Best Ingredients to Firm Skin With Collagen-Stimulating Power

Have you heard about this in the news? �Dermatological researchers have found potent skin-firming nutrients in bio-active extracts from Nature. Because of a unique ability to stimulate your own natural collagen production, these substances have created a revolution in anti-aging skincare. Please keep reading if you'd like to learn about the .

You see, for much of the last 50 years, skin care products have been limited to those produced by a small group of companies who base their product formulations on cheap, synthetic chemicals. �These companies found out, early on, these chemical substances cost practically nothing (i.e. around a nickel-a-jar), and were easy to combine into pleasant-smelling, silky-feeling creams and lotions.�

The funny thing is, though, many of these chemicals also appear in other products which have nothing to do with taking care of your skin. �

For example, one chemical which is found in a whole bunch of different applications is propylene glycol. Besides cosmetic products, you will also find this synthetic chemical in salad dressing, anti-freeze, brake fluid and varnish.�

The main drawback to using chemical ingredients in skin care products lies in their synthetic molecular structure. �Your skin's molecular structure is natural, and thus, it is impossible for the two to work together. All these chemical ingredients can do is apply a thick cosmetic film on the surface of your skin, giving a temporary look and feel of firmer skin.�

Unfortunately, the effect is lost once your face is washed.

But compare this to natural, bio-active substances which have a molecular structure which allows them to penetrate deeply through all the layers of the skin to reach the cellular level. Once they reach the target destination, powerful nutrients are released which nourish, heal and restore healthy cell function.

With cells operating a optimum levels, your body's stores of structural proteins (collagen and elastin) are replenished. Over time, your skin begins to heal and becomes more firm, smooth, elastic and even-toned.

The best ingredients to firm skin, identified and tested by scientists, include natural plant-based oils, proteins, vitamins, and enzymes. These collagen-stimulating substances are extracted from avocado, macadamia nut, jojoba and grapeseed oils, active Manuka honey, New Zealand sheep wool, natural vitamin E, Japanese sea algae, Co Enzyme Q10 and others.�

Rigorous testing on human volunteers has revealed significant increases in collagen and elastin, natural moisture retention and the growth of new skin cells. �Ultimately, the fabric of the skin is strengthened, retoring a firm tone and texture to your complexion.

Make no mistake about it! You'll never achieve these, or any, results with skin firming products made from synthetic chemical ingredients.

So, know that you have this information, what's your next step? Do yourself a favor and look for clinically-proven products formulated with high concentrations of the best ingredients to firm skin.

An Effective Collagen Skin Repair Treatment Will Rejuvenate Your Skin and Make it Look Younger

Caroline Igwe loves researching and sharing information on skin care; she focuses on how to achieve healthy and youthful looking skin using natural skin care ... Article Word Count: 355[View Summary]Comments (0)

Did you know that you can make your skin look healthy and younger with an effective collagen skin repair treatment? However, I do not mean collagen creams or the injection.

It is important to note that using a cream that contains the protein as ingredient does not work because collagen particles are so large that they cannot pass through the pores when rubbed on your skin. The injections are painful, could lead to infections and allergic reactions; they are also very expensive, not to talk of the fact that you need to take them regularly.

Collagen is a fibrous protein found in our bodies; it acts as glue that hold the tissues together; research shows that shortage or break down of this protein leads to sagging and the appearance of other visible signs of aging like wrinkles.

Hence, a genuine collagen skin repair treatment involves increasing the amount of collagen in your body; you can do this by using skin care products that contain natural boosters such as Cynergy TK and Vitamin E. Cynergy TK is a functional keratin that propels natural production of collagen and elastin in your body.

An effective collagen skin repair formula should also help to make the collagen fibers strong enough to maintain the elasticity of your skin. Hence, Phytessence Wakame is your best option when it comes to that. This unique Japanese sea weed helps to make collagen and elastin fibers strong by inhibiting the harmful enzyme that weakens them.

Other natural ingredients to look for in a quality collagen skin repair cream include Avocado oil and Nano-lipobelle HEQ10; all these help to boost strong soluble collagen production in your body, thereby helping to make your skin firm, wrinkle free and youthful.

Yes, you can reverse the aging process with a quality collagen skin repair formula; so, look for a skincare cream that contains the natural ingredients mentioned here. For more information on a brand of anti aging skincare products that will make your skin look younger and beautiful, visit my website. Discover the best collagen skin repair treatment available today.

How to Stop Sweat Once and For All

Sweating is a natural body function, and we all do it. It's used largely by the body to regulate body temperature and to rid the body of toxins, so sweating definitely serves a useful purpose. But excessive sweating can become an embarrassing nuisance if it turns into an issue called hyperhidrosis. Hyperhidrosis is characterized by sweating without a person facing normal factors that would normally cause sweating such as stress or hot weather. If you are suffering from hyperhidrosis, you may be interest in knowing .

To find out how to stop sweat, you first need to figure out why it is that you are sweating. If you are leading a very stressful life, sweating is your body's way of reacting to your stressful life and is also a sign for you that you need to take steps to reduce your stress level. You can take up a relaxing hobby like reading or fishing, or try yoga or a meditation class.

Some people sweat because they have an unhealthy lifestyle dictated by eating a lot of processed foods heavy with chemicals, sugars, and fats, and a lifestyle that likely doesn't involve a lot of physical activity or exercise. If this is the cause for your sweating, some simple lifestyle changes like eating a healthier diet with more natural foods, drinking more water, and getting more exercise can help your sweating problem tremendously.

If you try these options and don't have any luck, you can also talk to your doctor about how to stop sweat. Your doctor may suggest any number of treatment options, which may include prescription antiperspirant or other prescription drugs. Your doctor may also suggest painful botox injections or even a surgery on your spine that will correct the issue with nerves that are responsible for sweating.

Alex Brunswick is a writer and researcher on How To Stop Sweat.

Which Sweating Treatments Work Best?

Excessive sweating can be quite an embarrassing issue to deal with. As you are searching through the various treatment options available, you are probably wondering which sweating treatments work best. In order to answer this question, you must first identify the reason for your sweating issue. Sometimes excessive sweating is caused by a hormonal imbalance, such as with menopause. For other people, excessive sweating may be a sign that the overall lifestyle, including diet and exercise, are lacking and need improvement. Still other cases can be caused by using a bad brand of antiperspirant to far more serious issues such as medical diseases that should be treated by a doctor.

If excessive sweating is an issue, you can try a few sweating treatments at home first such as switching to a stronger brand of antiperspirant. Or you can also make lifestyle changes such as drinking more water, getting more exercise, and eating a healthier diet with fewer processed and junk foods. One reason you sweat with a poor diet and exercise regimen is that your body is not working efficiently and is being overloaded with toxins it is trying to expel through the pores. So by improving your lifestyle, you give your body the boost it needs to stop sweating so much. If you believe your excessive sweating may be caused by too much stress in your life, you can take steps to reduce your stress level by taking up a relaxing hobby, talking to a therapist regularly, or taking meditation classes.

If these options don't work, you can talk to your doctor about sweating treatments. Your doctor may prescribe a prescription medication to address the underlying health issue, or may prescribe a prescription antiperspirant. If the problem persists, botox injections or even spinal surgery may be required.

Alex Brunswick is a writer and researcher on Sweating Treatments.

What You Can Do About Palm Sweating

Whether your hands are always clammy or they are dripping wet for no apparent reason, palm sweating is most certainly an uncomfortable condition. This condition, also known as palmar hyperhidrosis, can be embarrassing in social situations when you are required to shake hands or otherwise touch another person. It can also be embarrassing when you touch an object and leave behind a soaking wet hand print. This issue can cause issues with both personal and professional relationships, and make make it difficult to function in an office environment.

Luckily, there are a few steps you can take to improve your palm sweating condition. Some people with palmar hyperhidrosis have had excellent results from using a lotion called Drysol. You put it on at night before you go to bed, and it keeps your hands dry throughout the next day. Drinking sage tea, and eating foods like asparagus, beef, turkey, onions, and broccoli have also proved helpful.

