Wednesday, June 30, 2010

MYTH INFORMED - "Day Cream vs Night Cream"

Myth: Day cream vs night cream - only one will do.
Hmmm, it is true that many creams can be used as a day cream and a night cream, unless you are trying to work on specific skin care needs, or have creams formulated with ingredients specified as day or night use only. There are several reasons for am/pm directions. For example, some creams contain a lot of titanium dioxide, or other sun protecting ingredients, which should be kept for daytime use only. Others may have ingredients that sensitize the skin, or oxidize themselves if exposed to UV, and are therefore better used as night creams.

More importantly, the skin is twice as active at night in regenerating, detoxifying and building up anti-oxidants to defend against the stresses it faces during the day. The increase in micro-circulation also ensures better availability and use of product ingredients at night. If you are using a cream that does not specify day or night only, it can be used both am and pm, . . . the day for protection, hydration, offering specific ingredients for your skin (the skin will still use the “goodies” just not as efficiently as at night), and at night to help the skin refuel, regenerate and rebuild. We strongly recommend a good, solid cream designated for night time repairs. You may be sleeping, but your skin is doing double time.

Friday, June 25, 2010

SPA SWEEPSTAKES - CHICO'S GREAT SPA GETAWAY

The Great Spa Getaway
Enter by July 11th
Grand Prize: A trip for two to the Fairmont Scottsdale Hotel, Scottsdale, AZ. Trip package includes roundtrip, coach-class air transportation for two; five nights' accommodations with complimentary daily access to the Willow Stream Spa; $1,000 credit for use at the Willow Stream Spa and/or the five restaurants within the Fairmont hotel; ground transportation to and from airport and hotel; and a $500 Chico’s Gift Card that can be used at any Chico’s Store, Outlet or at Chicos.com. Approximate Retail Value (“ARV”): $4,575

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Hayflick Limit Theory of Aging - Life Extension Technology

Exfoliation brightens the complexion, refines the texture of the skin, minimizes pores and fine lines and promotes circulation for better cellular nutrition. Exfoliation is a good thing. But, too much of a good thing is not a good thing at all. Deep, frequent exfoliation (microdermabrasion, AHA peels, etc.) that works hard at removing more than its share of cell debris stimulates excessive cell division, and that is not a good thing. Seriously. Moderation is the key to a healthy skin care program. But, there is something else . . .

The Hayflick Limit is worthy of serious consideration. During the early 1960s, Leonard Hayflick and Paul Moorhead theorized that since human cells are finite there is only so much cell life and division to go around. Cells can only divide a certain number of times before the division stops and they become senescent (old, sluggish, dying). Senescent cells are dysfunctional, slow, enlarged, interfere with younger cells, and build up the pigment responsible for age spots. The skin of older people has approximately 33% times the senescent cells, and as a result, their skin is more fragile, blotchy and wrinkled.

Aging is a fact of life. It can be graceful, or it can be dreadful. The choice is up to each individual. There is a visible need to reduce the rate of cell division to live longer. The bigger question is what on earth can be done about the Hayflick Limit? Avoid excessive exfoliation. Eat properly. Understand the profound health benefits of antioxidants. Maintain a healthy body weight. Exercise. Minimize stress. Use appropriate skin care. Be careful about UV exposure. Live a moderate lifestyle.

The Hayflict Limit is directly connected to the shortening of the telomeres. Telomerase is an enzyme that offers restoration and health to the telomeres. This is exciting life extension technology. Is it time to catch the youth train? Not quite, but the train is definitely on the track.

Monday, June 21, 2010

MURAD Energizing Pomegranate Moisturizer

Murad's Energizing Pomegranate Moisturizer - SPF 15- is a light textured moisturizer with sunscreen protection that offers a nice combination of UVA and UVB protection, essential for protecting the skin. Dr. Murad, known for his pomegranate research, incorporates the pomegranate's multi-tasking talents into anti-aging skin care, sun care products, and internal supplements. As a powerful antioxidant, pomegranate extract contains potent free radical neutralizers that work hard to mitigate the damage that directly causes aging. As an added bonus, pomegranate boosts the healing process and the SPF of a moisturizer and/or sunscreen . . . long story short, less chemicals are needed to do the job, and that is always very good thing.

