An increased understanding of the structure and function of the skin is helping to drive the development of products that reduce the visible signs of facial aging, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD).
With aging, all skin cells begin to produce excess amounts of free radicals--unstable oxygen molecules that, under ideal circumstances, are removed by naturally occurring antioxidants within the skin's cells. In aging skin cells, antioxidants are in short supply. The free radicals generated are left unchecked and cause damage to cell membranes, proteins, and DNA. These free radicals eventually break down a protein substance in connective tissue (collagen) and release chemicals that cause inflammation in the skin. It is a combination of these cellular and molecular events that leads to skin aging and the formation of wrinkles, the AAD says.
Considerable research has been done to understand the aging process, and studies now show that products containing bioactive ingredients (those that interact with living tissues or systems) can benefit sun-damaged, discolored, and aging skin, giving consumers new choices for restoring their overall appearance. But why is the FDA reviewing products that simply make people look and feel good when typically the agency evaluates disease-fighting treatments?
"If something that is being implanted into the body could have health consequences, we're concerned about it," says Stephen P. Rhodes, M.S., chief of the FDA's Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Devices Branch. "Wrinkle fillers affect the structure of the face and could have such health consequences."
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Aging Skin 101
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Side Effects
Many cosmetic treatments are the result of common disease therapies whose unexpected side effects were pleasant surprises. Vaniqa (eflornithine hydrochloride), the first prescription drug for removing unwanted hair, is a topically applied version of a drug that was originally developed to treat African sleeping sickness. Similarly, minoxidil originally had been prescribed as an oral tablet to treat high blood pressure. As a result of side effects that included hair growth and reversal of male baldness, Rogaine (2 percent minoxidil) was the first drug approved by the FDA for the treatment of hair loss (androgenetic alopecia).
"There's a lot of serendipity in drug development," says the FDA's Wilkin. A pill to help smokers quit, for example, evolved out of the unexpected observation that a drug intended to treat depression also seemed to take away the desire to smoke. Bupropion was first marketed in 1989 by GlaxoSmithKline as an antidepressant under the name Wellbutrin. After doctors noticed that patients being treated with Wellbutrin gave up smoking spontaneously, studies were done to show that the product could help smokers quit, as well. As a result, the slow-release form of bupropion, marketed as Zyban, was approved by the FDA in 1997 as an aid to smoking cessation treatment.
Some pharmaceutical companies, however, apparently aren't ready to enter the vanity drugs arena. Patrick Davish, the global product communications spokesman for Merck & Co. Inc., says that the drug company has no "cosmetic" drugs in its product pipeline at this time.
"The fact that we don't participate in that market right now-I'm not sure that's reflective of any particular deliberation or decision," he says. "That's just not where the science has taken us."
Monday, April 28, 2008
Beauty Masks
Honey face mask for sensuous skin warm a small pot of honey in a double boiler, then test a small amount on your hand to make sure it’s not too hot. When warm, apply the honey magnanimously over your entire face. Leave the mask on for 15 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with warm, then cool water. Banana mask is useful when your skin oily. Mix the banana and honey altogether.
Add a few drops of juice from an orange or a lemon. Apply to face for 15 minutes prior to rinsing with a cool washcloth or a autoclave warm washcloth. Tomato pulp mask is making your skin beautiful and better look. If you want a better look your skin crush some tomatoes, drink up the juice and spread the pulp all over your face. It tightens up your skin, and closes the pores. The tomato juice is for refining your skin from inside.
Coconut Mask-For this you need enough coconut oil to spread upon your face. Rose water for rinsing. Massage the coconut oil in gently. Next take a towel, dip it into hot water, wring it out and spread it over your face.
If you lie down, the circulation will absorb the oil. Repeat this process 4-5 times and then rinse your face with warm water. The rose water is to remove all vestiges of oil. A protein mask — Soak a teaspoon of urad dal and 5-6 almonds overnight. Grind this to a fine paste applies this protein mask on face and washes it off after half an hour. This mask nurtures the facial skin and also enhances the complexion.