Another option is to soak your hands in black tea or Epson salt, with either combined with water, for about thirty minutes each day. Over time, these treatments work to reduce the occurrence of sweaty palms.

There are some medical options as well that work for palm sweating. An iontophorsis device gives your palms a small electric shock that has provided long term relief for many people. In addition, there are also prescription medications and even a radical surgery that may help.

There is no doubt that excessively sweaty palms can be truly embarrassing, and this issue can have long term ramifications on almost every aspect of your life. You can try to treat your condition at home, and be sure to give the homeopathic treatments ample time to work. If the problem consists, you may want to talk to your doctor.

Alex Brunswick is a writer and researcher on Palm Sweating.

Don't Let Excessive Sweat Keep You Down

Excessive sweat can be an annoying problem to live with, and oftentimes an embarrassing problem, too. Sweat is a natural bodily function, and something we all do from time to time. Sweating is the body's way of expelling waste and regulating its temperature. Sweating during normal situations is, for lack of a better word, normal. But some people suffer from excessive sweating, which is when you sweat at times that are not altogether normal times to sweat, such as when you are sitting in an air conditioned room reading a book. If this is the kind of excessive sweating that you are dealing with, there are some at-home treatments you can try.

You don't need to break a sweat trying to find a treatment for excessive sweat. You can start by taking one or even two showers a day to help to keep your body clean and odor free. This is not a treatment necessarily, but it will help to keep embarrassing signs of sweating to a minimum, like odor and oily skin. After your shower, apply a antiperspirant-deodorant combo product, or you can even use plain baking soda or corn starch.

These products work to keep your armpits from perspiring, but most of them are only about thirty percent effective. And for this reason, you may want to wear an undershirt to decrease the possibility of underarm stains from becoming visible to other people.

Shaving your armpits regularly can help in two ways. First, it can reduce the amount of heat that is trapped in the area, and it can also help any perspiration that does occur there to dry faster. Shaving hair on your back, chest, and legs may also prove to be helpful.

These are all very easy ways to keep the unpleasant effects of excessive sweat to a minimum.

Alex Brunswick is a writer and researcher on Excessive Sweat.

Hyperhidrosis Antiperspirant

When you are dealing with your excessive sweating issue, this is essentially nature's way of telling you something. Excessive sweating, also known as hyperhidrosis, can be caused any number of factors such as by an unhealthy lifestyle, a medical condition, a hormonal imbalance, or too much stress. When you use a hyperhidrosis antiperspirant, the antiperspirant works to prevent the sweating from happening, which does not deal with the issue at hand. For instance, if you are using an antiperspirant to treat a hormonal imbalance, you may mask the perspiration but you will still have a hormonal imbalance to deal with.

A hyperhidrosis antiperspirant at best blocks about thirty percent of the sweat glands under your arms, so they aren't entirely effective to start with and you are still going to sweat when you use one. Further, most antiperspirants contain an aluminum compound that many scientists believe can lead to other serious issues such as asthma, eye irritation, breast cancer, kidney issues, and even seizures, and more. So not only are these antiperspirants largely ineffective, but they also mask the underlying problem while also potentially causing more serious health issues than what you started with. Clearly, a hyperhidrosis antiperspirant is not the right solution.

There are natural alternatives to using hyperhidrosis antiperspirant that are more effective at dealing with the underlying problem. For instance, one natural option is to improve your lifestyle by drinking 64 ounces of water each day, getting regular exercise, and eating a diet that consists of fewer processed foods. Other natural options including taking Chinese herbal formulas, drinking Sage tea or tomato juice, learning how to meditate or otherwise relax, and many more. These homeopathic remedies will make you healthier from the inside out, which gives you a safer and more effective solution that yields long term results.

Alex Brunswick is a writer and researcher on Hyperhidrosis Antiperspirant.

Facebook Questions, Part 1

The Cosmetics Cop Team held a contest asking our Facebook and Twitter fans to suggest what they’d like me to blog about. You can read my response to the winning question here. Actually, all of the questions were really great and challenging so I am blogging brief answers to those requests. Thanks to everyone who contributed to the contest! I loved it!

Brian N.
I’d like to see a blog about where the industry is going to go in the next 10 years and what’s new and exciting on the horizons in terms of research etc.

I’d like to know where it’s going, too. Right now it seems that consumers will buy anything that says “all natural” or “anti-wrinkle” (and people over 50 have more money to spend than any other group). In terms of what will really benefit skin that is yet to be seen.

Brandi L.
Adult acne and struggling with “teenage” like super oily skin in my late 20s. Always hoped I’d be done by now.

There is no difference in treating adult acne than teenage acne, and you would still approach your skin-care regimen in the same way. Follow this link to my article on Acne Treatment. Good luck, and let us know how you are doing on your routine!

Sabrina W.
I’d love to see you write more about your products and which are best for Rosacea. You have some information on your website and beautypedia, but not extensive information. So far I’m pleased with my new products.

Here is an article on our website about rosacea that I think will really help you: Rosacea Skin Care Solutions.

Caroline B.
Deceptive product advertising and why we continue to fall for the BS. What specific communications techniques do they use for particular target markets, and how can the consumer be more aware of these deceptive practices?

It’s all deceptive. Period. Why? Because women want to be beautiful and the claims, celebrity endorsements, and advertisements are too seductive to ignore no matter how repetitive and redundant they are. Keep in mind that even the cosmetic companies don’t believe what they advertise or they wouldn’t keep launching new products, making the same claims as the ones they currently sell or sell in other lines they own.

Jenna K.
I would like to see information regarding Oil Cleansing Method. website: http://www.theoilcleansingmethod.com/ On a similar note, I find baby oil removes all traces of my Colorstay foundation, but I am not sure if it is damaging to my acne-prone skin.

There is nothing wrong with using mineral oil to remove makeup. Mineral oil is one of the most benign, gentle ingredients in the world of skin care. There is no research showing cosmetic or pharmaceutical grade mineral oil is a problem for skin.

The website you mention is a bit weird. Again there is nothing wrong with removing makeup with oil, plant oil, or mineral oil, but the reasoning in this article is just odd. For example, one of the points is that oil removes oil and therefore you need to use oil to clean out your pores which contain oil. Think about it, if you have oil on your counter top would you ever try to clean it up with more oil? It would just get worse. It also mentions the need for steam. That is really bad information. Steam can cause fragile surface capillaries to surge with blood and then burst causing redness and spider veins on the face. Plus heat stimulates oil production in the pore.

8 Comments until nowBeckyJuly 20th, 2010 (#):

I would love to find a mascara that doesn’t flake! Can you help?

BryanJuly 20th, 2010 (#):

@Becky: We test hundreds of mascaras and it is the rare one that flakes. You may have had the misfortunte of buying older stock. As the mascara “ages”, the formula can begin to dry out. This also happens with daily use, so it’s one more reason to replace your mascara every few months. Two inexpensive favorites that we have found do not flake are Cover Girl Lash Blast (all versions) and Sonia Kashuk Lashify.

Jenna KJuly 21st, 2010 (#):

Thanks for reviewing the website http://www.theoilcleansingmethod.com. I really appreciate your take on it. I know it didn’t work for me as I broke out in cystic acne on my chin. Thanks!

Caroline B.July 21st, 2010 (#):

Re Deceptive advertising practices: “It’s all deceptive. Period.” Even from Paula’s Choice? (hmmm…)

BryanJuly 22nd, 2010 (#):

@Caroline: Paulas’ Choice is the exception. Why? Because we do not make false promises and every claim we do make is supported by published research, the sources are right there on the Web site. Quite simply, Paula’s Choice products work as claimed. If any customer is unsatisfied with any product, for any reason, we offer a generous return policy and a Customer Service team that is more than happy to help you find alternative products.

KathleenJuly 23rd, 2010 (#):

Actually, I had requested if Paula could do a review on E.L.F.’s Spf 45 Uva/Uvb Loose Face Powder a while back and haven’t heard anything.

