December 27, 2007

Trying to cut back on your coffee?  Will substituting caffeine in your skincare have the same effect?!  Caffeine is used in many cellulite creams to reduce the appearance of cellulite.  When applied topically, caffeine must penetrate deep into the skin and reach the fat tissue before being absorbed in order to be effective.  Although some studies show a small reduction in the appearance of cellulite, this may be just a temporary reaction.  In order to effect a substantial change, the product needs to contain a sufficient concentration and penetrate the subcutaneous fat layer for an extended length of time.

Bottom line: Switch to decaf.

Posted by Jacqueline at 8:54 am    COMMENTS (2)
Category: Ingredients
Permalink/Trackback: http://www.mybeautybeat.com/blog/caffeine-in-skincare-does-it-wake-up-your-skin/

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December 24, 2007

Are you like me and examine your pores in the mirror like you’re scrutinizing a scientific tisssue?  Well then the article entitled “Pore Obsession” in the January 2008 issue of Allure Magazine may be of interest to you.  Interviewing Dr. Mary Lupo, a dermatologist, the article provides a good summary of everything you want to know about pores!
Here is an excerpt:
“Q: What exactly is a pore?
It’s a pouching of skin into which the oil gland excretes or pumps oil to keep the skin from drying out.
Q: Can pores open and close?
No. Pores have no muscular attachment.  So when people say that cold water will close your pores, that’s actually not true.  Cold water can keep your pores from producing excess oil, but they will …

Posted by Jacqueline at 11:17 am    COMMENTS (0)
Category: Beauty Magazines, Pores
Permalink/Trackback: http://www.mybeautybeat.com/blog/pore-obsession/

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December 19, 2007

Free Radicals are atoms with an unpaired number of electrons, and are formed when oxygen interacts with certain molecules.  Once produced, these highly reactive, unstable molecules can start a chain reaction and react with important cellular components that erode tissue.  Free radicals may come from a variety of sources including oxygen, sunlight, environmental damage, stress, and cigarette smoke.  The damage from free radicals is referred to as “oxidation” (loss of electrons).  This in turn causes a variety of diseases, as well as premature aging to the skin.  Common effects to the skin caused by free radical damage include fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, sallow color, loss of elasticity, and uneven texture.  Antioxidants are substances that neutralize and defend against damage …

Posted by Jacqueline at 10:21 am    COMMENTS (2)
Category: Free Radicals
Permalink/Trackback: http://www.mybeautybeat.com/blog/free-radicals-one-thing-you-dont-want-that-is-free/

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December 18, 2007

Certain alcohols used in skincare products can be drying and irritating to the skin.  Sometimes they are used in creams to cut the thickness of a product and transport ingredients to the skins’ surface.  Other times they are used in toners to clean the pores on the skin.  Some alcohols that may be drying and cause irritation to the skin include SD Alcohol, Ethyl Alcohol, Benzyl Alcohol, Isopropyl, Denatured Alcohol, Methanol, and Ethanol.  Conversely, “fatty” alcohols, such as Cetyl and Cetearyl Alcohol, are not really “alcohols.”  Fatty alcohols are used as emollients, and are beneficial to the skin so, if that is the case, “drink and be merry!”

Posted by Jacqueline at 11:59 am    COMMENTS (1)
Category: Ingredients
Permalink/Trackback: http://www.mybeautybeat.com/blog/alcohol-in-skincare-on-or-off-the-wagon/

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December 13, 2007

Way back in 1870, before the rise of exotic ingredients in moisturizers such as Sake, Caviar, Seaweed, Silk Protein, or Rare Botanicals entered into our lexicon, a fellow by the name of Robert Chesebrough discovered a natural product, rich in minerals from the earth, displaying remarkable skin-healing properties.  That product was Petroleum Jelly, which was subsequently commercialized under the name Vaseline.  Fast forward to today, there are an overwhelming number of moisturizers offered in the market.  Many skin care experts and scientists cite good ‘ole Petroleum Jelly as the most effective moisturizer to use on the skin!  A moisturizer serves to keep moisture from escaping out of the skin, but does not actually “put” moisture back into the skin.  The …

Posted by Jacqueline at 9:11 am    COMMENTS (0)
Category: Ingredients, Moisturizers
Permalink/Trackback: http://www.mybeautybeat.com/blog/vaseline-still-an-ole-standby-moisturizer/

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December 11, 2007

Each person has their own skin type.  Figuring out your skin type is very important as you (most probably!) do not want to waste money on products that are not right for you.  It may be best to examine the skin after removing makeup and washing the face with a gentle cleanser.

The following terms are the most widely used to assess the skin:

DRY SKIN: Dry skin may be caused by a dry climate or cold weather, deficiency of Vitamin A, illness, sun damage, or medication.  In effect, the skin loses its moisture. Washing frequently, especially with Soap, can also contribute to dry skin.  Dry skin feels tight (especially after cleansing) and may exhibit fine wrinkles and flaking.

OILY SKIN: The oil in skin is produced by oil …

Posted by Jacqueline at 10:10 am    COMMENTS (0)
Category: Skin Types
Permalink/Trackback: http://www.mybeautybeat.com/blog/skin-types/

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