February 29, 2008

On this February 29th, as we “leap” further into the many advances in skin care, I wonder if sometimes going “back to the basics” (not the brand, just the concept!) is the way to go.  With respect to anti-aging, one of the best pieces of advice I got from a highly acclaimed dermatologist (hint hint she is often photographed in Vogue Magazine ) is to incorporate the following in your skin care routine:

1.  Sunscreen everyday.  Ok we’ve all heard this over and over.  A broad spectrum rain or shine, warm or cold.  She recommended Ocean Potion (see my Beauty Beat review Ocean Potion Sunscreen ).
2.  A good Cleanser with a high concentration of Glycerin.  Check out one of her …

Posted by Jacqueline at 10:49 am    COMMENTS (0)
Category: Anti-Aging Techniques
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February 27, 2008

As someone who is expecting, but trying all ways possible not to expect stretch marks, and as a devotee to skin care, I feel compelled to find out out what, if anything, works to prevent stretch marks during pregnancy.

A well-know common remedy is Cocoa Butter.  One popular brand is Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula, Massage Cream for Stretch Marks.  While Cocoa Butter is a terrific moisturizer and a great choice to hydrate the skin, pregnant or not, there does not seem to be any proven link between applying cocoa butter during pregnancy and preventing stretch marks. 

Stretch marks occur due to weight gain.  Specifically, the collagen and elastin …

Posted by Jacqueline at 10:45 am    COMMENTS (3)
Category: Pregnancy
Permalink/Trackback: http://www.mybeautybeat.com/blog/stretch-marks-in-pregnancy/

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February 25, 2008

That is the question!  The terms “Moisturizer” and “Emollient” are often used interchangeably.  However, the term “emollient” more often describes a single ingredient, whereas “moisturizer” describes a finished product.  Emollients are substances which soften and soothe the skin, as well as help with dryness, and are part of the composition of moisturizers.  Emollients provide occlusion to the skin (a layer of oil to slow water loss and increase moisture content) and serve as a humectant (preserve or increase water content).

Some examples of emollients include Cetearyl Alcohol, Isopropyl Myristate, Triglyceride, Myristic Acid, Palmitic Acid, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Glyceryl Linoleate, Cyclomethicone, Dimethicone, Decyl Oleate, and Stearic Acid.  Additionally, some examples of “natural” emollients include Lanolin, Plant Oils, Shea Butter, and Cocoa …

Posted by Jacqueline at 8:16 am    COMMENTS (0)
Category: Ingredients
Permalink/Trackback: http://www.mybeautybeat.com/blog/whats-the-difference-between-moisturizer-and-emollient/

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February 22, 2008

In the March 2008 issue of Allure Magazine, there is a feature on dermatologic researcher Dr. David McDaniel.  Dr. McDaniel, who has a practice in Virginia Beach, states that most women do not give a skin care regimen the proper time it needs to see results (yours truly is certainly guilty of this!).  McDaniel states he would “like patients to try skin care products for six to eight weeks before they judge.”  Interestingly, for those of us “short on patience,” he notes “In the next couple of years we’ll see things like sound and radio waves that work on tissues under the skin and selectively destroy cellulite or elevate the eyebrows without a brow lift.”  Looking forward !

Dr. McDaniel …

Posted by Jacqueline at 9:57 am    COMMENTS (0)
Category: Beauty Magazines
Permalink/Trackback: http://www.mybeautybeat.com/blog/allure-magazine-a-sound-and-radio-wave-future/

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February 19, 2008

Is your skin on “Red Alert?”  Blotchy Skin can result from many different things.  Although flushed skin can be hereditary, it can also result from dry skin, stress, or sun exposure.  If dryness is the cause, the use of a rich moisturizer may help to decrease inflammation and hydrate the skin.  Beauty Beat recommends looking for moisturizers that have a high concentration of Glycerin to hydrate the skin. 

If the skin has a “ruddy” appearance, it may be due to Rosacea.  In addition to staying out of the sun, it may be best to avoid spicy foods, alchohol, and caffeine.  A soothing moisturizer containing Green Tea may help to decrease redness and reduce inflammation associated with blotchiness, but a prescription cream may be needed to help …

Posted by Jacqueline at 9:13 am    COMMENTS (1)
Category: Skin Types
Permalink/Trackback: http://www.mybeautybeat.com/blog/blotchy-skin-a-case-of-the-blahs/

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February 15, 2008

As winter finally settled in here in New York (at least for two days!) I find my skin is more in need of a good exfoliation.  Although I typically prefer a gentle, natural, granular scrub or a homemade one (like oatmeal or brown sugar and honey), I like to mix it up sometimes with an Alpha Hydroxy Acid.