Desiree StordahlJuly 23rd, 2010 (#):

@Kathleen- Thank you for your suggestion. Paula and her Cosmetics Cop Team get thousands of questions and product review requests a month. Although we try to answer as many as possible, with the hundreds of thousands of product out there it just isn’t possible to get to them all. You can find a ton of information on http://www.cosmeticscop.com and http://www.beautypedia.com.

We hope this helps!

OlesyaJuly 25th, 2010 (#):

I’ve never practiced Oil Cleansing Method as described on this site, but I’ve been using all kinds of plant oils to remove make-up for several years now and it works great. I usually follow with rinsing my face with water (not tap water though) or Bioderma micellar solution, and put some macadamia/jojoba/wheat germ oil afterwards if needed.

Easy Ways to Deal With Face Sweating

It's normal to have a sweaty face from time to time, such as when you're very nervous, exercising, or on hot, sunny days. But you may have a problem with face sweating if you find sweat droplets popping up at your forehead at times when other people aren't. Some people have excessive sweating issues on their hands, feet, armpits, and other areas, but when your face is sweaty, it's much harder to conceal and so you may try to look for ways to deal with this issue so you can avoid social embarrassment.

Some people can get by with dabbing their forehead, cheeks, and upper lip from time to time throughout the day with a napkin or handkerchief, but this certainly is no way to go through life and it may still lead to embarrassment.

If you think your face sweating issue may be stress-related, such as from leading a very stressful life or from having a high anxiety job, you can take steps to reduce the stress in your life. You can take up an enjoyable hobby such as reading, fishing, yoga, or golf. You can also talk to a psychiatrist if necessary or enroll in a meditation class.

Other people have an issue with facial sweat due to an unhealthy lifestyle. When you take steps to drink the proper amount of water, get more exercise, and eat a healthier and more natural diet that doesn't consist largely of processed foods, you will find that your body can operate more optimally and efficiently, and your sweating issue should diminish.

If these treatments for face sweating don't work, it may be time to consult your doctor for a medical treatment option such as a prescription medical, botox injections, or surgery. The bottom line is that you don't have to live with this issue because there are treatments for this.

Alex Brunswick is a writer and researcher on Face Sweating.

Natural Remedies to Reduce Sweat

If you are suffering from excessive sweating, also known as hyperhidrosis, on any part of your body, you don't need to resort to drastic measures. Excessive sweating can be problematic on your face, scalp, armpits, hands, feet, and other areas. This problem is not only embarrassing, but can effect a person's career and personal life as well. Some people may be desperate to get rid of this issue and may consider resorting to drastic measures such as risky surgeries, but this is not necessary. There are that have helped many people just like you.

Everyone sweats. This is a natural way your body helps to regulate your body temperature and to expel waste from the body, so you don't want to completely eliminate sweating but rather reduce sweat. One of the first natural steps you can take is to give your body a health boost to allow it to more naturally expel wastes. Everything from getting more exercise and drinking more water to improving your diet and eating less processed and sugary foods can help. Keep in mind that your water goal should be to drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day, which helps to flush the toxins out of your body.

Some people have had success with drinking sage tea or tomato juice, while others report that some Chinese herbal formulas have done the trick quite nicely. Still others have had success in dealing with the issue through learning how to relax. This can include taking up a relaxing and enjoyable hobby to let off some steam or even meditation or yoga.

Each of these natural remedies will take some time to go into effect, so don't expect an overnight miracle cure. Instead, expect the process to reduce sweat to be slow and gradual. You can even try several of these options at the same time!

Alex Brunswick is a writer and researcher on Reduce Sweat.

What Causes Sweating Armpits?

Sweating armpits can be problematic to say the least. There are few things more embarrassing than discovering you have wet, smelly sweat rings on shirt. Sure, sweating is natural and it's the body's way of controlling our body temperature and expelling waste. Yet that doesn't mean it's something we want everyone to know about by seeing nasty, wet rings on our shirts, or worse, by smelling the offensive odor of our stinky armpits. If you're wondering what causes sweaty armpits, read further for information on some of the most common scenarios that can lead to this.

Nervousness. When many people get nervous, their body temperature rises, and the result is sweating armpits. Your body is sweating to try to cool you down, which actually probably just makes you more nervous as you realize you now have visible sweat rings to contend with, too. Everything from first dates to public speeches have been known to cause sweaty, stinky armpits, regardless of how much antiperspirant you apply. Other times when your nervousness may get the better of you and make a command performance in the form or sweaty armpits include sales pitches and theatrical performances. Unfortunately these scenarios are all such that the last thing you want is attention drawn to your armpits!

Heat. When you are outdoors on a hot summer day or indoors in a room artificially heated on a cold winter day, your body may become overheated. You can also get sweaty by working in the yard, working out at the gym, and more. Fortunately, this is a cause that you will likely share with others, and you won't be the only one with armpit rings.

If you find that you are dealing with a case of sweating armpits, take heart in knowing that you aren't the only one suffering from this issue

Living With Facial Blushing

Turning red during an embarrassing situation does nothing more than embarrass you further. Facial blushing is something that happens to many people at least once in their lives, and it can affect some people on a regular basis. If you find that you are plagued by a red face at the first hint an embarrassing situation may be arising, here are some things you can do to regain your composure.

Visualize. There are certain times when you know are you going to get embarrassed, such as when you have to talk in front of a group of people in a meeting, sales pitch, or other such event. Facial blushing from social anxiety only makes your anxiety worse. But when you know you are walking into an event where you are going to blush, plan ahead and mentally walk through or visualize the events before they happen. This can help you to calm your nerves and regain your composure before you even lose it. Some people with social anxiety can also find help in medications and therapy.

Other events can also make you blush, such as when you are stressed, when it's hot outside, smoking cigarettes, drinking alcohol, eating spicy foods, and more. When you know the factors that lead to your facial blushing, you can take measure to prevent this from happening. For instance, when it's hot outside, bring a hand-held fan along, sit in the shade, or dress in lighter clothing. If cigarettes, alcohol, spicy foods, or something else altogether are your triggers, you can either learn to live with the red cheeks or try to avoid or consume these items in moderation.

For many people, facial blushing is something you just have to live with, while for others, medications, therapy, and visualization or meditation techniques may help.

Alex Brunswick is a writer and researcher on Facial Blushing. You can save time and money by getting a

Help For Your Sweating Problem

Sweating happens to everyone, quite simply because it's a natural body response to stress and heat, and it also helps your body get rid of toxins. Everyone was a little sweaty on their first date or when they first started speaking in public. It's even common to get sweaty on hot days or when you've dressed too warmly, regardless of the temperature. Other people have a real sweating problem, which happens when you sweat excessively for none of the usual reasons. Regardless of if you sweat at the normal times or if you sweat all the time, you want to find a way to stop your sweating problem.

You can certainly try to hide your sweating problem in any number of ways. You can wear an undershirt under your top layer to help absorb extra moisture and keep sweat rings from forming on your shirt. You can also wear lighter weight clothing that breathes easier. If your hands are prone to sweating, keep a napkin or handkerchief in your pocket to subtly dry your hands on throughout the day. A napkin in the pocket is also handy for wiping sweat away on the forehead or upper lip.

There are some home remedies you can try also. Since your body is sweating to control your body heat, you can drink more fluids during the day to keep it cool. Some people have found success in reducing their perspiration by drinking tomato juice, apple cider and black tea. It is also helpful to eat healthy, unprocessed foods as much as possible. Part of the reason your body sweats is to expel wastes such as those in processed foods. So by simply limiting these wastes, you reduce your body's need to perspire.

Whether you choose to mask your sweating problem or try to address the underlying issue, you surely find a method that works well for you.