Milk Mask made ingredients is 1 tsp powdered milk, 1 tbsp runny honey, 1 tsp aloe vera gel and 2 drops essential oil. This is a classic milk mask for the face. Potato face pack you will need 1 teaspoon of potato juice and 1 teaspoon of multani mitti. Blend both the ingredients together and apply on the face. Leave it until it dries and wash off with lukewarm water.
Autumn apple facial mask is great to get your skin glowing anew but take it easy if your skin is already dry. A gel mask however is spread on a clean skin and allowed to dry. In about 10-20 minutes, you can roll it off like a second skin. These masks are peeled off starting from the chin and lifted upwards. With these masks you lift out dead cells and even facial hairs and blackheads.
Apple and Honey Mask. Grate the apple, mix in the honey and apply to your face. It is a benefitial for oil skin. Take tomato juice, cucumber juice and lemon juice; add a little calamine powder or gram flour to it. Make a paste and apply it on the skin. Wash off with lukewarm water when dries. One thing you always reminisce chooses a facial which hat will soften the upper derma layers and improve its color, clean and contract.
Friday, April 25, 2008
Eating Tips for Busy Women
Supplements are meant to supplement healthy eating, not reimburse for poor eating habits. Exercise is not an choice. Cardiovascular exercise and more significantly resistance exercise (weight lifting) is essential for good long-term health. Muscles will increase your metabolism making it possible to lose fat, and resistance exercise has fantastic benefits for your heart and other organs. A daily vitamin E may help protect against heart disease and cancer.
Eat a variety of nutrient-rich foods. Women need over 40 different nutrients for good health, and no single food will supply them all. Use small amounts of residues for the next day’s meal. Use leftover chicken in a salad for lunch. Apply extra chili on a baked potato for dinner. Eat plenty of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. There is a wide variety out there from which to choose, so you should have no problem finding some you like.
Eat meals on a regular basis. When you are on the go, it is simple to skip meals, or substitute eating healthy foods for fast food. Eat food in moderate portions. If you keep portion sizes to this level, you will be capable to maintain a good weight. Lower certain foods instead of eliminating them altogether.
Busy women need in breakfast eat in small portion and leave something on the plate. One cup all bran flakes with yogurt clutches and skim milk with a hard boiled egg. Bran cereal is usually gross, but this cereal tastes great and it provides 15g fiber. Add the boiled egg for some protein. Have snacks with less than 30g Carbs, less than 125 calories and less than 3g fat. Pick breads and cereals with more than 3g fiber per serving. Choose foods with less than 600mg sodium per serving. Eat foods rich in complex carbohydrates.
The body needs glucose to feed the brain, and the easiest way to get it is through complex carbs, like whole-grain bread. Drinking water is very important. It can help you retrieve from a cold more quickly (though it doesn’t “cure” it), replenish lost fluids after exercise, and assist in weight loss. Cooked oatmeal with applesauce whirled in; topped with raisins and chopped almonds; 8 ounces low-fat yogurt.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Secret to beautiful skin
The secret to having beautiful skin is available to everyone not just the rich and famous; a regular skin care maintenance routine is part of the secret but there is more than just this to learn. Although it still happens in the West, women are beginning to learn that beautiful skin does not come at the end of a knife but with other more natural methods. But more natural beauty care products are the order of the day now and whilst they may take a little longer to produce results, they are longer lasting and have other health benefits.
When we think of beauty care products for the skin we typically picture cold cream and anti-aging formulas but there are countless items that promote healthy, youthful skin and these may be some of the most important beauty care products on the market. The skin that covers our entire body has an important role to play in continuing our health and beauty so should not be overlooked when it comes to regular maintenance.
Part one in your daily skin care regime is to use a cleansing agent to remove all the pollutions like smoke, dust and make-up that our skin has to put up with on a daily basis. Gently massage your cleanser into your skin in circular motions using your fingertips and then rinse off with warm water but only pat your skin with a soft towel to dry it.
The cleanser can affect the PH balance of your skin so the nest step is to use a toner which will restore this balance. Lotions and moisturizers massaged into the skin help to reduce the effect of wrinkles and ensure the skin is more supple. This beauty care product step helps to seal in your treatment and to lock in the natural moisture in your skin.
