MedWorm: Physicians With Health Advice

Lip Smackers: In the Beauty Brains Bathroom

thebeautybrains.com — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 06:01:51 +0100

Even though the Beauty Brains don’t do traditional reviews, from time to time we like to share new products that we’re trying. We want you to know that we received free samples in exchange for a mention on our blog and that we’re not necessarily recommending you buy anything. We’re just sharing new product news; please do your own research before you buy. Since the Beauty Brains have a book titled “Can You Get Hooked On Lip Balm,” we’d be remiss if we didn’t blog about lip products every once in a while. Recently we had a chance to try a few samples of Paul Frank’s monkey-themed Lip Smacker lip. They taste delicious and, as you can see from the ingredient list below they’re based primarily on natural oils and waxes. Also, did I mention they...

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What SPF Sunblock Should I Use?

thebeautybrains.com — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 06:01:37 +0100

Link Love Month, here’s how it works: we answer questions from other bloggers. After reading our answer you go visit their site. The bloggers get readers, you get to read more blogs. Now go practice with Nicole from Bagful of Notions! Nicole needs to know…Is there a really big difference between using SPF 15 and SPF 30 facial moisturizer? If so, why? I was told to wear 30 in order to prevent rosacea flare ups. The Left Brain’s loquacious reply: Skin exposure to UV rays is almost never good for the skin. It causes sun burn, wrinkles, dryness, and as you’ve implied, rosacea flare ups. This is why the most important thing you can do for your skin is to wear a sunscreen or stay out of the sun. But what kind of sunscreen should you use? SPF Before answering this...

How Do Nail Effects By Sally Hansen Work?

thebeautybrains.com — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 06:01:53 +0100

The Beauty Brains are linking and hopefully you’re loving it! All our questions this month come from other beauty bloggers, like Jenn of Literature Couture. Check out her creative character makeup tutorials! Jenn asks…I’m loving the new Sally Hansen Nail Effects, but I’m have two questions about them. One, how exactly does the company manage to use real nail polish that isn’t dried and crumbly by the time I open the package? Two, is there a way for me to make my own strips to avoid the hassle of manicuring my non-dominant hand? The Right Brain responds: Regular nail polishes are a mix of film forming agents, adhesive polymers, and colorants all dissolved in a solvent cocktail (usually ethyl and butyl acetate with a dash of isopropyl alcohol.) To “stripify” the...

Are Keratin Hair Straightening Products Safe?

thebeautybrains.com — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 06:01:12 +0100

We’re linking to love this month! All our February questions come from other bloggers and we’re encouraging you to check out their blogs. Today’s question is from our dear friend Moxie at MoxieReviews.com. Visit her today! Moxie must know…Brazilian Blowouts were found to release formaldehyde. Are the Keratin-based hair-straightening products that I see stylists in salons doing that much safer on hair/environment? The Left Brain responds: The safety concerns regarding high levels formaldehyde in hair straightening prdoducts has been well documented and inhaling large quantities of formaledhyde gas is a legitimate health concern. (see this reference.) Some of the Brazillain Blowout type products contained as much as 10% formaldehyde which far exceeds the safe li...

Does Pressed Powder Makeup Always Contain Synthetic Ingredients?

thebeautybrains.com — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 06:05:23 +0100

February is link love month! We’re taking questions from other bloggers and encouraging you to check out their blogs. Today’s question is from Mary at Pure Healthy Makeup. Stop by and say hello! Mary asks: Is is possible to make pressed makeup without using any synthetics? The Right Brain responds: Rather than re-opened the debate on natural vs synthetic, I’ll try to address your question as it applies specifically to powdered makeup. Loose powder needs fewer ingredients One can certainly make the case that certain brands of so-called mineral makeup are among the most “natural” of cosmetic products. For example, Mineral Hygenics only contains a few powders which are all derived from crushed rocks (more or less.) This kind of product is relatively easy to ...