Alex Brunswick is a writer and researcher on Sweating Problem. You can save time and money by getting a FREE in depth review of this product and many others including discounts and best prices at Alex's blog: curesforexcessivesweating.com

Best Tips for Traveling Beautifully

There is some pretty silly and often imprudent advice floating around on Internet sites and in fashion magazines offering beauty suggestions for traveling women. Traveling is challenging enough without having to waste time packing things you don’t need, or won’t help you get through security. The tips below will help you arrive looking gorgeous and feeling great! Here is absolutely what you need to do so you can be a happy camper anywhere you go:

Pack your carry on wisely. Do not try to get cuticle clippers, scissors, razors, or bottles over 3.4 ounces through airport security. Sharp objects of any kind are not allowed (I had a pointy pair of tweezers confiscated recently).Use a quart-sized plastic bag as recommended by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). You are only allowed one plastic bag, and because it can’t be said too often, the enclosed containers must be 3.4 ounces or less.Wear sunscreen! Not only are you going to be dry up there, you’re going to be exposed to intense UV light when the windows are open (it really helps to close those windows if your neighbor doesn’t mind).Wear shoes that expand. Your feet will swell up. Think brands like Clarks, Munro, Merrel, and Fitzwell.Forget the heels. Watching women all over the world teeter on heels trying to get through airports is just sad to see.Don’t wear flip flops. They offer no support which will make you feel and look tired and put your body into an unattractive and unhealthy posture (almost as bad as really high heels).Wear loose, nice clothes that expand and don’t wrinkle; you will look and feel great. Stretch jerseys are the absolute best. For high end, check out Misook at Nordstrom.com, and for less-expensive options check out MyShape.com! They have the most amazing collection of stretch jersey clothing ever!Whatever makeup you wear, be sure it is easy to remove for long flights. Sleeping in your makeup is awful for your face. You can end up with swollen, puffy eyes, breakouts, and dry, flaky skin.Wear lip gloss or a creamy lipstick. Lips dry out in an airplane and at high altitudes. You can also try a lip stain like Revlon’s Just Bitten Lipstain and keep reapplying the gloss that’s part of the packaging.Bring oil blotting papers. They help anywhere you are, but are especially helpful after a long flight.Do drink a lot of water and don’t have more than one cocktail. Your body and head will thank you for it.

What you should bring on the plane that can get through security:

Afrin or some other nasal spray for when your ears get plugged during landing. It can make all the difference and can be used in the moment when you start feeling uncomfortable pressure.Bring a travel size container of your favorite fragrance, but don’t overdo it. The person you are sitting next to might have a sensitivity or allergy to fragrance (I know I do).Travel-sized packets of your skin-care routine are a must, and include a toothbrush and tiny travel-size of toothpaste. At the end of the flight it helps to do your skin-care routine, brush your teeth, and apply simple makeup. It will feel wonderfully refreshing and look beautiful.All Paula’s Choice skin-care products come in travel sizes, and I’ve never had them questioned at security so I don’t pack them in my quart-sized bag.To get your makeup on the plane, pack your foundation in the quart-sized bag. Other than my foundation I’ve never had my lipstick, concealer, mascara, or other makeup products questioned at security.Include a travel-sized packet of a rich moisturizer for your hands. My Beautiful Body Butter is perfect. It is dry up there and your hands will feel it. And don’t forget to apply sunscreen as a finishing step.Lubricating eye drops—what a difference these make! Not only does your skin get dry, but so do your eyes!Hair does dry out up in the sky; a silicone serum spray can instantaneously put shine back in your hair and make it feel soft and silky. Garnier Fructis Brilliantine Shine Glossing Spray, $4.99 for 3 ounces, is perfect and can get through security, too.For more detailed information about security at the airport, check out www.tsa.gov, especially their travel assistant section. This is a thorough and easy-to-navigate site.

What you absolutely don’t need to do:

Don’t spray your face with water; what a waste of time! Water isn’t moisturizing, it just evaporates and leaves your skin feeling drier. What your skin needs is to keep the natural water content (which is about 30%) and healthy substances in skin so it feels soft, smooth, and looks radiant. Using a brilliant skin-care routine will get you through life anywhere you are.If you are flying first class or business, don’t use the hot face cloth they hand you on your face. I never recommend steaming the face (heat can cause spider veins to surface and create irritation).Don’t pack aerosols because they can drain out under the pressure of traveling at 30,000 feet up in the air.Don’t pack pumps that don’t lock down. They will leak.Some caps come loose no matter what you do. If you are packing a particularly greasy item put it in a separate plastic bag.Don’t pack full sizes of your skin-care or hair-care products in your checked luggage. Travel kits are the best. You can find them in drugstores, online, and Paula’s Choice will be launching one this fall!

My Experience with Accutane

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-->Search on the Beauty Bunch Blog: -->-->HomepageAbout PaulaPaula’s Blog PostsAbout Our BloggersJuly 26, 2010Author: Paula Begoun - 19 CommentsTags: Accutane, Acne, isotretinoin, Paula Begoun, Skin Care

Accutane was a brand name for an oral, anti-acne medication that is no longer being prescribed, but the active ingredient in it (isotretinoin) is now available as a generic. Accutane/isotretinoin has the potential to cure acne or at the very least make it go away for awhile. Once a round of isotretinoin is done, the acne may still return; however, if it does, it is rarely as bad as before.

Regrettably, isotretinoin is a difficult drug. There are lots of serious side effects such as elevated cholesterol, liver problems, loss of hair, unbelievably dry skin, birth defects if you get pregnant while taking it, depression (though that side effect is controversial), headaches, bloody nose, and on and on. But for me, my acne was even more difficult than all of those health risks, which is why, once I was fully informed about the risks, I still opted to take this medicine to help my acne.

Prior to Accutane, every morning for me was a living nightmare of having to look in the mirror to see what had happened to it overnight. It was agonizing and it was rarely good news. And then during the day I could feel eruptions developing as I touched my face or felt the small throbs where swollen bumps were growing. I even hated the word “pimple.” I found it embarrassing and insulting. I am sure anyone struggling with acne knows just how I felt, and how strong the desire for clear skin becomes.

When I finally decided to try Accutane it was with utter abandon. I would do anything to not have this struggle of seeing red, inflamed, white dotted lesions on my face.

When I started my prescription I noticed a difference within the first week. I’ll never forget the moment when I touched my face and felt nothing that I was so used to feeling. All I could feel was smooth skin! Much to my continued surprise, it remained that way for weeks. I had some of the side effects I was told about, including bloody nose, dry lips, and headaches. No one tested for liver function and cholesterol levels in those days and I was beyond getting pregnant so there is much I don’t know for what did or didn’t go wrong for me internally. What I do know is that it was the first time in my life since the age of 11 that I liked looking at myself in the mirror.

At the three month point I started experiencing hair loss and that freaked me out. As a result, I stopped taking the drug and, as expected, the hair loss stopped. The trade-off for stopping too soon to save my hair was my acne came back about two months later. I did a great deal of research and found that the dosage and timing was a big deal. A lower dose taken over a longer period of time seemed to be far better. I discussed this with a new physician and started another cycle of Accutane. Thankfully, it went much better the second time around.

Today, almost 17 years later, I still struggle with breakouts but nothing like I did before Accutane. I sometimes think I should have taken another treatment cycle but never did, not because of the risks, it was just that I never got around to it and I was happy enough with the results two rounds of Accutane provided.

Given everything known about isotretinoin/Accutane my only personal regret is that I waited so long to take it. I can only guess what my mornings would have been like in my 20s and early 30s had I taken the drug back then, and not wasted so much time and money on irritant-laden products that made matters worse not better. Like many of you, I just didn’t know any better and just kept buying product after product hoping something would work.

Everyone has to weigh the pros and cons of many things they do in life; for me, Accutane was a no-brainer. Whether you feel the same way is a decision only you can make, but if you decide to take isotretinoin, be certain you’re fully informed of the risks, particularly if you’re a woman of childbearing age.

19 Comments until nowGwenSAJuly 26th, 2010 (#):

I took Accutane when it first came out in 1981/82. At that time I was in my mid-twenties and starting to get cystic acne on my neck of all places. I also had facial and back acne. My dermatologist told me about this new drug and I decided it was worth a try. It was expensive back then, as I remember, and the pharmacist said ‘good luck’ when I went to pick it up. I developed dry skin, lips, and eyes from taking it, but it was worth it. I also had sore hip joints when I walked, but the side effects went away when I was finished with my treatment. I’m not sure how long my treatment was. I have been told by my present dermatologist that the dose they were recommending back then was probably a lot higher than it needed to be.

