T05:00:00.002-06:00

[Part 1 of this report on the Controversy over Daily Supplements appeared yesterday.]

After much analysis and research with her patients over the years, Dr. Maita concluded that a large percentage of the population is, in fact, deficient in one or more nutrients. The data was compelling enough for her to recommend a multivitamin and mineral formula, fish oil and vitamin D for most people.

In her analysis of the recently released supplement research, Dr. Maita went on to explain the problems with the two studies, especially the Iowa Women's Health Study, in which questionnaires relying on participants’ memories were administered over 22 years.

The questionnaires didn’t have data regarding nutritional status or detailed information of supplements used. Dr. Maita asked, "Do you remember what you ate and the various types of supplements you took over the last 22 years?"

Dr. Maita's report includes several specific supplement recommendations and caveats, concluding with:

• Become an educated consumer, and do your research. Make your own decisions and look at studies critically, not just the headlines in the news.

• Take supplements according to your needs, risk factors, and unique genetic and metabolic markers.

• Seek professional advice from a knowledgeable expert who knows you and your unique needs.

If you would like the full report and analysis by Dr. Maita, use the Ageless Beauty Contact Us form to let me know.

You can follow Dr. Maita at her blog How to Live Younger, where you can also buy her book, Vibrance for Life: How to Live Younger and Healthier.

Tags: supplements for longer healthspan, anti-aging supplements, anti-aging vitamins, supplement safety, anti-aging supplement research

Dr. Maita Sheds Light on the Controversy over Daily Supplements

2011-11-14T05:00:00.002-06:00

[I introduced you to anti-aging expert Dr. Lorraine Maita Saturday.]

Results from the Iowa Women's Health Study, published in the October 2011 Archives of Internal Medicine, found that multivitamin use over time was linked with a slight but statistically significant increased risk of earlier mortality.

A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association the same month, known as the SELECT trial (the Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial), found that Vitamin E and/or Selenium did not prevent prostate cancer in the formulations and doses tested.

The Wall Street Journal reported that "the data have prompted some nutrition researchers to say taking vitamins is a waste of money for those without a specific nutrient deficiency or chronic illness."

In her analysis of the studies and the conclusion some are drawing, Dr. Maita wrote, "It's best to get your nutrients from food, however anyone who has read my book knows that I was initially against supplements. During years of working with people, I found that even people with the healthiest diets were nutritionally deficient."

I would add that nutritional deficiency is more likely as we age. Basal metabolism slows, so most people burn fewer calories (absent an increase in their exercise routine), yet the body’s need for certain nutrients remains basically the same as that of a 20-year-old.

The ability to digest and absorb many nutrients, as well as the ability to properly metabolize and utilize nutrients, also typically decline with age.

This report on the Controversy over Daily Supplements will conclude tomorrow. Please come back.

Tags: supplements for longer healthspan, anti-aging supplements, anti-aging vitamins, supplement safety, anti-aging supplement research

Sunday Shopping at Ageless Beauty Nov. 13, 2011: Supplements for a Longer Healthspan

2011-11-13T05:00:00.003-06:00

Save steps and money with a leisurely stroll through the aisles of the Ageless Beauty Shop featuring recently recommended items.

Today’s Ageless Beauty Shop:
Anti-Aging Supplements and Research

No need to print out articles and drag them along from store to store searching out the latest and greatest in anti-aging products. Shop now from the comfort of home.

You might like to read:

• Are You Now Afraid to Take Daily Supplements?

• Research on Astragalus Extract Dietary Supplement TA-65

• Resveratrol Supplement Recommendations

• Benefits and Risks of Vitamins, Supplements and Herbs: A to J

• Benefits and Risks of Vitamins, Supplements and Herbs: K to Z

Tags: supplements for longer healthspan, anti-aging supplements, anti-aging vitamins, Astragalus extract TA-65, anti-aging supplement research, resveratrol, telomere research, Patton Protocol Anti-Aging TA-65 therapy

[Photo Credit: Print Shop Art Gallery]

Are You Afraid to Take Daily Supplements Anymore?

2011-11-12T05:00:00.003-06:00

Have you been following the controversy over taking supplements stirred up by two recently published studies in leading medical journals? Have you stopped taking your supplements as a result?

As I sat down to write my reaction to the research reports, what should arrive in my in-box but an excellent analysis by my friend and ex-colleague, Dr. Lorraine Maita.

Lorraine is an award winning physician, speaker and author. She has a private practice in Anti-Aging Medicine in Short Hills, NJ, and has been interviewed for TV and radio from coast to coast.