Once or twice weekly you should treat your skin with an exfoliant or natural peel to remove dead skin cells and to deep cleanse your skin as part of you skin care routine. On days when you are treating your skin you should cleanse, treat and then tone to make sure that you remove all traces of the exfoliant or peel that you are using.
Skin around the eye is very delicate and needs to be looked after so special beauty care product creams help alleviate the dark rings and puffiness that some people suffer ensuring the sin is much more supple and youthful looking. Taking some form of daily exercise and drinking plenty of water are two things you don’t need to spend a fortune on but will really improve the skin tone and feel. Many people may feel that these products are just about plain old fashioned vanity but we rely on our skin to protect us and should not take it for granted.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Best Hair Straightening Irons
Straight hair can be oleaginous and beautiful. Straightening irons, used to straighten the hair, and curling irons, used to make the hair curly. Straightening irons may also be called flat irons, but not to be befuddled with clothes flat irons. Hair straighteners work by breaking down the hair’s hydrogen bonds present in the hair’s cortex, that cause hair to bend and become curly.
Hair straighteners should only be used on dry hair, except they are especially made with vents to let the moisture out. Hair straighteners are one of the most popular techniques to achieve a sleek and chic look, and many different methods have been tried. Still, one of the perfect ways to get this look is by using Sedu hair straighteners. These are coalition of ceramic hair straighteners and ionic tourmalilne technology that make use of infra red heat.
Ceramic hair straighteners are becoming a popular option as they are lightweight, can heat up without delay and leave little damage to the part of the hair. Chi hair straighteners are another choice for women looking to remove frizz and create a flat and furbish look.
Chi hair straighteners first became popular with the Chi ceramic hairstyling iron. These hair straighteners and flat irons offer obliterable plates that also help protect the hair cuticle. Chi hair straighteners are designed in such a way which they help seal in color and moisture.
There are different methods to straighten your hair. Chemicals are also another fully used method of straightening the hair. Unlike thermal straightening, chemical straighteners or relaxers are permanent. There are three basic kinds of chemical hair relaxers.
Monday, April 21, 2008
NFL Strengthens Steroid Policy
The NFL departed a stair further in strengthening up its steroid rule by adding up amphetamines to the band stuff list opening in 2007.
Amphetamines were measured a material misuse drug, however at the moment are assembled in with steroids as well as will hold harsher punishment if violated. This time of year is an experiment year moreover if a sportsperson not passes an amphetamine test – then he will be subjected a notice as well as positioned in a drug cure program.
In accumulation to the amphetamines transform, the punishment for a second affirmative test for taking drugs was enlarged from seven to eight sports competition. A third affirmative test still holds a one-year deferral. Get more information about deca durabolin.
The NFL as well as additional sports is doing an honest occupation with their drug rules, however they should connect together with congress as well as law enforcement to break down on the agents providing the matters in the initial place, just then can the drug trouble in sports be struggled on a level playing ground.
It’s yet an ascending fight because till the time we have a requirement, there will be a delivery. As well as we have a huge requirement in this society - not only in athletics however citizens from all walks of being are concerned.
The drug concern is a nationwide issue. Sports are now an indication of the ethnicity it superfluities in. simply by running together can the difficulty ever expect to be explained.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
5 Stars
Perfumer Extraordinaire, Andy Tauer, got a look into the pre-print copy of the Luca Turin Book "Perfume: The guide" . One of our favorite scents, L'air du désert got 5 (out of 5 ) points and a full 1 page description which is rare in this book. If you are fascinated my the complexities if scents, it is highly recommended that you look at this book when is out ;-)
For a Perfume Expert to wear this scent on such an occasion out of all that is available to him out there says a lot about "L'air".
About the Fragrance:
The scent: L'air du désert marocain is a true scent of desire. Inspired by the fragrant world of the Maghreb desert. Powerful, sensual and pure.This perfume for her and him is exciting and long lasting.It is the scenting canvas of a picturesque landscape, fascinating by its changing scents and lights.