Flash forward (to about a year ago), I took my daughter to my dermatologist for facial acne that was definitely going to cause major scarring. He told me that in order to prescribe Accutane now, there is a lot of red tape. Doctors need to pay to belong to a group that must follow ‘the rules’ to prescribe the drug. Girls need to take a pregnancy test before they start, and be on birth control meds during, and still need to be tested for pregnancy periodically. I don’t recall what he said the requirements for boys were. My doctor doesn’t belong to that ‘group’ so he gave me the name of a pharmacy in Turkey that sells the drug online. I believe the drug they were selling was made in France by LaRoche. It’s not called Accutane anymore because the patent ran out, but chemically it’s the same drug.

Even with all the new requirements in place for getting a prescription in the US, it appears that the number of unwanted pregnancies on isotretinoin/Accutane has not changed. My daughter and I have prescriptions for topical Retin A to keep any further breakouts under control.

LeslieJuly 26th, 2010 (#):

I too took Accutane in my 30’s. I suffered for years before that with horrible cycstic acne. It was my last resort after years of agonizing trips to the dermatologist to get them injected. It was a nightmare. After one month (I had some of the side effects, but it was worth it, even if I did lose some of my hair), my skin was GORGEOUS. I’ve never regretted taking this miracle drug and would definitely recommend it for people who are suffering with this kind of acne. It gave me back my self-esteem and made me like to look at myself again.

KathrynJuly 26th, 2010 (#):

Hi Paula. My experience with acne was very much the same as yours. I was to the point where I, a college student (this was about 11 years ago), was missing classes because I couldn’t bear to leave the house. No amount of concealer or makeup could disguise what was going on, and I would have nightmares about my acne. I’d wake up sick to my stomach wondering what new breakout would greet me in the mirror that day. I walked with my head down, didn’t look people in the eyes. I had tried everything from topicals to antibiotics to birth control pills, and I was at the end of my rope. Then, finally, I was told I could try Accutane, probably a year after I should’ve been put on it to avoid the scarring that the acne produced and the psychological toll it took. I took the pregnancy tests, got monthly bloodwork done…and I probably would’ve juggled with knives just to get something that would work. Within the first two weeks, I was in tears when I realize I wasn’t getting new breakouts. My face didn’t feel hot and itchy and painful anymore. I was dry as a bone, and my lips were like two pieces of sandpaper, plus I got nosebleeds, but it didn’t matter when I could look in the mirror and not want to cry. It was like a miracle. I know it is a drug that can cause depression, but in my case, it was the exact opposite. I came out of my shell, wanted to get out and live. I could finally look people in the eyes and not think “are they staring at the whiteheads and big red bumps?” I had to go on it twice when my acne reoccurred about a year after the first course of treatment (that’s how aggressive mine was), but each time, it was worth jumping through hoops just to feel the relief of finally killing those zits.

I have a baby daughter now, and I fully plan to watch her as she hits adolescence to make sure she doesn’t go through what I did. As a late bloomer, I’d say my acne didn’t really flare up until I was about 19, but it’s always been there and continues to be minor and occasional, so I know it could be an issue for her. If she begins showing signs of having serious breakouts, I’ll know from my experience what to try and for how long before we go to the big guns, as in Accutane. I would monitor her along with her physician or dermatologist for any signs of problems, but I think knowing how acne can physically and mentally scar you, I won’t mess around, and I’m thankful a drug like Accutane exists for those of us whose acne does not respond to other treatments.

Thanks for posting your experience, Paula. I think people need to be educated about this drug and know the side effects and requirements before asking about it. I often see a lot of fear and misinformation associated with Accutane, and I understand some of it, but education is important. Just like any prescription drug, you should do your research, and if you need to go on it, know what to expect and what is not going to happen. It’s not something to be taken lightly, but it can be a miracle drug if you find you can’t fight breakouts any other way. It can be a lifesaver, in my opinion.

LeeAundra KeanyJuly 26th, 2010 (#):

My experience was blessedly non-eventful. Took it when I was 13 in 1983. My docter did give me a pregnancy test though I remember thinking with my awful skin, what boy would even want to kiss me much less… I had blood drawn every month to test for the liver stuff. My lips did dry up and I went through tubes and tubes of Blistex.

But it was SO worth it – nothing short of a miracle! My skin was blemish free with little upkeep for at least ten years. When the acne did return it was nowhere near as severe. In fact, now that I think about it, that’s when I discovered Paula’s Choice

I would never second guess medical protocol and if the red tape has been deemed necessary, then so be it. But I hope that alone doesn’t dissuade someone from taking it. I won’t say it changed my life because even with clear skin, I was still a scrawny, four eyed, redheaded geek but my teen years would have been incalculably worse if it had not been for Accutane.

SimoneJuly 26th, 2010 (#):

Paula-I usually don’t comment on blog posts but I felt compelled to comment on your post regarding your experience with acne and your decision to treat it with Accutane. My experiences were almost identical. My acne was worse in my 20’s and 30’s than it was in my teens. It was excruciating & it left me with permanent scars on my face. I tried every medication & laser out there to the tune of thousands of dollars, but nothing worked. I knew about Accutane but shied away from it because I had heard stories about patients on Accutane becoming so depressed that they committed suicide. I finally consulted a dermatologist who told me that the suicide link was bogus & that gave me the courage to try it. I suffered virtually no side effects from Accutane. My only side effect was dry lips. If only I had taken Accutane sooner! I could have prevented significant facial scarring. At least, my skin is now much clearer. When I do suffer an occasional break out, they aren’t nearly as severe as they used to be, and I can treat them effectively with the products in your Acne Care Line.

JoniJuly 26th, 2010 (#):

I developed cystic acne while I was pregnant with my first child. Never had had breakouts before and it was SO depressing. Painful too. (This is when I learned about Paula’s Choice and I think of my acne as a blessing in disguise since it taught me about sunscreen.) After my second and third child, I went on the mini-pill and it caused another terrible bout of cystic acne each time. (I blame all the sleepless nights for why I took the mini-pill the second time around.)

I was living in England at the time and the GP took one look at me and said, “Have you considered Accutane?” It took me 3 months to get in for a specialist appointment but they put me on Dianette in the meantime which REALLY started to work. When I finally took the first dose of Accutane, within a week I had the best skin of my life. Glowing. Clear. Oh my gosh, I’m still nostalgic about it. I took a very low dose for 5 months and would have done a 6th except I moved back to the US and I was only able to get 1 month at a time after “passing” the pregnancy test.

I put off getting Accutane the first time around because I was afraid of getting pregnant. In retrospect, I should have decided on abstinence if I was really that concerned. Going on Accutane was the best thing I ever did. No one can appreciate how huge it feels to feel that your acne is cured unless you’ve had it happen to you. You have to be careful with Accutane and I’m grateful that there is a lot of oversight. But I’m like Paula. My only regret is that I didn’t take it sooner.

KatherineJuly 26th, 2010 (#):

Such a timely article. My son, who is 16, has just started his first dose. He had blood tests done and tight monitoring, but we have high hopes. I took the drug myself about 20 years ago with wonderful results. I had severe cystic acne and reading about the way you dreaded the mirror in thee morning, brought it all back to me. I feel bad that my son inherited this tendancy from me but I am so happy for him to be taking it now at 16 rather than as an adult. I feel the drug saved me from depression rather than caused any, so it was a life altering drug for me. I can’t wait to see the same results for my son.

JuliaJuly 26th, 2010 (#):

My 16 yr old son just finished a 6 round dose of Accutane. His acne was hereditary on his father’s side. (My husband took accutane when he was 35 yrs old). His face went through a ‘got worse before it got better’ type of case. He had so many imflamed pustules, cracked, swollen lips…I felt SO sorry for him! By the time he hit the 5th month, his face just miraculously cleared up! He didn’t have 1 pimple on his face! It’s taking a bit of time for the red scars to fade, but his self confidence has skyrocketed! The derm doc he went to checked his blood monthly for any liver problems. He sailed right through the treatment without any unusual side effects.