We worked together 15 years ago when Lorraine was Chief Medical Director and I was a portfolio manager at a major insurance company in NJ. I moved 2000 miles away and started the Ageless Beauty website and blog.

How nice that our paths are crossing once again. We’re both passionate about healthy aging.

In its article, Is This the End of Popping Vitamins?, The Wall Street Journal reported that "the data have prompted some nutrition researchers to say taking vitamins is a waste of money for those without a specific nutrient deficiency or chronic illness."

I haven’t stopped taking my daily supplements. After reading Dr. Maita’s analysis, including input from her medical colleagues, I’m more confident in that decision than ever.

I’ll share her insights in Dr. Maita Sheds Light on the Controversy Over Daily Supplements Monday.

You can follow Dr. Maita’s work as well as buy her book, Vibrance for Life: How to Live Younger and Healthier, at her blog How to Live Younger.

Tags: supplements for longer healthspan, anti-aging supplements, anti-aging vitamins, supplement safety, anti-aging supplement research

Review of Sisley Phytobuste Intensive Bust Compound with Botanical Extracts

2011-11-11T05:00:00.002-06:00

This review will be very brief because I didn’t like the watery consistency of Sisley Phytobuste Intensive. In addition, I don’t understand why the formula would be especially good for the bust.

In its ads, Sisley highlights the following "Active Ingredients":

• Chamomile to decongest and calm;
• Fucus (bladderwack) to accelerate cellular exchange;
• Juniper (EO), Marjoram (oil), and Yarrow (milfoil) to stimulate cells;
• Kokum to nourish, protect, and repair;
• Climbing Ivy to decongest and help slim;
• Horsetail to restore minerals and improve skin tone;
• Tormentil to tone and tighten; and
• Red Vine to boost surface microcirculation.

Phytocosmetology
One thing that bothers me about Sisley’s "Phytocosmetology" – the Sisley-coined term for using plant extracts in cosmetic products – is that there is no published research about the skin benefits of many of the extracts used.

Neither is there a body of folk wisdom, for example in Chinese medicine or herbology, to establish safety and efficacy.

On the other hand, can so many very affluent people be wrong? Sisley has been in business since 1979 and has a large and loyal following.

Perhaps one day, Sisley will decide to share whatever research it has done on some of these unusual ingredients.

Tags: anti-aging skincare, effective anti-aging ingredients, Sisley Phytobuste Intensive review, testing Sisley products, Sisley based on ingredients from nature, organic skincare line, botanical ingredients, Phytocosmetology

Review of Sisley Super Soin Apres-Soleil After Sun Care Tan Extender

2011-11-10T05:00:00.003-06:00

Are people still trying to tan naturally with UV rays? Who doesn’t know that sun damage is the number one cause of the visible signs of skin "aging"?

That was a rhetorical question. I’m on a Panama Canal cruise as I write this. An amazing journey … but that’s a story for another time.

I can look out on the deck from 9:00 until sunset and see hoards of people baking themselves under the most intense sun on the planet. At one point we were closer than 7 degrees north latitude. That’s about 400 miles north of the equator.

I didn’t mean to editorialize – well, maybe I did.

What I want to tell you about is Sisley Super Soin Apres-Soleil After Sun Care Tan Extender, in the event you have overdone in the sun.

Sisley After Sun Care Tan Extender is richly hydrating and soothing, thick though a bit greasy. It contains the self-tanning ingredients DHA and Erythrulose.

The rich hydrating and self-tanning ingredients work together to extend a tan and/or reduce the risk of peeling. Be sure to wash hands after use.

It contains several anti-inflammatory skin soothing ingredients: Andiroba Oil, Alpha-bisabolol, Alkekengi's Calyx Extract, and Stevia.

Stevia is also reputed to have skin healing and normalizing properties. Water-based solutions of Stevia have been used to treat acne, seborrhea, dermatitis, and exzema ("The Many Benefits of Stevia" by James A. May*, Health Supplement Retailer, March 1996).

Shea butter and Vitamin E seem to be Sisley go-to ingredients for moisturizing and free radical protection respectively. They’re good, but not leading edge. Other antioxidants in this formula are Rapeseed and Alkekengi's Calyx Extract.

* James May is known as the Father of Stevia for his lifetime of work and dedication to establishing the safety of Stevia and bringing it to the U.S. He is the founder and CEO of Wisdom Natural Brands, makers of SweetLeaf Stevia.