Product Giveaway: NovoSerum Anti-aging Sampler

thebeautybrains.com — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 06:01:45 +0100

Hey Everyone! Sarah Bellum here with another product giveaway! What we’re giving away A Travel Pak which contains 5 signature NovoSerum™products, a new anti-aging line from Novo Solutions MD. According to the manufacturer, these products contain technology which is based on a “proprietary cell-free complex derived from purified human umbilical cord serum which tells the skin’s factory cells to increase collagen production and enhance skin matrix, which gives the skin structure, fullness and radiance.” In a 2010 independent double blind clinical study, skin treated with NovoSerum™ was found to have a significant increase in collagen and skin matrix production. This sample kit is valued at $99 and contains five of the following products: Absolute Face Cleanser, Brill...

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Hair Repair – New Technology Really Works!

thebeautybrains.com — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 06:05:23 +0100

February is link love month at the Beauty Brains. All month we’re answering questions from other bloggers to introduce our readers to beauty blogs they may not have seen before. Today’s question comes from one of our new favorites, Michelle at Lab Muffin. Check out her site! Michelle asks…Are there ANY hair products out there that can actually reconstruct/repair hair (as opposed to just protecting it from further damage)? The Right Brain responds: This is a great question because one of our favorite pet peeves are all the products that claim to repair hair but don’t. When you actually look at the science behind those products you find that they are almost always “regular” conditioners. That means they are very good at smoothing the cuticle and helping ...

Look at the Label: Salicylic Acid 20% Gel Peel

thebeautybrains.com — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 06:01:00 +0100

Continuing our look at top selling products on Amazon.com… Surprisingly, this fairly generic salicylic acid skin peel is rated at the 9th best selling beauty product on Amazon.com. Why does that surprise me? I woulnd’t have thought so many people are using such a strong peel on themselves. I would have guessed that the people who need such a strong treatment would be getting it through their dermatologist. Let’s look at the label to see what makes this peeler so powerful. Salicylic Acid (20%) A beta hydroxy acid that helps dissolve the “glue” that holds skin cells together so they slough off faster and more evenly. By exfoliating the top layer of skin you can expose “fresher” skin cells beneath. You can also burn the crap out of yourself so be ca...

Link and Learn: Beauty Science From Other Blogs

thebeautybrains.com — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 06:01:41 +0100

The Beauty Brains may be the #1 beauty science blog in the world but there are plenty of other blogs that do a terrific job explaining the truth about cosmetics. Here are a few recent posts that we think are worth sharing. We link, you learn. Get it? What is hard water? (A Man’s Guide to Skin Care) How does Vitamin C work? (15 Minute Beauty) What the hell is pH? (Lab Muffin) Why is there lead in lipstick? (Colin’s Beauty Pages) Image credit: http://www.hotfrog.com.au/ (Source: thebeautybrains.com)

3 Reasons Why Apple Cider Vinegar May Be Good For Your Hair

thebeautybrains.com — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 06:01:05 +0100

HySpin says…I have started incorporated Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) rinses in my hair care practices with great results. My hair is very, very kinky and I find if I do the apple cider vinegar rinse as the final cleaning step of washing my hair I find my hair feels smoother, reflects light more (shinier) and it is easier to detangle. But what is the apple cider vinegar really doing to my hair? The Right Brain responds: In actual lab testing we’ve haven’t been able to demonstrate much of an effect from vinegar. But since vinegar is an acid, in theory, there are three things that the low pH could be doing for your hair. Three Ways That Apple Cider Vinegar May Help Hair 1. Tightening the cuticle. If your hair is damaged and the cuticles are upraised, an acid rinse could be ...