The notes: The elegant head note is based on typical spicy scents of the Maghreb; coriander and cumin, joined with petitgrain. The warm heart note surprises with the fragrance of rock rose and a hint of jasmine. The body note is full of warm woods such as cedar wood, vetiver brilliantly joined with a fine amber background. A vision of the Maghreb.
The initial strength of this scent surprises some people, but when it is on your skin, various spice offerings are revealed enhancing your exotic sensuality. Since it lasts a long time, you will be transported to romantic lands where ever you go.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Adventures in Cosmetics
Since we've been young women, all of us, for the most part, have experimented, indulged, tried and tested a collection of skin care and cosmetic products. It’s a bit like the “right to womanhood” aspect, yet we’ve grown into various stages since the early inception of “being beautiful” with what we’ve been graced with. And the experimenting and testing doesn’t stop throughout our adult lives. For the most part, we look at it as an adventure of sorts. How many of us regularly stop at the department store cosmetic departments and do a make-over, or examine something new? Let’s face it- it’s fun, giving us a new look on life, and often improves our appearance or enhances us in some way and makes us feel better about ourselves.
Today, environmental changes, a vast array of cutting edge products, and skin care treatments provided by doctors, all add up to big business, and ever changing new options. We seek to try to stay tuned into all of these daily changes, and implement what will work best for us. It’s a bit overwhelming with all these excellent choices, and not something women on-the-go always have a lot of luxury time to investigate. With the options and advanced products and techniques, every woman can have a fabulous fresh face within a few minutes each day.
Here, at Beauty.org, we are a step ahead in helping you make these skin care and cosmetic decisions. You will find current news notes about the companies that are bringing advanced options for your beauty care routine. You’ll learn about how the products work on the skin types, and learn what colors can bring a natural healthy glow as you step out your door each morning.
Luxuriate and enjoy this personal informed spa-type of treatment in learning, evaluating and enjoying, updated details that are available at your fingertips online. We’ll explore the major cosmetic and skin care companies, you’ll learn which ones are providing free samples, and you’ll learn how to assess what is the best selection for your preferences and lifestyle.
Welcome aboard-you’ve come to the right place. Become that young woman again, alive to the wonders of beauty within your own self. Explore with us your special uniqueness. And, please, we invite you to comment, suggest and share with us. Our readers will want to know what makes your life most rewarding, inventive, and adventurous, in caring for a fresh, fabulous face as you apply your favorite lip and eye colors, and the skin care line of products that make your skin glow.
Some of those options to review include:
* Herbs and Supplements
* Antioxidants
* Heart Health
* Calcium - Bone building
* Preparing sumptuous, healthy meals that increase vitamin and health protection naturally.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Interaction and cooperation between the dermatological community and the perfume industry
The goal of IFRA is to market safe merchandise which complies with scientifically well-founded risk reduction measures. This minimizes the chance of perfume allergy / sensitivity while offering consumers the best possible range of product choice.
Nevertheless, a very little percentage of the people, when using fragranced products, might experience a skin reaction. Should this happen, the consumer may seek treatment from a dermatologist who, in turn, may seek the product composition from the item for consumption manufacturer?
With this in mind, IFRA has created a procedure (see below) to best make easy the flow of information between the dermatologist and the scent industry when a reaction is reported. The procedure includes a fragrance "on call" list made up of scientifically qualified contacts within IFRA member companies.
This helps insure that all required information is provided to the dermatologist in a timely manner from the relevant sources. Utilizing the on call list of sovereign scientific experts also allows for a freer exchange of information between dermatologists, the cosmetic manufacturing and IFRA.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Clinique Laboratories leader in Skin Care for Women
Clinique is one of the world's leading manufacturers and marketers of skin care, makeup and fragrance products. Clinique was first launched in 1968 with skin care and makeup products including the all Repairwear Intensive Eye Cream.
This potent moisturizing cream focusing on the skin’s energies on repair and targets the appearance of eye-area lines and wrinkles. Response to the products led the company to grow as develop as women sought the advantage of the sustaining antioxidants, the strengthening of vulnerable skin, and the brighter, refreshed look. Cliniques’ allergy tested and 100% fragrance free products have continued to find popularity in skin care.