I strongly encourage parents to put their children on this drug if there is an acne problem. Having to deal with hormones, puberty, school and ACNE, Accutane is a miracle for all those suffering with dibilitating acne.

CourtneyJuly 26th, 2010 (#):

I took Accutane when I was about 14 years old. Sadly it did nothing. However, after reading your blog it is quite possible that I don’t get as bad of breakouts today because of it. I guess it’s hard to tell almost ten years later if it really helped or not.

CaroleJuly 26th, 2010 (#):

Paula, as always, we appreciate your brutal honesty about such experiences. You’re really doing such a great public service by writing about these things.

I had two rounds of Accutane treatment, both in my late 30s. What was so absurd was the requirement (FDA? The law?) that all women of childbearing age have a negative pregnancy test as well as that we certify in writing that we were using *two* methods of birth control. “Absurd” in my case because I had a hysterectomy and zero need to pay for a pregnancy test and of course no need for any type of birth control. There didn’t seem to be any exceptions for women in my prediction.

So ….. I refused the pregnancy test — the lab didn’t know what to do about that but my doctor (a woman, and bless her understanding heart) prescribed the Accutane in spite of the requirements. However, during both treatments at full dosage, I never got dry skin, chapped lips, none of the usual side effects. The dermatologist was quite surprised and said I should look like a prune after the eight weeks of Accutane, especially during the 2nd eight week treatment cycle. For some reason it never had that effect on me, so it just shows how each individual responds differently to medical intervention.

To this day (I’m now 60) my forehead is still quite oily but with Paula’s products and my due diligence I somehow manage to have nice skin. Actually, I’d say it’s totally due to Paula’s skin care and makeup line. Since I’ve started on Paula’s products and regimen I can actually appear in public without makeup for the first time in my adult life. Thanks Paula, you rock!

MajJuly 26th, 2010 (#):

Thank you for sharing Paula, I think people need to talk about accutane openly. I had an almost identical experience. After years of cystic acne and trying all the other options I finally had 2 rounds of accutane about 12 years ago. I had joint pain and dry skin and some bad advice from my dermo’ saw me use the wrong skincare products while on it which didn’t help, but it did work. Although I still get the odd very painful lump before my period it is nowhere near as bad as it used to be and thanks to your truly amazing skincare(which I have been using for 10+ years) and sage advice, I have skin that is the envy of my friends. I am nearly 40 and have not one line or wrinkle. I can’t thank you enough Paula, you are a wonder, thank you thank you thank you.

Natalie - regular poster from OzJuly 27th, 2010 (#):

One of the reasons I felt drawn to Paula’s work was because she finally gave me the REAL knowledge on how to deal with my persistent, adult acne. Paula seemed to be the only person on earth who understood that acne can develop in adults – and that it wasn’t something to be ashamed of!

I tried almost everything available, high-end, low-end products, salons (where treatments left me with faint scarring), everything you care to name. Regrettably, I wasted so much money – enough for a deposit on a home, I should think.

In hindsight, I should have gone to a dermatologist, but I thought that cosmetics could get rid of my acne, since I was conditioned into thinking that way. Looking back, that is very sad.

But, thanks to Paula, my occasional breakouts are usually only as a result of hormones, stress and copious use of natural sunscreen. But they are quickly diffused with standard, over-the-counter products. And, thankfully, daily use of a good BHA and benzyl peroxide product (recommended by Paula, of course) has again made my skin beautiful, as it was in my teens, before the acne struck – and now I’m in my 40s. I owe it all to Paula – truly!

muhammedJuly 27th, 2010 (#):

I almost cried Paula reading this. Regrets…Regrets…: (…I’m from the Philippines and was living in the province when acne struck. With such a young ignorant mind with no internet/resource materials around aggravated by rural myths on acne, my face was like acne with a face. We’ve been through the same path, (wasted so much time and money on irritant-laden products that made matters worse not better)at some points (for 10 years now) treatments from dermatologists worked but inconsistently! So frustrating…money is scarce but I dont wanna go to that misery again. I’m clear right now using some of your products plus a prescription retinoid from my current dermatologist. But there are times that when a pimple develops, I get depressed and anxious, a phobia of history repeating itself. I manage to procure your products by shamelessly asking friends and family abroad to buy them for me as I don’t have the necessary budget. I’m considering taking Accutane right now as I’ve been motivated by the results of two friends I’ve known. I have mild scarring right now, and severe oily skin you could fry an egg on it, literally; but no more major breakouts though. The what-if’s, I’m a vain person, I just wanna scream for perfect effortless skin as I’m tired of applying products on my face.
( Imagine for 10 years, who could not get tired ). Controlling acne severely affected various aspects of my life, I just want it to be simple like a face wash then sunblock/serum/moisturizer then off I go live my life and don’t have to worry of oil slick throughout the day or a new pimple popping out. Should you suggest I use Accutane Paula? : (

StdpudelJuly 27th, 2010 (#):

Accutane changed my life. I had pimples (acne) from puberty on, but it turned cystic in my mid 20s and I had to go to the dermatologist to get the painful cysts deflated. All they had to offer through my teens was tetracycline, more tetracycline and the “blue grenz room” (some kind of sunlamp). My brother was on Accutane but had to stop because of elevated triglycerides (this was the early 80s). I declined it from one derm because I thought he was too cavalier about the risks (”Why didn’t you ask me about birth control?” I asked. “You’re not married”, he replied). Once I took it my skin changed from the inside out. All kinds of comedones sloughed off and the top layer of skin was fragile and peelable. Not only did my acne GO AWAY FOREVER (okay, occasional minor zits) but as advertised, my skin kep improving after I finished the dose, and my acne scars continued to heal. There are a lot of scare tactics used against this drug but its power to change lives is understated.

michelle komnenovichJuly 27th, 2010 (#):

I am currently taking accutane. I don’t have cystic acne – I do or did have very clogged pores on the nose, chin and under the jaw line. My dermatolgist prescribed it for me for my rosacea that was progressively getting worse. I tried all the meds and IPL treatments. Nothing – just an increase in sensitive skin. The results are amazing. However, I have a few questions that no one can seem to answer. I did have oily skin now it is somewhat dry with flaky patches that come and go. Do I treat the dryness? Do I actually use moisturizer? And can I use your toners and maybe the BHA lotion? I feel I need the antioxidents and exfoliation. What to do? Also, what is your recommendation for windburn? I play golf – but not now in 100* Texas ( Can we just say stingy stingy burn) I do wear your mineral sunscreen and a big hat. But afterwards – stingy stingy – after playing in windy Ireland.

Love you and your products!!

Paula BegounJuly 28th, 2010 (#):

@Muhammed- All these posts are extremely poignant and meaningful for all of us. However, I cannot tell you anyone what to do on this topic. Accutane is a decision you have to make for yourself by weighing out the pros and cons. If you do decide to give it a try then you must find a doctor who will help you through the process. -Paula

BryanJuly 28th, 2010 (#):

@Michelle: We’re glad isotretinoin is keeping your rosacea in check! This drug isn’t often used to manage rosacea, but you went through all of the other options and isotretinoin is working wonders! We are surprised you still have oily skin despite being on isotretinoin. You should be seeing less oiliness. Perhaps that will happen in time. You do need to treat the dryness but without making the oily areas worse. Paula’s Choice Skin Recovery Toner is a brilliant option for dry, flaky patches, and you can follow up with our Skin Balancing Moisture Gel. This is what I do to manage my finicky skin and it works great! Adding a Paula’s Choice BHA option is also a good idea. Start with the 1% BHA Lotion or Gel and see how your skin responds.

As for windburn, a good approach before you know you’ll be in windy weather is to apply a silicone serum beneath your sunscreen. The silicone will feel light and silky and offer a protective layer to help shield your skin from the wind. A good one to try that shouldn’t aggravate your rosacea is Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Gold Ultra Restorative Capsules. Apply the contents of one capsule and you should see a lot less damage from windburn (and don’t forget the sunscreen)!