Look At The Label: GlamGlow Tingling & Exfoliating Mud Mask

thebeautybrains.com — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 06:01:04 +0100

One of our favorite websites, InventorSpot, brought a new product to our attention: GlamGLow’s tingling face mask. According to GlamGlow’s website the tagline for this product is “Tingle effect + exfoliation = sexy!” So it is an exfoliationg mask? Or is it a masking exfoliant? And why the heck does it tingle? Let’s look at the label to find out. GlamGlow Tingling Mud Mask Ingredients Purified Water, Montmorillonite, Kaolin, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Polyethylene, Pumice, Camellia Sinensis Leaf, Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract, Vitis Vinifera Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Hedera Helix Plant Extract, Symphytum Officinale Leaf Extract, Lavandula Hybrida Oil, Vegetable Glycer...

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HealthMedWatch — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 23:59:24 +0100

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Can Honey Lighten Hair?

thebeautybrains.com — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 06:01:43 +0100

LeahSierra says…There’s a video on Youtube by Andrea’s Choice. She used honey to lighten up her hair. I haven’t tried but you can watch the video. The Left Brain responds: Thanks, Leah, for the link to this video. In it, Andrea explains how mixing honey (either raw or regular) with either olive oil and banana or with just your regular conditioner can lighten hair. She claims the honey contains peroxide that can bleach hair over time. But does this really work? Hair lightening science It’s true that honey contains peroxide. More accurately it contains an enzyme, glucose oxidase, that can produce peroxide. But keep in mind that peroxide is only an effective bleaching agent at the right concentration and at the right pH. Concentration: how much pe...

February is Link Love Month on The Beauty Brains

thebeautybrains.com — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 23:18:41 +0100

This post is directed at all you beauty bloggers out there (you know who you are…) The Beauty Brains specialize in answering questions about how beauty products work. We usually answer questions from our readers but with Valentines Day just around the corner, we thought it would be fun to spread a little link love by answering questions from other beauty blogs. So, if you’re a fellow blogger leave a comment below with your beauty question and if we choose yours to blog about we’ll include a link back to your site. That way our readers will be introduced to a bunch of terrific new blogs and your blogs will be seen by all of our regular readers. That’s Link love! We’ll answer as many of your questions as we can starting February 1! If you’re a beauty bl...

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How To Save Money On Hairspray By Reading the Ingredients

thebeautybrains.com — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 06:01:00 +0100

The Beauty Brains were recently featured in a TODAY.com post telling you how to get the best hairspray performance for the lowest cost. Below are the complete ingredient lists for all the products referenced in that article. But first…. If you like this kind of stuff and want to learn how to save $500 per year on cosmetics, download the Beauty Brains FREE report now! Hairspray ingredients Tresemme Tres II Extra Hold Hairspray Alcohol Denatured, Hydrofluorocarbon 152a, VA/Crotonates/Vinyl Neodecanoate Copolymer, Octylacrylamide/Acrylates/Butylaminoethyl/Methacrylate Copolymer, Amino Methyl Propanol, Dimethyl Stearamide, Fragrance (Parfum), Hexylcinnamal, Butylphenyl Methlyproprional, Benzyl Benzoate, Citronellol, Hydroxycitronellal, Geraniol, Hydroxyisohexl 3 Cyclohexene Ca...

Look at the Label: Head and Shoulders Dandruff Shampoo

thebeautybrains.com — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 06:01:37 +0100

Continuing our look at the top-selling products on Amazon.com… Even though they are technically Over the Counter (OTC) drugs and not cosmetics, dandruff shampoos are big sellers in the beauty section of Amazon.com. Specifically, two versions of Head & Shoulders dominate the 6th and 7th top selling spots. Who would have thought that SO MANY people have dandruff!! What can we learn by looking at the label? Head & Shoulders Ocean Lift Shampoo Ingredients Active Ingredients: Pyrithione Zinc (1%) This is one of the most common drug ingredients approved to treat dandruff. Water Solvent. Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate Primary surfactants. Excellent foaming/cleansing agents although some people find them too drying. Cocamide MEA An old-school foam booster. Zinc Carb...