A newer product, the Derma White C10 Anti-Aging Clarity Formula have been designed to address aging and strengthening of skin. The high-potency essence gets its firming, smoothing strength from a burst of pure Vitamin C, sealed inside the cap and mixed fresh weekly. The proprietary formula with Black-Out Yeast Extract helps time-tarnished skin Advanced Stop Signs
Another product that is getting attention is the New All About Eyes RichMoisture. The rich formula diminishes the look of undereye circles, shadows, puffs and fine lines—immediately and over time. The product also helps boost natural collagen production. The calming botanicals strengthens skin’s moisture barrier against common irritants as well.
By using morning and evening, after using Clinique’s 3-Step Skin Care System, the moisturizing lotion applied to eye area helps absorption. Advanced technology works with speed and accuracy to help vanish the look of lines. The new "cluster-buster" complex helps break apart the appearance of dark spots for a more even skin tone and inhibits future environmental damage and recaptures a luminous look.
Additionally, Cliniques’ Repairwear Intensive Lip Treatment products are based on research and related expertise and are a favorite. The smooth, gel-based lip treatment helps repair the look of wrinkles on and around lips. Additionally, it boosts natural collagen production, providing immediate and sustained antioxidant protection against the environment. The product also replenishes the natural moisture barrier so lips stay soft, and hydrated.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Skin Care
The latest news releases on skin care advances will be seen here. We’ll give you the buzz about innovative products that will make a difference in the network of skin care for you. Every skin is different and products are designed to be as individualized as your face. We’ll direct you to experiment with free samples to see how they work for you.
Women look for reliable answers -aside from plastic surgery - to their questions on how to respond to the effects of age and sun on their skin in a natural way. Other leading questions often include: how to fight off or get rid of wrinkles; does Vitamin C really make a difference; what’s up with bleaching agents; and much more.
Here are some of the avenues we’ll uncover:
* Discovering the secrets about some of the most renowned pioneering skincare formulas
* Reviewing a full spectrum of hands-on applications
* Ageless corrective techniques that may be applied
* Learn about the terms and concepts of exfoliation
* An overview of basic spa services that you can apply in your own boudoir
* Nature facials for radiant skin
* Holistic approaches to skin treatment
* New formulations: techniques, rituals and aromas designed to infuse visible life into skin
* Massage techniques that will leave the skin looking refreshed
* How naturally derived pigments can provide a fresh glow
* Reviewing natural plant extracts, trace minerals and essential oils and how they work for you.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Health care
In most developed countries and many developing countries health care is provided to everyone regardless of their ability to pay. The National Health Services, established in 1948 by Clement Atlee's Labour government in the United Kingdom, were the world's first universal health care system provided by government and paid for from general taxation. Alternatively, compulsory government funded health insurance with nominal fees can be provided, as with Italy, which, according to the World Health Organisation, has the second-best health system in the world. Other examples are Medicare in Australia, established in the 1970s by the Labor government, and by the same name Medicare was established in Canada between 1966 and 1984. Universal health care contrasts to the systems like health care in the United States or South Africa, though South Africa is one of the many countries attempting health care reform. The United States is the only wealthy, industrialized nation that does not provide universal health care
Friday, April 11, 2008
Vitamin Realities and Myth
Help. I’m being attached by vitamins. There is a profusion to choose from, and everyone, including my doctor, is giving advice on what to take; my pharmacist is giving his educated opinions (appreciated), and the ads and coupons just keep coming. I’d have to be a scientific no-nonsense full time investigator to figure out all of the options. How about you? Do you sometimes feel this way. I just want to say, ”give me the facts” and forget the rest. Where’s my one a day pill that will doing everything for me for the rest of my life?
Well, not so. It doesn’t work that way anymore, and most of us are having to figure a lot of detailed information out that we don’t want to take the time for. We’re supposed to be informed consumers, and woe is me it is at my fingertips, my mail box, on TV ads, radio...well, I’m beginning to feel sick (sorry).
Yet, I know that I must define what my particular body needs/wants, what my family history is - going all the way back to olden times, and what genetic inheritances are going to pursue upon my aging existence. Okay, banked with all of that in mind, I’ll go down the path of offerings to prevent, heal and maintain this thankfully healthy, yet volatile body that I have been given.