AntonJuly 29th, 2010 (#):

Thank you Paula for blogging on this. I had a feeling this would be something many people wanted to hear about and talk about. More importantly, it goes to show how many people have struggled with this condition, and how they appreciate it when others (like Paula) share their experiences about what worked and what didn’t. I’m definitely looking forward to your next blog talk radio show on acne again.

GuyAugust 4th, 2010 (#):

Hi Paula,
I’ve never commented before but this post nearly brought tears to my eyes. I went though every single emotion and feeling you described here.
I managed to survive the teenage years with only mild acne, but began to suffer red, angry breakouts in my early 20s (just as all my peers had
outgrown it!). It sounds so melodramatic on reflection, but having such bad acne had to be one of the most emotionally painful and soul-destroying experiences of my life.

It was only after discovering your website that I learnt about Accutane (thank you Paula!) and like everyone else here, it changed my life. I had side effects galore though – dry lips, itchy scalp, skin that would scrath and bleed easily, bloody noses, a terrible initial flare up when I began taking it; the absolute worst though was when my hair began to fall out. However, even with all that I can honestly say I would do it again in a heartbeat.

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Problems with Preservatives?

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-->Search on the Beauty Bunch Blog: -->-->HomepageAbout PaulaPaula’s Blog PostsAbout Our BloggersJuly 30, 2010Author: Paula Begoun - 7 CommentsTags: cosmetic preservatives, EDTA, formaldehyde, parabens, plant-based preservatives

Preservatives are, without question, an important part of any cosmetic you buy. This is especially true for products that contain plant extracts—just think about how long a head of lettuce lasts in your refrigerator before it becomes a moldy, bacteria-laden mess.

Whether it is a cleanser, lotion, toner, blush, foundation, or mascara, without preservatives these everyday items would become overloaded with microbes you don’t want on your skin or near your eyes. But what makes a good preservative or a bad one? In the cosmetic industry with insanity prevailing these days, it’s getting harder to tell as most websites want to scare you to death about the ingredients in beauty products.

In reality, the amount of an ingredient is everything. What is dangerous at a 100% concentration or when it is fed to rats or injected under their skin doesn’t often, if ever, apply to a 0.1% concentration in a skin-care or makeup product. It is also important to understand that one person’s allergic reaction doesn’t speak to the millions of other people using it safely (just because you are allergic to cats doesn’t mean everyone is).

Let’s look at the ingredient/dose issue. Take salt for example. Salt is NaCl, sodium (Na) chloride (Cl). Sodium and chloride by themselves are corrosive, but together they become a tasty seasoning for chicken. But consuming too much salt can be a serious problem for high blood pressure, but not necessarily for those who don’t have high blood pressure. It works this way for each and every cosmetic ingredient as well.

One other point: Because preservatives, natural or otherwise, exert their action by killing microbes they can also have an irritancy reaction on skin. However, because preservatives are often used in such small amounts they generally pose minimal to no risk for most people in that regard.

Trying to hone down this complicated issue isn’t easy, but here is a brief summary for some of the more typical preservatives you may find on an ingredient label:

Parabens. While natural cosmetic companies love vilifying parabens, it turns out parabens in the form of butylparaben, propylparaben, methylparaben, and ethylparaben are some of the more effective and gentle preservatives used in cosmetics. They were originally derived from plants and are mostly manufactured synthetically.
Concern over parabens made headlines because of research showing that they are endocrine disrupters. This research involved both oral administration and injection into rat skin which did show evidence of a weak estrogen effect on cells in a way that could be problematic for binding to receptor sites associated with proliferation of MCF-7 breast cancer cells. That is scary sounding stuff.
Current research investigating how parabens act when administered orally, topically, and subcutaneously to rats has shown that parabens are metabolized rapidly in living organisms and therefore cannot exhibit any adverse effects. Parabens are fully metabolized before they enter the blood stream. (For more information on parabens, visit www.cosmeticscop.com and use our Ingredient Dictionary.)

Formaldehyde. Is a very effective anti-microbial agent and can be used in a very low concentration in cosmetics. However, even in small amounts it can be irritating and when combined with amines (such as triethanolamine), can create nitrosamines. Formaldehyde in its pure form is a suspected human carcinogen.

2-bromo-2-nitropane 1-3 diol. Is a formaldehyde-releasing preservative but is not associated with the same problems as pure formaldehyde.

DMDM Hydantoin. Is a formaldehyde-releasing preservative but is not associated with the same problems as pure formaldehyde.

Imidazolidinyl Urea. Is a formaldehyde-releasing preservative but is not associated with the same problems as pure formaldehyde.

Phenxoyethanol. Is a preservative that breaks down into phenol, which is one of the reasons it is such a good antimicrobial agent. When ingested it can be problematic and exposure to the environment such as its effect on fish shows some concern, but when applied topically research shows it does not affect skin in any negative way for wound healing or other toxic reactions.

Benzalkonium Chloride. Is a relatively safe and effective anti-microbial agent.

Sodium Benzoate. Is considered to be a mild preservative with no known problems when applied topically. It is also used as a food-grade preservative.

Benzoic Acid. Is an effective preservative found in nature that contains a form of parabens. For cosmetics it is almost always synthetically derived.

Methylisothiazolinone and Methylchloroisothiazolinone. Are known to be sensitizing and are not recommended in leave-on products. They are not known to have any other problems associated with their use in cosmetics. A toxicology and medical literature search shows no other issues with these two ingredients.

EDTA (ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid). Is a chelating agent used in cosmetics to prevent metals such as copper or salts in water used in the formula from causing changes to the texture and efficacy of the product. It is not known to have any problems other than skin sensitivity. It must be used with other preservatives to be effective. Phytic acid is a possible natural alternative to EDTA.

Plant-based Preservatives. While certain ingredients have potential for preserving cosmetics, there is very little research showing they can carry the burden or remain stable to keep a product free of microbes over the life of the product. Further, because plant-based preservatives require larger amounts to preserve a product they also can become irritating or cytotoxic to skin. Plus, many of these extracts have limitations and are not without their own “scare” factor. Much research is being done on this issue.

Clove extract (eugenol). Can cause respiratory problems when inhaled.
Eucalyptus extract. One of the components of this plant is cresol, a possible carcinogen.
Cypress extract. Is a natural emission of methanol, which can cause irritation.
Sorbic acid. Can be found in nature, but is more often synthetically derived.
Tree lichen extracts. Are effective against mold and fungus, but not bacteria.
Lonciera Japanese. Is better known as honeysuckle and is a natural source of parabens and therefore can be an effective preservative.

When all is said and done, there is truly no reason to be scared of the preservatives in your product. The alternative is not a pretty picture, and natural ingredients are not without their risks. Beautiful products stay beautiful and effective when a safe level of preservatives is used in the formula.

7 Comments until nowLeila RichardsonJuly 31st, 2010 (#):

I have learned a lot about how to care for my skin from you, Paula. I absolutely respect the understanding you have regarding skin care ingredients. I do, however, sometimes find myself disturbed about your apparent bias against trying to be as natural as possible. Clearly a lot of natural products are not good choices, but I do respect the “movement” in general. While most of the ingredients in the gentle products that you recommend likely are safe to use on our skin, I am quite concerned about where they end up after that. We are now learning how many of the prescription drugs out there are showing up in our groundwater, so it stands to reason that the same would be happening with cosmetic ingredients that are washed down the drain. You mention that phenxoyethanol could pose a problem for fish. I would think that parabens, as they build in the ecosystem, could cause serious issues as well (Sunscreen from swimmers washing off into a lake, for example.)
It is my goal, and I would wish that for the industry in general, to find the best balance possible concerning personal and environmental safety. I hope the “natural” movement does continue – in a thoughtful, safe manner. I also think that you have a lot to offer in guiding those of us with these concerns.