Is Bumble and Bumble Concen-Straight Smoothing Treatment Temporary?

thebeautybrains.com — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 06:05:28 +0100

angel19i asks… I have 4a type Afro-Caribbean hair and would like the flexibility of straightening it every once in a while. But just blow drying & flat ironing only last a few days before my hair poofs up & according to your post on Keratin Straightening products other methods rearrange the bonds in your hair & aren’t that safe. And the Bumble and Bumble Concen-Straight doesn’t have any of the ingredients listed on the post so what I want to know is it safe for a temporary way to straighten my hair and will my hair return to normal after the treatment wears off? The Right brain responds: Considering all the new straightening products that were launched last year, this is a great question. If you haven’t already seen it, take a look at our post on Kera...

Kate Moss Lipstick – In The Beauty Brains Bathroom

thebeautybrains.com — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 06:01:06 +0100

Even though the Beauty Brains don’t do traditional reviews, from time to time we like to share new products that we’re trying. We want you to know that we received free samples in exchange for a mention on our blog and that we’re not necessarily recommending you buy anything. We’re just sharing new product news; please do your own research before you buy. Kate Moss Lasting Finish Lipstick Here’s what the manufacturer says: “Lasting Finish Lipstick by Rimmel London locks colour to lips for up to 8 hours wear. 50% more colour. Soft, smooth, comfortable formula.” It contains an “added Black Diamond Pigment Complex for even more radiant color.” Technical assessment: Aesthetically this is a very nice lipstick. It has great application properties, feels gr...

Which Ingredients Will Dry Out Hair?

thebeautybrains.com — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 06:05:26 +0100

Sarahb asks…Is there a place that i can view a list of ingredients in hair products that could dry out the hair? The Left Brain replies: I’ve never seen a comprehensive list of which ingredients could dry out hair. It would be very difficult to create an accurate list because the effect of ingredients on hair partially depends on the formulas the ingredients are delivered from. Ingredient effect depends on context For example, in the Forum we recently discussed a hair conditioning mask that contains a relatively high level of Lauramide MEA, a surfactant. Lauramide MEA would typically not dry out hair because it’s most commonly used in lower amounts in shampoos to boost foam and viscosity. But if left on the hair in mask form it could cause drying. Similarly a little...

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AG Smooth Sulfate Free Argan Oil Shampoo – In The Beauty Brains Bathroom

thebeautybrains.com — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 06:01:14 +0100

Even though the Beauty Brains don’t do traditional reviews, from time to time we like to share new products that we’re trying. We want you to know that we received free samples in exchange for a mention on our blog and that we’re not necessarily recommending you buy anything. We’re just sharing new product news; please do your own research before you buy. This week we have one product to share. AG Smooth Sulfate Free Argan Oil Shampoo Here’s what the manufacturer says: “Sumptuous lathering and sulfate-free, Smoooth is infused with argan oil to make your mane velvety smooth and silky soft. It’s ideal for use on medium to thick hair.” Technical commentary: This is one of the most interesting shampoo formulas we’ve seen. It uses Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, a ...

Is Grape Seed Oil Good For Protecting Hair From Heat?

thebeautybrains.com — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 06:01:52 +0100

Lilypad asks…I’m transitioning from relaxed to natural hair and a lot of blogs and video bloggers tout grape seed oil as a heat protectant when blowdrying or flat ironing hair because it has a high smoke point (about 420 °F). Is there any truth to this claim? The smoke point refers to the oil’s use in cooking but does it apply to hair as well? The Right Brain responds: We’ve blogged before about how to protect your hair from heat damage and there’s more to it than just the how much heat the ingredients can take. What to look for in a good heat protectant Heat tolerance (in this case measured by smoke point of the oil) is only one factor to consider. You also need to look at how the product lubricates hair. You can experiment with oils if you want DI...