Tags: anti-aging skincare, effective anti-aging ingredients, Sisley After Sun Tan Extender review, testing Sisley products, Sisley based on ingredients from nature, organic skincare line, botanical ingredients, skincare product testing

Review of Sisley Crème Fluide Reparatrice

2011-11-09T05:00:00.002-06:00

This is the nicest Sisley skin care product I’ve tried so far.

Sisley Crème Fluide Reparatrice is the perfect consistency to glide easily on and cover a lot of area with just a dab of cream. It has a slight pleasant spicy herbal aroma.

I like it myself, but also used it to give my husband a foot and leg massage after a day touring the Queen Mary docked in Long Beach, CA. He has gout-type arthritis and this Sisley formula was just what he needed to soothe and refresh.

It was perhaps the costliest massage he’d ever had – between the cost of the cream and cost of our trip! Back at the (home) office, there never seems to be time for such pampering.

Sisley describes Crème Fluide Reparatrice "as a restorative skin care to repair environmental damage (sun, wind, cold …), soothe and refresh."

The directions say to apply it over your whole body after a bath or shower, every day or as required.

My advice, given the price, use it as needed for its:

• Soothing and healing Aloe Vera;
• Moisturizing Shea Butter, Olive Oil Carrot Oil and Jioh (Rehmannia Chinensis) Root Extract; and
• Antioxidant Vitamin E, Nasturtium and Zinc.

Tags: anti-aging skincare, effective anti-aging ingredients, Sisley cares , testing Sisley products, Sisley based on ingredients from nature, organic skincare line, botanical ingredients, skincare product testing

Needle Shy? Read Research Results for Botox Gel.

2011-11-08T05:00:00.000-06:00

If you hate needles but would like to have some Botox work done, you might be interested in a new product being developed by Revance Therapeutics. It’s a gel containing botulinum toxin type A and a peptide carrier to help the botulinum toxin gel penetrate the skin.

Phase II clinical trial results were presented at the 2011 annual meeting of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. The gel was tested on moderate to severe periorbital wrinkling. Lead author Michael Kane, M.D., a plastic surgeon at the Manhattan Eye, Ear and Throat Hospital, reported that the gel "noticeably softened crow’s feet".

In one study, 90 patients were assigned to receive the botulinum peptide gel or a placebo gel treatment. After four weeks, both patients and doctors rated the results.

Nearly 89% of the patients who got the active gel had at least a one-point improvement on a five-point assessment scale. Approximately 45% treated with the active gel had a two-point or greater improvement.

No patients receiving the placebo gel had more than one point of improvement.

There has not been a head-to-head comparison between the botulinum peptide gel and injectable Botox. However, two to three points of improvement on a five-point scale are typical two weeks following injection.

Here’s the thing. The gel still needs to pass Phase III trials before receiving FDA approval. Further, the gel is applied by a doctor and allowed to remain on the area for 30 minutes before being wiped away.

You don’t need to wait for FDA approval of Revance’s botulinum gel to receive painless Botox. Your doctor can apply a topical anesthetic on the area to be injected. You then wait (the same) 30 minutes for the area to numb up.

You won’t feel a thing. Trust me. I just had it done for Botox injections to treat my turkey neck. I was a bit nervous about getting injections on my neck. Wait until I tell you about my results!

There may be photos. I’m waiting at least two weeks before taking an after shot.

Tags: injectable wrinkle fillers, FDA approval process, FDA-approved wrinkle treatment, injectable botulinumconsumer advice, clincial results for botulinim gel, Revance Therapeutics developing botulinum gel, botulinum gel reported to American Society of Plastic Surgery

Review of Nars Pro-Prime Pore Refining Primer

2011-11-07T05:00:00.002-06:00

I love Nars Pro-Prime Pore Refining Primer primer! I don't have oily skin, but do have enlarged pores, especially on my nose.

The consistency is like a serum rather than the tar-like goop of many makeup primers. Nars goes on smoothly and quickly. It does a good job of camouflaging my pores and keeps my makeup fresh longer than if I skip a primer.

"Oil-free, alcohol-free, paraben-free, synthetic-fragrance free, non-comedogenic" – in other words, great for all skin types from sensitive to oily to dry.

Nars sites the following consumer test results:

• 94% felt that it left their skin soothed and comforted;
• 87% thought it made powder, blush, and bronzer application easier; and
• 78% thought it controlled shine all day long.

I agree with all of the above ;-)

I really like the formula of Nars Pro-Prime Pore Refining Primer as well. It contains:

• Lentil seed extract to diminish the appearance of dilated pores over time;
• Natural bisabolol and butterbur root extract to calm and soothe the skin; and
• Vitamins A, C and E to help protect the skin from free-radical damage.