The plant, vitamin, and mineral components boost this product into much more than just a sunscreen. Artemia extract, an algae, is a back-up antioxidant supporting the renewal process. The mineral trio (magnesium, zinc, copper) will help activate cell metabolism. Copper plays an important role in the formation and quality of collagen and elastin fibers (strengthening the elasticity of skin and blood vessels), Zinc accelerates healing and is an effective sun protector, and Magnesium is considered the anti-stress mineral playing a major role in health and functioning of cell membranes and promoting lymph circulation. The texture will be more suited to a normal to seborrheic skin, unless a nourishing serum is applied underneath (remember always wait a minute or so between layering of products). Not recommended for dry skin.

Friday, June 18, 2010

JAN MARINI Daily Face Protectant SPF30

Jan Marini's Daily Face Protectant SPF30 presents an improved sunscreen formula that truly packs a power punch in the sunscreen/skin care arena, offering a thorough mix of both UVA and UVB protection. Not only does this protectant leave a pleasant light feel to the skin, it applies nicely over a treatment serum or skin booster . . . which is always a nice added touch for your skin care routine.

That said, the upgraded star of this show is a relatively new and interesting plant based ingredient, PhytoMelanin™, derived from the fruit of the date palm. PhytoMelanin™ is said to mimic human melanin offering a critical edge of protection against UV damage. This product also offers an extra added benefit of the super hydrating ingredient, hyaluronic acid, serving to support the moisture content of the skin. Overall, this is a well thought out hydrating sunscreen product with an added bonus of antioxidant activity. More bang for your sun protection buck!

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Suncscreen 101

Baking in the sun used to be a favorite pastime during the summer months. The whole process was immersed in a cultural protocol. Arrive at the beach early, stake your real estate in the sand, find the best angle of the sun, lay out the blanket, slather on a suntan lotion, and get down to the serious business of getting a tan. It was heaven . . . until science pointed out that sunbathing (without proper protection) led directly to skin cancer. Skin cancer? Who knew that a tan is the body's reaction to the skin being damaged?

The marketing machinery was swift to respond. Sunscreens and sunblocks were marketed feverishly. Consumers were misled into believing that the higher the SPF (Sun Protection Factor) the greater the protection, and of course, prolonged exposure. The truth? The higher the SPF does not necessarily mean improved, prolonged protection. In fact, there is not much difference in the protection of a SPF of 15 which blocks 93.33%, a SPF of 25 that blocks 95 %, or a SPF 30 at 98.6%. And, while it is important to ensure adequate UVA and UVB protection, there is no point to a SPF higher than 30.

SPF is a measurement of protection from UVB rays, not necessarily UVA, so it is important to have both in your sun protection. Recent FDA guidelines state sunscreen manufacturers must list active sunscreen ingredients on their labels. They are also prohibited from making claims such as "all day protection", "waterproof", and will no longer permit a product to be called a "sunblock" because nothing blocks it all. Legislation also limits the SPF allowed in a product as a higher quantity of sunscreen is more likely to cause skin reactions and irritation. In Canada, expiry dates and DIN (drug identification number) are required on products having an SPF and each product must go through testing by Health Canada before it can be sold.

The moral of this story? The government watchdogs protect your health while the sunscreen manufacturers protect your skin. One keeps the other honest. It is easier to choose which product is best for your situation, your skin type (fair, olive skin, etc.) and gift yourself with a reasonable amount of time to enjoy the benefits of sunshine, . . . whether at the beach, or on the mountain skiing, without paying the hefty price.

Monday, June 14, 2010

SPA SWEEPSTAKES - INFUSIUM 23 SPA GETAWAY

Infusium 23 Spa Getaway Sweepstakes
Enter by June 30th
Grand Prize: Spa Getaway Weekend for 2 at The Green Valley Spa Resort in St. George, Utah for 3-days/2-nights. Prize includes round-trip transportation, two nights of spa accommodations consisting of one double occupancy room; and $500 for spa services. Approximate Retail Value $2,025.

Friday, June 11, 2010

The Law of Lipstick

What has a lifetime of experience in the cosmetics industry taught us? When the economy goes down, cosmetic sales go up. Way up. When higher priced items become harder to get, sales of smaller luxuries go through the roof. This is the Law of Lipstick.