Faciano Dry Shampoo – Look At The Label

thebeautybrains.com — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 06:01:18 +0100

We received a sample of the Faciano Dry Shampoo and thought it was an interesting enough product. The fragrance wasn’t to everyone’s liking but the product definitely cleaned hair. In case you are interested here is a breakdown of the ingredients. Cleansing ingredients These are the ingredients that make the product work as far as cleaning hair and making it look better. Water – The solvent Alcohol – Helps to remove oily materials Propylene Glycol – Helps to remove oily materials Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer – Gives some styling boost Fragrance ingredients These are the ingredients that are giving it the odor. It has a citrusy scent. These ingredient may also make hair shinier and more flexible. Ylang Ylang Essential Oil Peppermint Essen...

Why Do Conditioners Make Hair Shiny?

thebeautybrains.com — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 06:01:29 +0100

Havoctheory says…I heard that conditioners contain ingredients such as polymers with reflective qualities to coat hair strands. They reflect light and therefore makes your hair shiny. Is this true? What kind of chemicals would also produce this effect? The Left Brain responds: This question comes from our Forum where Pufff added this comment: “Hey! I actually was just thinking about this the other day! I was reading the ingredients on some of the old gel I have and saw it used a polymer which surprised me cause isn’t that plastic??? The gel did make my hair look shiny soooo who knows.” Polymer does not equal “plastic” It’s true that polymers are used to make plastic. But that doesn’t mean that every polymer IS plastic. A polymer is simply...

Informative Movies You Need To Watch !!

Doctor Kalitenko antiaging blog — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 18:15:29 +0100

“Fat Head” Fat Head is a 2009 American documentary film directed by and starring Tom Naughton.[1] The film seeks to refute both the documentary SuperSize Me, a Sundance Film Festival award-winning film, and the lipid hypothesis, a bedrock of nutritional science for decades in the United States and much of the Western world. The first part of Fat Head focuses on ways the film SuperSize Me stretched credibility or used questionable reasoning. Though the debate that the two films encapsulate will likely continue for a long time, Naughton employs transparency in his effort. An article in the Houston Chronicle reports: “Unlike Spurlock, Naughton has a page on his Web site that lists every item (including nutritional information)[2] he ate during his fast-food month.”[...

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Apneas, Hypopneas, and RERAs

Aviisha blogs — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 17:33:17 +0100

The sleep study, whether at home or in a lab, tracks the number or apneas, hypopneas, and respiratory event-related arousals (RERAs). The total number is used to generate the respiratory disturbance index (RDI) which is used to render a diagnosis.* RDI or 5 or greater = mild sleep apnea RDI or 15 or greater = moderate sleep apnea read more (Source: Aviisha blogs)

Look at the Label: Pro-X Exfoliating Renewal Cleanser

thebeautybrains.com — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 06:01:27 +0100

Continuing our look at the ingredients of the top selling products on Amazon.com… This week the number 3 product on Amazon is Olay’s Pro-X Exfoliating Renewal Cleanser. Pro-X Exfoliating Renewal Cleanser Ingredients Water Solvent, carrier for the rest of the ingredients. Glycerin Moisturizing agent. Lauramidopropyl Betaine Primary foaming agent. Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate One of the mildest of all cleansing ingredients. (We’ve blogged before about the Top 10 Mildest Body Washes that use this ingredient.) Polyethylene Tiny plastic scrubbing pellets that put the “x” in exfoliation. Sorbitol Moisturizer. Acrylates Copolymer Thickening agent. PEG-200 Hydrogenated Glyceryl Palmate Modified soap material that thickens and boost foam. Citric Acid pH adjusting agent. Pota...

Can I Pre-Treat Oily Hair With Shampoo?

thebeautybrains.com — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 06:01:41 +0100

LindyGirl longs to learn…I deep condition using Extra Virgin Coconut Oil once a week. I had tried oils before but would end up having to shampoo so many times to remove the oil it seemed to defeat the purpose of the deep conditioning process. Then I read some ‘how to’ directions on a spa site. They recommended applying the oil to dry hair, cover with a shower cap, cover the shower cap with a towel and leave it for an hour. Then apply shampoo to dry hair, add water and shampoo as usual. It works, but I have wondered is there any scientific reason to back it up. The Right Brain’s reasoned response: I’ve never tested this “pre-treatment” technique but there could be a scientific explanation for why it works. Why is pre-treatment good? When creating ...

Torrie Wilson lands on A Rod

Timemaster MD — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 15:53:43 +0100

The $275 Million Dollar Man Holding On To The Past While a New Girl becomes the Next Girl “Hey Mickey, He Likes It.” (see if anyone gets that one) A Rod is doing whatever he can to keep his body going! The gambling NY Yankees are the ones on their knees praying that A Rods’contract, with 5 more years of of $33 million per year salary actually is going to pay off! One of the best baseball players of all time, arguably, is a very nice guy and is well liked by everyone who knows him – maybe except a few of his ex-flames, like Madonna, and Cameron Diaz, and Kate Hudson and, and, and… But heck, who can blame the Silver Slugger for being a Tiger on the prowl. Single again, crazy famous, and stupidly rich athletes seem to be magnetizing for celebrity and m...

HairBanglez: In The Beauty Brains Bathroom

thebeautybrains.com — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 06:01:49 +0100

Even though the Beauty Brains don’t do traditional reviews, from time to time we like to share new products that we’re trying. We want you to know that we received free samples in exchange for a mention on our blog and that we’re not necessarily recommending you buy anything. We’re just sharing new product news; please do your own research before you buy. This week we have one product to share. Hairbanglez Hairbanglez (Hairbanglez.com) is a brand new product launching this month (January 2012). Here’s the scoop: Almost every girl never leaves with a hair elastic wrapped around her wrist. When you’re having a bad hair day or just need to put it up for convenience, that elastic on your wrist is indispensable! Unfortunately, that same hair elastic that saves you in a pinch...

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Can I Make My Own Aluminum Free Deodorant?

thebeautybrains.com — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 06:01:33 +0100

Floraesthetics asks…After reading your blog post about scare tactics, I decided to try my hand at homemade deodorant. I looked at all kinds of recipes, and I created one based on the available ingredients I had in my kitchen. The result was amazing! I was so excited to have created a natural, “aluminum-free” deodorant that worked. Then, I researched a little more and realized that the clays I was using have aluminum content. I went back online and noticed that many natural deodorants contain clays that have aluminum. Can you help me figure out if it can be called aluminum-free if it contains bentonite clay, for example? Also, how does this type of aluminum fit into the neurotoxicity issue? The Right Brain responds: First a little background about the different kinds of al...

Look at the Label: Aveeno Active Naturals Body Wash

thebeautybrains.com — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 06:20:04 +0100

Continuing our look at the ingredients of the top selling products on Amazon.com… One interesting thing that I’ve already discovered by writing this series is that the top beauty products on Amazon.com change very quickly. Two days ago Rogaine was the number one product, now it has slipped to number two. As of the time of this writing, the number 4 product is Aveeno Active Naturals Body Wash. Aveeno Active Naturals Body Wash Ingredients Water As with almost every other cleansing product this formula is based on water as a solvent. Sodium Laureth Sulfate A cleansing agent which is a cousin of SLS, but a little bit less irritating and a little less foamy. Glycerin Moisturizing agent. Sodium Lauroamphoacetate Secondary surfactant that produces a nice mild creamy phone. Cocamidopr...

The Top 10 Mildest Body Washes

thebeautybrains.com — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 06:01:40 +0100

QM29′s irritation inquiry: I’ve read about SLS and how it is a harsh cleanser that dry/sensitive skins should avoid. But there are plenty of variety in “cleanser components” in shower gels/shampoo/soaps. Which are the components to look for when you have dry skin and/or dry hair ? Which ones are to be avoided ? Are they the same for skin and hair ? The Right Brain’s mildness missive: There are many ingredients that are milder than SLS but rather than bore you with a litany of chemical names we’ll cut right to the chase: Based on several research studies (see references below from the Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists), the mildest cleansing ingredient for hair and skin is: sodium cocoyl isethionate. Why so serious (about mildness?) Sodium Coc...

How to fight Bad Breath

Doctor Kalitenko antiaging blog — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 19:31:07 +0100

Are you ashamed because of persistent bad breath? You are not alone. Persistent bad breath (called halitosis) affects up to 25% of the US population. This isn’t the sort of bad breath caused by foods like garlic and onions, or smoking and alcohol. I’m referring about persistent bad breath regardless of the food you eat. Bad breath that isn’t related to food is usually worse in the morning, because during the night your mouth is usually inactive. This makes it easier for bacteria to flourish and hence produce waste containing sulfur, which is usually the cause of the bad breath. However, too much anaerobic bacteria are not the only cause of bad breath. Below are the most important causes of bad breath: An abundance of bacteria on the back of your tongue (1). Because of a lack...

Can I Get A Mole From Popping Pimples?

thebeautybrains.com — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 06:01:26 +0100

Afrogal asks…Recently I popped one of my pimples and a big lump formed on my forehead. I’m starting to wonder whether it is going to go away. Are moles genetic or can they appear when you pop pimples or have bad skincare routine? The Right Brain responds: Moles are not caused by popping pimples or by by anything you’re doing with your skin care routine. Cleansing, exfoliating, and moisturizing the skin only affects the upper layer of skin called the stratum corneum. What causes moles? Moles are formed in the epidermis, a deeper layer of skin. There, cells called melanocytes produce the melanin (the brown pigment that gives your skin its color.) Sometimes these melanocytes start to overproduce and grow together in clumps. This over growth of cells is what causes a mole t...

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Why Can’t I Use My Foot Product On My Face?

thebeautybrains.com — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 06:01:57 +0100

Miniature muses…Skin Laboratory has a Salicylic Acid Peel (okay to put on your face). Dr. Scholl’s has a Liquid Corn and Callus Remover (not okay to put on your face). Obviously, both have a high amount of Salicylic Acid, but other than that, I was curious to know which ingredients make the first alright to put on your face, and the second a serious mistake. Any ideas? The Right Brain responds: Here are the ingredients for the two products in question: Skin Laboratory Salicylic Acid Peel ingredients Salicylic Acid (20%), Propylene Glycol, Denatured alcohol, Polyacrylamide, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Laureth 7. Dr. Scholl’s Liquid Corn and Callus Remover ingredients Salicylic Acid (17% w/w), Castor (Ricinus Communis) Seed Oil, Ethyl Lactate, Flexible Collodion, Polybutene, Alcoho...

Look at the Label: Carmex Moisture Plus

thebeautybrains.com — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 06:01:44 +0100

Product Girl raved about the new Carmex Moisture Plus Tints. She loves the color and says that “not the same Carmex you grew up with. It still has that familiar smell.” How did they keep the classic Carmex scent in a new lip color? Let’s look at the label to see. Ingredients Active Ingredients: Octinoxate (5.8%), Oxybenzone (4.8%). Sunscreens. Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract (Aloe Butter) Moisturizer. Beeswax Wax that gives the product thickness and structure. Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter Fruit) Natural emollient to smooth and soften lips. C10-30 Cholesterol/Lanosterol Esters Emulsifiers that also provide slip and emolliency Camphor One of three “magic” ingredients that give that unique Carmex quality. Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride Another emulsifier/emol...

Can You Use Natural Extracts To Preserve Cosmetics?

thebeautybrains.com — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 06:02:31 +0100

As regular readers of the Beauty Brains know, we recently blogged about Shea Moisture’s Organic Raw Shea Butter Moisture Retention Shampoo and raised the concern that the label seemed to missing a few key ingredients, including preservatives. We were skeptical that the natural extracts contained in the product would provide sufficient protection against microbial growth. However, after prompting by comments from Sesame, we decided to seek out expert advice on the preservation question. So, we consulted a professional microbiologist who has worked on shampoo and conditioner formulas. Natural extracts can preserve products According to our consultant (who admittedly knows much more microbiology than any of the Beauty Brains), these extracts MAY be preserving the product. “Yes, r...