KevinJuly 31st, 2010 (#):

Paula,
I happen to be super-sensitive to the formadahyde-releasers and phenoxyethanol. My skin loves parabens, though. I wish companies would stop taking parabens out of all their products. Phenoxyethanol is turning up in everything these days and my skin hates it

kiwiJuly 31st, 2010 (#):

Thank you so much for this info.. it’s very confusing and hard to keep up with, that’s why I love your website and your recommendation, makes it much easier to figure things out
Thank you!!!

jcJuly 31st, 2010 (#):

FANTASTIC article!

Natalie - regular poster from OzAugust 1st, 2010 (#):

Thanks for this summary. I’ve been steering clear of parabens (as far as possible) – silly me! – because I was taking far too much notice of all the urban myths! But this is only because I have an endocrine disorder – one gets quite fearful easily.

BHT is another one I was concerned about, but Bryan set me straight on that.

A LAugust 2nd, 2010 (#):

I have to agree with the first commenter, that we should be aware of our products washing into the water source when swimming, camping, etc.

Paula BegounAugust 3rd, 2010 (#):

@Leila, I have absolutely no bias or preconceived notions about plants or any cosmetic ingredients other than what the research says is or isn’t possible in regard to their benefit for skin. What bias does exist is the notion that if it’s a plant, and you put it in a skin care product, it’s great for skin and safe for the environment. That is a stretch of the imagination. Plants don’t just get harvested and stuck in your product, the process they go through to become cosmetic ingredients is not natural. You aren’t eating your plant-based moisturizer for lunch!

What I wrote about phenoxyethanol is that there is some research about it in regard to fish but that doesn’t make it a skin care issue. Fish are impacted by dams and overfishing among other issues of industrial pollution. There is no research showing cosmetic ingredients are hurting fish, despite some cosmetic ingredients being detected in bodies of water.

There is much I don’t understand about the environment but I am as worried about the impact of skin-care ingredients on the environment as I am about the paint I used on the walls of my living room, the computers and cell phones I have thrown out over the years, and the amount of food waste I produce. However, despite my concerns, I am still using my computer as it is the most efficient way to communicate and educate; I’m still eating; I am painting my house next year; I am taking the best care of my skin as possible, and, as someone who formulates and sells skin-care and makeup products, I am being completely responsible and ethical as to what ingredients I use and the claims I make about them. -Paula

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The issue of my July twenty-nine internet radio set Show, was how to get a facelift (or a close proximity) without operation. Our guest was Dr. Brandith Irwin, a board-certified cosmetics dermatologist who's writer by . I know-it-all of you'd like The Cosmetics Cop Team to say we found a few miracle product with a few miracle elements from some remote part of the global that can provide the results you'll be able to get of cosmetic corrective procedures and surgery, but they DON’T survive.

Hundreds of companies tell you otherwise, but they're perfectly belonging having a lot fun reviewing a few of the absurd products from Bremenn laboratories that are the epitome of what rather insanity lurks behind almost every infomercial, emporium, drugstore, beauty salon, spa, or home shopping cosmetic brand. Bremenn laboratories actually sells products called abdominoplasty in a Box, Boob Job in a package, Butt Lift in a Box, and Upper Eyelid Lifter. I did not acknowledge whether to laugh, chuck, or cry. Admittedly, it is hard to laugh while you know adult female* are wasting their income on this rather stuff daily. After explaining how come Boob Job in a Box wasn't even approximately the real stuff, we talked to doctor. Brandith Irwin. She checked over inside information of what can actually be through with cosmetics corrective operations such botulinum toxin A, Thermage, Fraxel, dermal fillers (such Sculptra, Radiesse, Restylane, or Artefill), and laser and light therapies. I acknowledge, I experience, they are pricey, only with altogether the profit you will economise aside not purchasing un-needed “Works like [cut-in cosmetics corrective operation Hera] …” skincare productions or pills or drinks claiming to abolish your wrinkles, flagging skin, and furrowed brow, you will be able to give the matters that real work. Doctor. Irwin as well affected expectations and the effects you'll be able to achieve with different operations.

Botulinum toxin A and dermal injections produce the fastest and most amazing effects. Facial peels are also amazing, but that has totally depending on the effectiveness of the peel and the formula of the individual applying it. Machines such as laser, IPL, or Thermage are less impressive in the short term but are highly effective when a serial of treatments are done. It's as well all important to continue in mind that if you've advanced sun damage and drooping that a non-invasive procedure will not make you look like you just had a face-lift. That is how come it’s important to believe these treatments before you begin looking older. In progress, preventive maintenance continues way to delaying the decision to actually accept a cut-and-paste operation. I often hear women say to their female friends, “You do not need anything like a face-lift or lasers—you look fine!” First, none of United States just prefer to look “fine.” 2nd, are women supposed to hold till their friends say, “Wow, your skin is looking like a bad piece by leather and hanging downy a worn pair of drapes!”? The idea is to treat your skin to prevent sagging and creases, not delay till you are appearing in the mirror and wondering who that old lady is staring back at you. As with every radio set show, we took questions from several women and gave away an assortment of Paula’s Choice products.

The combining of brilliant skincare by on cautiously chose cosmetics dermatological discourses is the smartest way you will be able to genuinely appear younger, longest. And Is not that what most of United States want? I acknowledge it is what I need and why I see doctor. Irwin 3 or fourfold a year as my retouches (which include botulinum toxin A, Fraxel, and fillers). I know some day I'll bite the bullet and accept full-on face lift, but for now, if I do say so myself, I believe I look beautiful damn good!

Skin Beauty Treatment - A Must Before Every Girl's Wedding Day

ByMick J JonesArticle Word Count: 504[View Summary]Comments (0)

Every girl in the world dreams of a perfect wedding - one that is sweet and will be cherished for the rest of the girl's life. On this day, a girl feels and is expected to be the prettiest girl alive. But how can a girl feel that on her wedding day? Well, skin beauty treatments are just essential to achieving that feeling.

Not all of us are born with the perfect hair, body, skin and complexion so preparing for a wedding day is very crucial to any bride-to-be. Some are born lucky while others need to strive hard to getting the outcome they want. To getting the desired results, the bride-to-be should start the treatments at least two months before the wedding ceremony. Let us start with the hair. The hair, being the crowning glory, usually defines the whole look of the girl. Even if you have the prettiest face, a disheveled hair spoils your overall appearance. A hair care routine should be added to a bride's to do list. Every two to three times a week, the bride should indulge herself in oil massages and use a deep conditioning shampoo.

For the body, regular exercise is a must to maintaining (or improving) your figure. Usually, yoga or aerobics for four to five days a week is a preferred physical activity by a majority of women. Also take in lost of fruits and vegetables in your diet. Having the right intake of food will ensure that you'll fit in your wedding gown on the big day. For the nails, you can always go to the parlor for pedicure and manicure.

For the skin, make appointments with your dermatologist or beautician for facials. Make them check for skin irregularities, pimples or pigmentation. If you don't have any problems with these, then skip that part. During this period, system detoxification should also be done. Drink as much as 10 glasses of water daily. Vices such as smoking and drinking alcohol should immediately be stopped. Sweets (including ice cream), fried and junk foods should all be avoided to prevent skin from getting dull. It is recommended that you use natural skin beauty treatments to cleanse your skin. Examples include oatmeal with milk and fruit masks, honey, tomato juice, yogurt, and other concoction that you can easily get and make at home. Using these products twice a week will help you remove dead skin cells. Following these tips will contribute to having a glowing and clear complexion.

Looking drop dead gorgeous does not happen overnight. The bride-to-be must add rigorous and tedious tasks to her daily life to achieving wonderful results for the hair, nails, body, skin and complexion. Don't fret as everything will be all worth it come wedding day. You wouldn't want to feel ugly on the most special day of your life, don't you? It's better to try hard than not try anything at all, right? Why not follow the skin beauty treatments in here? Congratulations and good luck on your wedding day ladies.

Mick Happy Jones loves taking care of the skin therefore, it inspired him to write many articles to share his knowledge to more people. You can always visit Skin Beauty Treatment to read more about beauty treatments.

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