The use of Alpha Hydroxy Acids, or AHAs, has been shown to help reduce fine facial lines and improve the overall smoothness and texture of the skin.  They are used by dermatologists in high concentrations in chemical peels, and offered in home kits in low concentrations.  The most widely used …

Posted by Jacqueline at 10:11 am    COMMENTS (2)
Category: Exfoliation
Permalink/Trackback: http://www.mybeautybeat.com/blog/ah-ha-aha/

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February 13, 2008

There are many topical skin care products on the market that compare themselves to Botox.  I certainly would prefer using a cream to a (poison-like!) injectable but, logically, it does not seem likely to compare.  How can you relax the muscles on the face and smooth out wrinkles with an over-the-counter skin care product? 

Gamma Aminobutyric Acid, or GABA, is a substance found in the human nervous system that can block signals between nerves and muscles.  Skin care companies that use GABA in their products claim it topically relaxes the muscles that cause wrinkles on the face.  This has been referred to as “Botox in a Jar.”  GABA coagulates when it dries and, subsequently, “grips” the skin in …

Posted by Jacqueline at 10:49 am    COMMENTS (0)
Category: Anti-Aging Techniques
Permalink/Trackback: http://www.mybeautybeat.com/blog/a-match-of-muscle-relaxants-gaba-vs-botox/

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February 11, 2008

Some skin care experts question whether it is necessary to use a separate eye cream.  In effect, they contend that a facial moisturizer is sufficient to use on the eye area, along with the rest of the face.  The skin surrounding the eyes is the most fragile skin on the face and, typically, the first to show signs of age.  There are no oil glands in this area and little subcutaneous fat.  From my experience, the delicate area surrounding the eye responds well to specific eye formulations, whether in the form of a cream, lotion, serum, or gel. 

One of the most important aspects of an eye cream is hydration.  If the area tends towards dryness, an eye cream, containing more oil …

Posted by Jacqueline at 9:53 am    COMMENTS (1)
Category: Eye Cream
Permalink/Trackback: http://www.mybeautybeat.com/blog/is-a-separate-eye-cream-necessary/

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February 7, 2008

There is a common misperception that “Organic” beauty products are the same as “Natural” products.  “Organic” and “Natural” are not interchangeable.  Whereas there is no regulated definition of  what constitutes a “natural” product, there are strict regulations to label a product “organic.” 

So how can we not be defrauded as organic consumers?!  Look for the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Organic Program certified “USDA Organic” symbol! 
* If a product states it is 100% Organic, it will carry the USDA Organic seal and contain 100% organic ingredients (with the exception of water and salt). 
* If a label states it is “Certified Organic” or “Organic,” it will also carry the USDA Organic symbol and consist of at least 95% organic ingredients …

Posted by Jacqueline at 7:26 am    COMMENTS (2)
Category: Ingredients
Permalink/Trackback: http://www.mybeautybeat.com/blog/is-organic-skincare-truly-organic/

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February 5, 2008

I love walking down the skin care aisle at drug stores.  There are so many good AFFORDABLE products to choose from. Never have that nagging question: Is this really worth the price??  Here I offer my suggestions for “Best 10 Skin Care Products Under $10.”  You can find these products at most drugstores.  Happy savings leads to happy skin!
My top 10 picks are:
1. Aquaphor Healing Ointment  ($5.49). Great for chapped lips and dry skin.  Keep in your purse and pucker up!
2. Boots Botanics Conditioning Clay Mask ($8.99).  Contains Natural Oceanic Clay and Plant Extracts.  Works well on Oily and Combination skin to boot away impurities!
3. Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser ($7.55).  Cleans the delicate skin on the face without soap, and …

Posted by Jacqueline at 8:19 pm    COMMENTS (2)
Category: Best 10 Under $10!
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February 4, 2008

Although I try new body lotions all the time, I often find myself going back to purchase my favorite one - Kiss My Face Honey & Calendula moisturizer.  There are a multitude of other ones that also use high-quality ingredients, but I find many do not seem to measure up in terms of hydration.

The use of Honey as a skin moisturizer stems back to the days of early Egypt where it was used to add moisture to the skin and prevent wrinkles.  This ancient remedy was referred to as “the secret of eternal youth.”  The skin’s ability to stay hydrated is an important factor in its ability to maintain softness and elasticity.  As skin ages, or is …

Posted by Jacqueline at 9:30 am    COMMENTS (3)
Category: Moisturizers
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