Tags: best anti-aging cosmetics, best makeup base, cosmetic application tips, best makeup primers, cosmetic reviews, hide pores and wrinkles, buy best cosmetics

Sunday Shopping at Ageless Beauty Nov. 6, 2011:

2011-11-06T05:00:00.002-06:00

Save steps and money with a leisurely stroll through the aisles of the Ageless Beauty Shop featuring recently recommended items.

Today’s Ageless Beauty Shop:
Anti-Aging Supplements and Research

No need to print out articles and drag them along from store to store searching out the latest and greatest in anti-aging products. Shop now from the comfort of home.

You might like to read:

• Research on Astragalus Extract Dietary Supplement TA-65

• Resveratrol Supplement Recommendations

• Benefits and Risks of Vitamins, Supplements and Herbs: A to J

• Benefits and Risks of Vitamins, Supplements and Herbs: K to Z

Tags: supplements for longer healthspan, anti-aging supplements, anti-aging vitamins, Astragalus extract TA-65, anti-aging supplement research, resveratrol, telomere research, Patton Protocol Anti-Aging TA-65 therapy

[Photo Credit: Print Shop Art Gallery]

One Doctor's Experience with the Patton Protocol

2011-11-05T05:00:00.004-05:00

Well-known doctor and wellness/anti-aging author, Dr. Al Sears, was one of the first U.S. doctors licensed to administer the Patton Protocol therapy.

Dr. Sears claims that after using TA-65 himself for a year, his blood test results were typical for someone with the lungs of a 25-year ...

(Read more.)

Tags: TA-65, Patton Protocol, telomore research, age-reversal with TA-65, dietary supplements, find Patton Protocol doctor, Patton Protocol cost, Patton Protocol results

The Patton Protocol: Human Trial Results

2011-11-04T05:00:00.006-05:00

TA-65 Human Trial Results
In early 2011, the first peer-reviewed results of human trials with TA-65 supplementation were published in Rejuvenation Research ("A Natural Product Telomerase Activator as Part of a Health Maintenance Program", Maria Blasco et al., February 2011).

The 114 study participants (72% male) averaged 63 years of age (range 51 to 75) and were followed for one year while on the Patton Protocol.

After twelve months of TA-65 use, the percentage of killer T-cells and natural killer cells declined, as did ...

(Read more.)

Tags: TA-65, Patton Protocol, telomore research, age-reversal with TA-65, dietary supplements, find Patton Protocol doctor, Patton Protocol cost, Patton Protocol results

The Patton Protocol: Cost and Availability

2011-11-03T05:00:00.005-05:00

The Patton Protocol includes TA-65®, a highly concentrated form of Astragulus root extract, (10–50 mg daily) and physician counseling plus lab tests at baseline and every three to six months thereafter.

The program starts with baseline blood and biomarker testing costing $2,890. After the test results are in (3-4 weeks), a patient has three choices.

1. The "à la carte" 6-month version ...

(Read more.)

Tags: TA-65, Patton Protocol, telomore research, age-reversal with TA-65, dietary supplements, find Patton Protocol doctor, Patton Protocol cost, Patton Protocol results

Research on Astragalus Extract TA-65 Age Reversing Properties

2011-11-02T05:00:00.002-05:00

Of Mice …
Several peer reviewed studies in mice have demonstrated that the telomerase activator TA-65 elongates short telomeres and increases healthspan ...

… And Men
The "Patton Protocol" TA-65 therapy, which has been subjected to human trials (more on that tomorrow …), is available worldwide from doctors licensed by TA Sciences.

The fact that TA-65 is a pure herbal extract of a Chinese variety of Astragalus root (Astragalus membranaceus, a.k.a. propinquus), – rather than a drug subject ...

(Read more.)

Tags: TA-65, Patton Protocol, telomore research, age-reversal with TA-65, dietary supplements, find Patton Protocol doctor, Patton Protocol cost, Patton Protocol results

[Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons by Aaron Logan]

Research on Dietary Supplement TA-65

2011-11-01T05:00:00.003-05:00

Hi Jean,

Have you done any research concerning the dietary supplement TA-65? If so, what are your thoughts?

Thank you,
Patti

Hi Patti,

I’m following the research into TA-65 but don’t believe it’s ready yet to be used as an OTC supplement for human anti-aging.

However, Astragalus root (huang-qi), which is the source of the highly concentrated extract TA-65, has been ...

(Read more.)

Tags: TA-65, Patton Protocol, telomore research, age-reversal with TA-65, dietary supplements, find Patton Protocol doctor, Patton Protocol cost, Patton Protocol results

[Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons]