Medical experts reveal the foods that can really improve your complexion, fight fine lines, and banish breakouts.
"What you eat manifests itself through your skin," says Jeanine Downie, a New Jersey dermatologist. "When you have a lot of fruits and vegetables, your overall tone looks better, but too much caffeine can leave you dried out." So just how can what you eat and drink smooth wrinkles, boost radiance, and prevent breakouts?
Fight Fine Lines & Restore Radiance
"Wrinkles occur when you have a free-radical overload," says Hema Sundaram, a Washington, D.C.-area dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon. Free radicals, essentially unstable molecules that damage healthy cells in your body, are caused by sun, stress, smoking, and even excess caffeine. You need to consume foods that prevent and repair the damage caused by free radicals, which age your skin by attacking collagen and elastin. Plus, when your body lacks proper nutrition, it results in dehydrated, lackluster skin. But there's good news: "It's amazing how quickly the skin will respond to eating healthy," notes Sundaram.
Control caffeine. "I recommend no more than two cups or cans of caffeinated drinks a day; after that, switch to decaf," advises Sundaram of the dehydrating liquids. Wrinkles are less obvious on plumped-up, hydrated skin; think of a grape versus a raisin. If you need caffeine, Sundaram recommends drinking green tea because it contains polyphenols, which help destroy free radicals.
Eat up antioxidants. The best way to boost your body's free-radical defenses is with a diet high in antioxidant powerhouses like spinach, broccoli, peppers, Swiss chard, blackberries, blueberries, grapes, and strawberries.
Look for lycopene. This antiaging nutrient is known to eliminate free radicals and can be found in tomatoes.
Boost your essential fatty acids. "Clinical studies have shown that essential fatty acids can improve skin," says Downie of the moisture-locking fats. Try salmon, walnuts, or flaxseed oil to promote plumper skin.
Enjoy yogurt. "Yogurt can be very beneficial for the skin," says Sundaram. The bacteria it contains will regulate your skin's pH balance, helping with radiance.
Avoid alcohol. This may seem obvious, but drinking liquor not only dehydrates skin, it produces free radicals.
Cut back on red meat. "It can generate free radicals," explains Sundaram. She adds, "If you moderate your intake, your skin will have more luster." She suggests substituting chicken or fish, each of which has nourishing essential fatty acids.
Banish Breakouts
"Around 90 percent of people with acne are not affected by what they eat," says Downie. But it is very important for the 10 percent who are to monitor what they consume.
Be wary of dairy. "For some people, dairy can exacerbate acne," says Downie. You may think that by drinking organic milk, you are avoiding hormones, but producing milk causes cows to release excess hormones, regardless of whether they are given hormone supplements. "You can be sensitive to either type of hormone," she says.
Watch your sugar intake. "Certain studies show that sugars can aggravate the bacteria that causes acne," notes Downie. "If you are going to Dunkin' Donuts twice a day, you know what you need to do, but for a lot of us, it's our choice of beverage." She suggests avoiding soda and sugary juices and replacing them with water to help flush toxins out of your system.
Bet on beta-carotene. This form of vitamin A, which can help combat acne, is highest in orange fruits and vegetables like peaches and carrots and dark leafy greens like kale.
Source : Harper Bazaar
Review on The Body Shop Olive Glossing Shampoo
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Olive leaf extract - Helps add gloss to the hair. Has excellent antioxidant properties that help to protect the hair.
Organic honey - Moisturises and helps condition the hair, aiding combing and adding shine.
Olive Oil
The moisturizing olive oil in our products comes from an area in Italy that has produced olives since the middle ages. The Nuovo Cilento Co-operative formed as a result of people abandoning the land to seek work elsewhere. In a remarkable story of success over adversity, the co-operative has gone from strength to strength, cutting out the middle-man to sell their organically produced olive oil directly, maximizing their profit and so preserving their traditional way of life. Every product you buy containing Community Traded olive oil further helps the community and local environment.
Organic Honey
From Zambia. Helps protect and preserve the forest as well as providing necessary income for the beekeepers, an increasing number of which are now women.
I bought both the conditioner and the shampoo together last year, during one of The Body Shop sales but I always used up the conditioner much faster than the shampoo.
Despite rave reviews from many ladies, this is not a shampoo which I will purchase again. It leaves my hair rough ( not tangle-free) and dry. I do find it difficult to comb through, just using my fingers.
The lather is not too much which suits me just fine and the scent is also alright.
Using a conditioner after the shampoo made the hair much softer and manageable though I do not see much shine on the hair.
This product receives 3.1/5 score at Makeupally
Full Ingredients :
Aqua (Water) (Solvent/Diluent), Sodium Laureth Sulfate (Surfactant), Cocamidopropyl Betaine (Surfactant), Cocamide DEA (Surfactant), Quaternium-80 (Hair Conditioning Agent), PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil (Emulsifier), Citric Acid (pH Adjuster), Phenoxyethanol (Preservative), Sodium Benzoate (Preservative), Polyquaternium-7 (Hair Conditioner), Olea europaea (Olive Oil) (Emollient), Mel (Honey (Mel)) (Natural Additive), Parfum (Fragrance), PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate (Viscosity Modifier), Wheat Amino Acids (Hair Conditioning Agent), Hydrolysed Wheat Protein PG-Propyl Silanetriol (Hair & Skin Conditioning Agent), Sodium Chloride (Salt) (Viscosity Modifier), Disodium EDTA (Chelating Agent), Butylphenyl Methylpropional (Fragrance Ingredient), Linalool (Fragrance Ingredient), Hexyl Cinnamal (Fragrance Ingredient), Citronellol (Fragrance Ingredient), Citral (Fragrance Ingredient), Potassium Sorbate (Preservative), Limonene (Fragrance Ingredient), Methylparaben (Preservative), Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone (Fragrance Ingredient), Butylparaben (Preservative), Ethylparaben (Preservative), Isobutylparaben (Preservative), Propylparaben (Preservative).
Many rave reviews here
Retailing at $16.90 for 250ml and $24.90 for 400ml.
Review on Biotherm Aquasource Clarifying Hydrating Gel
Monday, November 2, 2009
A few months earlier, after I have used up my previous Biotherm hydrating gel, I was in Tangs, hoping to pick up a new one when I was told that it have been replaced by this!
I was actually pretty upset about it because I really love the previous hydrating gel which I have been using for years. Biotherm is always changing their products without telling their loyal fans. I have been disappointed time and time again by their newer products touted to be even better than the original.
Hence when the promoter told me this is one of their best-sellers since its launch, I was quite skeptical and is wondering if I should get it.
This is from their new range targeted for shiny-prone skin with purifying copper to reduce shine on the skin, formulated for those with oily skin, hence its oil-free.
Copper, a sebo-regulator, inhibits an enzyme that contributes to sebum production in the sebaceous glands. A co-factor in oxidation enzymes as well, this element plays a role in protecting from free radicals. Copper also has the capacity to mattify the complexion by helping to limit shine.
Enriched with mineral copper, known for its powerful natural dermo-purifying properties, Aquasource Oil Free clarifies skin. This fresh, transparent, non-greasy, non-sticky gel-cream melts onto the skin as soon as it is applied for a feeling of instant freshness and hydrates it for 24 hours non-stop. Ideally moisturized, skin is soft and long-lastingly matte and takes on a fresh and healthy appearance. The ultra-hydrating texture contains the equivalent of 5,000 liters of thermal spring water that is oil-free and non-comedogenic.
Swathes skin in freshness from the very first application and hydrates it for 24hours non-stop without skin looking shiny.
To my surprise, this moisturiser actually performs well, despite my initial worries. As with all Biotherm moisturisers, it has a light lovely scent which I like. Its light and is easily absorbed into my skin, leaving it hydrated.
Even though it claims to give lasting fresh matte finish, I did not find it so. My T zone area is still pretty shiny.
I like it because its oil-free, lightweight and give my skin its much needed hydration.
It took me about 6months to finish the entire bottle with daily morning usage.
Review on Charles Worthington Results Really Shiny Gloss Polish
Charles Worthington Results Finishing Touch Polish provides the perfect way to give a glistening finish to your style:
Claims :
- Impart intense reflective shine to all hair types
- Smooth troublesome frizz and flyaways that can ruffle your style
- Give lacklustre hair definition and a high impact gloss finish
Directions For Use:
Wash, dry and style as normal. Pump 2-3 doses into hands and rub together. Run hands through mid to ends of hair length for a glossy finish, or pick out individual layers or pieces for defined shine. Avoid contact with eyes.
I bought this in Watsons while trying to find a hair product which can gives my hair a glossy sheen. However, it does nothing much. The transparent serum gel-like texture is glossy and oily and usually, I will just apply to the ends of the hair after bath.
This hair product scent reminds me of those salon brands which the stylist usually used on my hair after each hair cut. Nothing unbearable.
No one commented on my hair and I hardly see any shine on it. It neither tames my frizz nor tames my flyaways.
In conclusion, this does not work and I am not going to get this again.
How to apply your skin care products correctly
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Let us take a look why and how the method of application makes a difference.
In essence, a topical skin care product, such as a skin cream, gel or lotion, is a mixture of chemicals. Some of these chemicals are active ingredients (natural or synthetic substances responsible for biological action of the product), while the rest are inactive ingredients (substances that help protect and deliver active ingredients).
Ultimately, the effectiveness of the product depends on whether
(1) active ingredients work
(2) whether they penetrate into your skin deeply enough and in sufficient amounts.
The former depends on your choice of a product, and the latter -- at least in part -- on how you apply it.
Skin is a dynamic system whose condition and properties depend on temperature, hydration, environment and other factors. Therefore, the skin's ability to absorb topically chemicals can vary greatly. Here is what you can do to ensure optimal penetration of active ingredients:
Cleanse your skin before applying skin care products (particularly if you have applied anything to your skin since your last skin cleansing or washing. The best time to apply skin care products is after you are fresh out of a warm shower or bath because not only is your skin clean but it is also thoroughly moist and should better absorb whatever you apply to it.
CAUTION: Do not wash your skin with hot water, excessive heat accelerates skin aging. The water should be comfortably warm but not hot. However, if you plan to apply potentially comedogenic products, splash some cool water onto yourself when finishing your wash in order to close pores. Also, do not spend too much time in the shower to avoid excessive exposure to chlorine in the water.
It is best to apply most products when the skin is moist because active ingredients can penetrate better when they are dissolved. Once your cream has dried up, its rate of penetration decreases dramatically. Don't wipe your skin dry after you cleansed or washed it if you intend to apply a products. If the skin is too wet, just pat a little with a towel.
Warm skin absorbs ingredients better. Before applying a product, make sure your skin isn't cold. Apply a warm towel if needed.
The uppermost layer of the skin, called stratum corneum, is composed mostly of dry, dead cells. If this layer becomes too thick, which is seen in aging or poorly maintained skin, active ingredients of a skin care product have trouble penetrating deeply enough to have an effect.
Some people remove stratum corneum by using chemical exfoliants such as alpha hydroxy acids, enzymes or other chemicals. While some exfoliation may be beneficial, overdoing it may do more harm than good to your skin. For most people, a gentle scrub that provides mild exfoliation without doing any harm is a safe and sensible alternative.
Furthermore, an excellent facial scrub can be done using very low cost natural materials. For instance, table sugar can be used to prepare a scrub that is both mild, safe, effective and refreshing. It enhances the absorption of active skin care ingredients without damaging your skin. Facial scrub should not be used more than four times a week.
Use short, firm strokes to apply skin care products (it is best to use the middle finger). Do not stretch the skin. Do not rub. After applying, gently tap the area with your fingers for half a minute.
Even if you think that you are doing everything right, you still cannot tell whether the products actually penetrate deep enough to be useful. Fortunately, there is a way to test whether your skin is absorbing what is being applied to it. Certain natural substances can produce a tingling sensation when reaching the dermis, i.e. the target layer for the majority of active ingredients. Applying such a tingly substance to a small area (not near the eyes, of course), allows you to test whether your skin is receptive enough to absorb active ingredients.
Source : Smart Skin Care
In essence, a topical skin care product, such as a skin cream, gel or lotion, is a mixture of chemicals. Some of these chemicals are active ingredients (natural or synthetic substances responsible for biological action of the product), while the rest are inactive ingredients (substances that help protect and deliver active ingredients).
Ultimately, the effectiveness of the product depends on whether
(1) active ingredients work
(2) whether they penetrate into your skin deeply enough and in sufficient amounts.
The former depends on your choice of a product, and the latter -- at least in part -- on how you apply it.
Skin is a dynamic system whose condition and properties depend on temperature, hydration, environment and other factors. Therefore, the skin's ability to absorb topically chemicals can vary greatly. Here is what you can do to ensure optimal penetration of active ingredients:
Cleanse your skin before applying skin care products (particularly if you have applied anything to your skin since your last skin cleansing or washing. The best time to apply skin care products is after you are fresh out of a warm shower or bath because not only is your skin clean but it is also thoroughly moist and should better absorb whatever you apply to it.
CAUTION: Do not wash your skin with hot water, excessive heat accelerates skin aging. The water should be comfortably warm but not hot. However, if you plan to apply potentially comedogenic products, splash some cool water onto yourself when finishing your wash in order to close pores. Also, do not spend too much time in the shower to avoid excessive exposure to chlorine in the water.
It is best to apply most products when the skin is moist because active ingredients can penetrate better when they are dissolved. Once your cream has dried up, its rate of penetration decreases dramatically. Don't wipe your skin dry after you cleansed or washed it if you intend to apply a products. If the skin is too wet, just pat a little with a towel.
Warm skin absorbs ingredients better. Before applying a product, make sure your skin isn't cold. Apply a warm towel if needed.
The uppermost layer of the skin, called stratum corneum, is composed mostly of dry, dead cells. If this layer becomes too thick, which is seen in aging or poorly maintained skin, active ingredients of a skin care product have trouble penetrating deeply enough to have an effect.
Some people remove stratum corneum by using chemical exfoliants such as alpha hydroxy acids, enzymes or other chemicals. While some exfoliation may be beneficial, overdoing it may do more harm than good to your skin. For most people, a gentle scrub that provides mild exfoliation without doing any harm is a safe and sensible alternative.
Furthermore, an excellent facial scrub can be done using very low cost natural materials. For instance, table sugar can be used to prepare a scrub that is both mild, safe, effective and refreshing. It enhances the absorption of active skin care ingredients without damaging your skin. Facial scrub should not be used more than four times a week.
Use short, firm strokes to apply skin care products (it is best to use the middle finger). Do not stretch the skin. Do not rub. After applying, gently tap the area with your fingers for half a minute.
Even if you think that you are doing everything right, you still cannot tell whether the products actually penetrate deep enough to be useful. Fortunately, there is a way to test whether your skin is absorbing what is being applied to it. Certain natural substances can produce a tingling sensation when reaching the dermis, i.e. the target layer for the majority of active ingredients. Applying such a tingly substance to a small area (not near the eyes, of course), allows you to test whether your skin is receptive enough to absorb active ingredients.
Source : Smart Skin Care
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