Are you too, feeling some of this? Travel with me down this path, and let’s look at the top recommendations for women, especially as it relates to the weaknesses that we can expect in our lifetimes. Let’s look at long time proven results, and then compare to the best current products. I’m okay with that. A couple of pills a day is acceptable. And for those areas of woman’s weaknesses, for example, osteoporosis - what really are the best long range options.
We’re going to look at some highlights, seek some free samples, and see where it leads us in examining a list of natural, nutritional supplements. Please also share your results and opinions here at Beauty.org as we measure new advances, and help to secure our most valued asset - our good health.
Some of those options to review include:
* Herbs and Supplements
* Antioxidants
* Heart Health
* Calcium - Bone building
* Preparing sumptuous, healthy meals that increase vitamin and health protection naturally.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Hair Care Envy
Have you ever looked at someone’s hair and envied how gorgeous and healthy it looks? Have you ever found yourself wondering what product they use that gives their hair luster, and brings about the long stares from admirers? Well, let’s take a look and examine how to get that enviable beauty in a gorgeous head of hair.
Today, the list is endless with choices of hues you can use, ingredients that give the hair a special glow, and the attention -getting influences. Hair care decisions on shampoos, conditioners and colors take time and knowledge. It’s like walking into a candy store as a kid, and saying, “Wow, which one should I pick, they all look so good.“ And, being that we are all individuals, each product will work differently on our own hair texture.
Where do we begin to evaluate the newest trends, enhancements and options for a busy lifestyle? It’s right here at Beauty.org. Climb aboard and join us for a adventurous ride as we capture the essence of what the top hair care companies are offering, and what is recommended for you. We’ll explore the key points of these offerings, let you know which companies are providing free samples for testing, and how they rate in the line of “most beautiful hair”.
Get “that look” with your hair, and gain the envy and admiration from onlookers. Here are some of the points that we’ll review and evaluate:
* Hair care products that repair structure
* Products that feed the roots and prevent splitting and dryness
* Product lines that provide the best in color and ability to endure with color-safe formulas
* New colors recently developed and what the differences are
* The proteins, vitamins and botanicals, that are used to pamper your hair
* The shampoos that are oh-so-good to the hair without taking away essential oils for shine and luster
* How to create a healthy scalp that feeds strength to your hair
* The “safe” shampoos formulations free from chemicals
* How to awaken your hair's natural sheen and luster
* The new technologies that are being developed and how to choose the best one for you
* How to avoid unnecessary chemicals and pollutions
* What to look for in healthy shampoos and conditioners
* Recommendations on new releases in books that complement your overall look.
Monday, April 7, 2008
Beauty Tips
Here are some of the basics to keep in mind when choosing and applying foundation.
1. Skin Type. What is your skin type? It is very vital that you get a foundation that suits your skin. A person with dry skin will need a more moisturizing foundation or maybe a cream. Whereas someone with combination to oily skin will need an oil controlling foundation. If a foundation states that it is for all skin types, the two extremes of dry and oily may not have the best outcome.
2. Shades. There are so many shades to prefer from…Where do you start? The best way to choose a shade is by trying them on and NOT on the back of your hand. To test a shade, you need to try it on you face, at the jaw line. The shade that disappears is the one for you. Please do not be temped to give manually a tan with your foundation. You can add color with your blusher or bronzer. Your foundation's purpose is to smooth and even out your own skin tones. If your shade is too dark it can be ageing, too light and you look unwell or tired. Fluorescent lighting is our worst enemy. Always try to choose in natural sunlight. If possible next to a window or doorway.
3. Application. For best results, always apply your foundation straight after your moisturizer. (No matter what your skin type) while it is still wet. Blend with your fingers or a sponge from the middle of your face, outwards. Blend well around the hairline, nose and eyebrows. Put a thin layer on your eyes. If your shade is right, you should not have to blend past your jaw line.
4. Tip. If you want a light coverage, try addition your foundation with a little moisturizer and then applying it like a moisturizer. This will give you a nice fresh & light look. Great for the summer.