Leonard Lauder, Chairman of Estee Lauder, coined a theory called, The Leading Lipstick Indicator, which simply states the economy can be read by the rise and fall of lipstick sales. Some of the darkest moments in the history of the United States, financial and otherwise, are followed by a hefty increase in lipstick sales. That is not to say women throw discretion to the wind. Quite the contrary. Women are smart consumers. They will buy one thing while sacrificing another, . . . it is the perfect order of things. Big value will be switched up for a better value. Feel good purchases will prevail.

Make no mistake, female consumers are a force to be reckoned with. After all, women comprise just over 50% of the population, make over 80% of the purchasing decisions, own 40% of all businesses, employ more people than the Fortune 500 companies worldwide, start 70% of all new businesses for the past decade and control over half the private wealth. That, friends, is what we call the Female Factor.

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

SPA SWEEPSTAKES - WOMAN'S WORLD MAGAZINE

Mother Daugther Getaway Sweepstakes
Enter by June 21st
Grand Prize: One winner will receive a three-night Mom/Daughter getaway to the Portola Hotel & Spa in beautiful Monterey, CA. Indulge yourselves with spa treatments and pedi treatments in their luxurious Spa on the Plaza. Then head off to nearby pristine beaches, scenic Fisherman’s Wharf and historic Cannery Row! The prize also includes a $1,500 travel voucher courtesy of Fox Home Entertainment along with a collection of classic releases moms and daughters can enjoy together, including 9 to 5, Ever After, Where The Heart Is, Family Stone and the Devil Wears Prada! Certain blackout dates may apply. Approximate Retail Value $3,400.

Monday, June 7, 2010

SPA SWEEPSTAKES - LUCKY MAGAZINE

Lake Austin Spa Resort Trip Sweepstakes
Enter by June 28th
Grand Prize: One winner and guest will win round-trip coach airfare to Austin, TX, from the major commercial airport near the winner's home in the continental U.S. (ARV $1,000), three-night stay in a Premier double-occupancy room at Lake Austin Spa Resort including meals, unlimited fitness classes and discovery programs, and a spa and fitness allowance for two. Approximate Retail Value $6,458

Friday, June 4, 2010

SPA MAGAZINE'S SILVER SAGE READER'S CHOICE AWARDS

Silver Sage Reader's Choice Awards 2010
Enter by June 15th
Grand Prize: One winner and guest will receive an all inclusive 3-night stay at Miraval Arizona including luxurious accommodations, 3 gourmet meals daily, unlimited snacks, evening hors d'oeuvres, and non-alcoholic beverages. Round trip transfers to and from the Tucson International Airport, spa treatments, unlimited access to all regularly scheduled classes, activities and evening programs, and a myriad of other wonderful treats. Plus, receive a $130 daily resort credit per person, (per night) applicable toward any spa service, round of gold, or private consultation.

First Prize: One winner and guest will receive a deluxe 2-night Getaway at Turning Stone Resort Casino (Verona, New York). Luxury 2-nights accommodations, $230.00 Skana Spa credit per day, $100.00 meal credit per day. Unlimited fitness classes and outdoor activities.

Second Prize: Ultra luxurious Pevonia products. For the ladies . . . Myoxy-Caviar®Timeless Cleanser, Lotion, Cream and Serum combined with Eye Contour. For the men . . . Pevonia's Aqua-Gel Foaming Cleanser, Easy-Glide Shaving Emulsion, Fitness-Glow Hydrating Self-Tan, Soothing After Shave Balm, and Age-Defying Caviar Balm.

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

LED Whole Body Spa Capsule

The world's first 'all-in-one' Spa Capsule has landed. This Oxy-LED Light Spa Capsule is literally a spa within a spa and is said to be one of the finest, full body spa devices ever developed. It was designed to provide holistic, whole body treatments using light energy to help the body detoxify, cleanse, balance, relax, provide lymphatic stimulation and increase vitality and circulation while offering a "comprehensive body treatment" for weight loss.

There are 20 preset therapy programs built in the pod that offer traditional spa treatments like body contouring, vibration bed, dry thermal heat, aromatherapy/essential oil systems, oxy-oasis with 99% pure medical grade oxygen is generated into the whole body chamber for oxygenated body treatments, inhalation and oxygen facial applications. Treatments last for 30 to 100 minutes. For more information go to Global Aesthetic Solutions at Sybaritic.com