5. Finish. To get that model finished look and to set your foundation to last all day use powder. A loose powder is best. Just pat it on and using a big brush, brush off the excess in downward strokes to smooth down any fine facial hair. Be careful not to put too much around the eyes, as this can be ageing, especially for us ladies of a more interesting age!
6. Myth. Wearing a foundation is bad for your skin….Actually, these days the differing is true. Foundations are good for your skin because they will protect your skin from the atmosphere and some even have SPF to protect you from the suns very damaging effects.
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Your Beautiful Face - Skin Care News
Beauty.org is all about you—your zest, inspiration and distinction. We want to further inspire you, in a conversational style, to read about Editor’s picks in skin care. The latest news releases on skin care advances will be seen here on Beauty.org. We’ll give you the buzz about innovative products that will make a difference in the network of skin care for you. Every skin is different and products are designed to be as individualized as your face. We’ll direct you to experiment with free samples to see how they work for you.
Women look for reliable answers -aside from plastic surgery - to their questions on how to respond to the effects of age and sun on their skin in a natural way. Other leading questions often include: how to fight off or get rid of wrinkles; does Vitamin C really make a difference; what’s up with bleaching agents; and much more.
Here are some of the avenues we’ll uncover:
- Discovering the secrets about some of the most renowned pioneering skincare formulas
- Reviewing a full spectrum of hands-on applications
- Ageless corrective techniques that may be applied
- Learn about the terms and concepts of exfoliation
- An overview of basic spa services that you can apply in your own boudoir
- Nature facials for radiant skin
- Holistic approaches to skin treatment
- New formulations: techniques, rituals and aromas designed to infuse visible life into skin
- Massage techniques that will leave the skin looking refreshed
- How naturally derived pigments can provide a fresh glow
- Reviewing natural plant extracts, trace minerals and essential oils and how they work for you
Friday, April 4, 2008
The Art and Science of Fragrance
In the 1500’s, Francis Bacon said that: “Virtue is like precious odors',—most fragrant when they are incensed or crushed.” And almost since the beginning of time, perfumes have been indeed taken from flowers, herbs, oils and various garden varieties, to crush, captivate and secure the most tempting of scents. Frankincense and spices were presented as the highest of valued forms in times of B.C. Hundred of poems have been written about the beauty of scent and it’s aphrodisiac effects.
These sensual pleasures are known to:
Create a relaxing mood
Portray scented memories for the holidays
Festive mood for parties
A scent for your own identity
Inviting and warm welcoming
To lure one to be enraptured with another
And, so, today the perfumery and toiletries industry is a huge multi-billion dollar business. We go to our favorite department stores to make buying decisions, we pursue bath and beauty product stores that cause us to linger and leave with large bags of goodies. We’ve developed a keen sense of smell for our favorites. We love our fragrances - in perfumes, candles, oils and more. I imagine you could look around your home, and find an ample display/supply of good smelling bouquets in various forms that match one’s moods and promotes one's passions.
To that end, Beauty.org is helping you to discover new blended scents on a aromatic excursion, to learn about fragrances that captivate, and scented items to share for gifts and other occasions. We bring announcements to you on what to look for, and information on where to find free samples.
It has been said that a woman’s sense of smell is keener than a man’s, and that fragrances may stimulate the endorphins in the brain. Researchers are also studying the analgesic effect of fragrance on pain. Fragrance is important to us.
America is the largest fragrance market in the world. We have wonderful sources for historical and cultural scents that bring us welcoming delight and captivate memories to enrich our lives. Beauty.org, too, will bring those pleasures and memories to your doorstep as we explore the wonders on the scents that can and do surround us.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Double-Sided Portraits
The Renaissance equation of virtue and beauty meant that even women who were not beautiful had to be made to look so in order to appear virtuous. To represent the moral aspect of beauty, artists attempted to fuse the real and the ideal, reconciling a convincing likeness with a poetic idealization of the sitter. Another way to portray virtuous beauty was by means of mottoes, emblems, or allegorical scenes depicted on the reverse of medals or paintings, which made explicit the connection between a sitter's outward appearance and inner nature. The reverse of Pisanello's Cecilia Gonzaga, for example, suggests Cecilia's virtue (she became a nun) through an image of a maiden taming a unicorn, which according to medieval lore could be captured only by a virgin.
The daughter of a wealthy Florentine banker, Ginevra de' Benci enjoyed a reputation as an accomplished poet and was herself the subject of several poems by writers in the Medici circle celebrating her beauty and virtue. To convey these qualities, Leonardo painted on the reverse of her portrait a wreath of laurel--the crown of poets--and a palm of fame encircling a sprig of juniper. Entwined around the plants is a scroll with the Latin inscription for "Beauty Adorns Virtue." Similar emblematic reverses are found in a number of other portraits in the exhibition, including Jacometto Veneziano's Alvise Contarini. The chained deer and Greek inscription AIEI ("forever") on the reverse of Contarini's portrait proclaim his everlasting fidelity to his wife.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Facing Facts
Under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, the FDA legally defines products by their intended uses. Drugs are defined as products intended for treating or preventing disease and affecting the structure or any function of the body. A medical device is a product that also is intended to affect the structure or function of the body, but which does not achieve its primary intended purposes through the chemical action of a drug--nor is it dependent on being metabolized.
The hyaluronic acid in Restylane, although biosynthetically produced (formed of chemical compounds by the enzyme action of living organisms), is almost identical to that in all living organisms. Hyaluronic acid is a structural component of skin that creates volume and shape. Concentrations of hyaluronic acid throughout the body decline with age, causing undesirable changes in the skin. Restylane binds to water and provides volume to easily fill in larger folds of skin left by tissue loss around the mouth and cheeks. "This makes it a structural action," says Rhodes, "much like a chin implant."
In contrast, cosmetics are defined as substances that cleanse, beautify, promote attractiveness, or alter the appearance, without affecting the body's structure or function. This definition includes skin-care products such as creams, lotions, powders and sprays; perfume; lipstick; fingernail polish; and more.
Different laws and regulations apply to each type of product. Some products must comply with the requirements for both cosmetics and drugs. This happens when a product has two intended uses, such as an antidandruff shampoo. A shampoo is a cosmetic because it is intended to clean hair. An antidandruff shampoo is a cosmetic and a drug because it is intended to treat dandruff (which affects the follicles where the hair is formed) and clean hair.
Warning letters issued by the FDA recently to firms that marketed hair care products with claims such as restoration of hair growth and hair loss prevention illustrate an important distinction between the legal definitions of cosmetics and drugs. Warning letters officially inform companies that they may be engaged in illegal activities, and instruct manufacturers on how to bring their products into compliance with the law. Hair growers and hair loss prevention products, because of their mechanism of action, are considered drugs, not cosmetics, and these firms were not meeting the legal requirements for marketing a drug.
Unlike drugs and medical devices, neither cosmetic products nor cosmetic ingredients are reviewed or approved by the FDA before they are sold to the public. The agency only acts against cosmetic products found to cause harm after they are on the market.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Vascular checks will prevent thousands of heart attacks and strokes
A national programme to identify vulnerability to vascular diseases will prevent up to 9,500 heart attacks and strokes every year and save 2,000 lives, Health Secretary Alan Johnson announced today.
Everyone aged between 40 - 74 will be offered checks.
Collectively, vascular diseases - heart disease, stroke, diabetes and kidney disease - affect the lives of more than four million people and kill 170,000 every year. They also account for more than half the mortality gap between rich and poor.
Initial results from modelling work carried out by the Department shows that a vascular check programme would prevent 4,000 people a year from developing diabetes. It could also detect at least 25,000 cases of diabetes or kidney disease earlier, allowing cases to be better managed and improving outcomes.
Alan Johnson said:
"As we look to the future of the NHS in its 60th anniversary year, our vision is to create a modern service that meets the unique challenges of today's society.
"The case for a national programme of vascular checks is compelling. We could prevent 9,500 heart attacks and strokes every year and save 2,000 lives. It would also reduce the health inequalities that blight the lives of the country's most deprived families."