How Your Body Could Tell You about Hormonal Imbalance. Video Blog

Doctor Kalitenko antiaging blog — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 18:26:48 +0100

Please click the image and follow the link to Dr Kalitenko’s Youtube channel You may also find interesting: Menopause and Andropause Workshop July 20th What Makes Smart People Act Stupid? Lyme Disease: How Your Summer Vacation Can Ruin Your Life Bargain Shopping For A Doctor Orgasm INC. , Pharmaceutical company’s exploiting women’s sexuality. Movie You should watch ! (Source: Doctor Kalitenko antiaging blog)

Look at the Label: Austin Kyle Professional Shampoo

thebeautybrains.com — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 06:01:27 +0100

A Girl’s Gotta Spa blogged about the Austin Kyle Professional hair care collection that feature “superior ingredients.” Are the ingredients really “superior” or different than cheaper products? Let’s look at the label! Austin Kyle Ingredients WATER (AQUA) SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE COCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE PROPYLENE GLYCOL COCAMIDE MEA FRAGRANCE PEG-40 HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL, POLYSORBATE 20 OCTOXYNOL-12 PEG-150 DISTEARATE METHYLCHLOROISOTHIAZOLINONE, METHYLISOTHIAZOLINONE Let’s compare this “professional” product to a regular over the counter shampoo like Dove Volume Boost: Dove Ingredients Water Sodium Laureth Sulfate Cocamidopropyl Betaine Sodium Chloride Fragrance Polyquaternium 10 Tetrasodium EDTA Citric Acid DMDM Hydantoin PPG 9 Glu...

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Orgasm INC. , Pharmaceutical company’s exploiting women’s sexuality. Movie You should watch !

Doctor Kalitenko antiaging blog — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 18:49:00 +0100

I would like to share with you a movie i have recently watch Click Here to Watch the Trailer I found the topic of this documentary very interesting, yet shocking! This film is a great example of pharmaceutical company’s taking advantage and harming women’s sexuality while trying to pocket millions of dollars. Here is what IMDB.com has to say about the movie “Extraordinary behind-the-scenes access reveals a drug company’s fevered race to develop the first FDA-approved Viagra for women – and offers a humorous but sobering look inside the cash-fueled pharmaceutical industry.” You may also find interesting: How Your Body Could Tell You about Hormonal Imbalance. Video Blog Bargain Shopping For A Doctor How Moving Your Bowel Wrong Way Can Get You I...

Can OFF Insect Repellant Dissolve Tights?

thebeautybrains.com — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 06:01:58 +0100

NataliaP says…A friend of mine put on OFF (repellant) all over her legs, she was using the aerosol form. And then she put in black tights. A while later we noticed that her tights/stockings were super blotchy. It was complelty ruined. What happened? The Left Brain responds: The active ingredient in OFF is DEET which is an effective solvent that can dissolve rayon, spandex, other synthetic fabrics. Her tights are probably made from some combination of natural and synthetic fibers like nylon or acetate. She should switch to all cotton tights or a non-DEET containing product. Or else just stay indoors. Have you ever had a wardrobe malfunction after using any kind of personal care product? Leave a comment and share your experiences with the rest of the Beauty Brains community. Image cr...

Happy New Year From The Beauty Brains

thebeautybrains.com — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 06:01:45 +0100

No new questions today, just a quick look back at some of the top beauty science stories of 2011 courtesy of Chemists Corner. J&J decides to reformulate baby shampoo based on pressure from fear mongering groups. FDA declares Brazilian hair straightening products based on formaldehyde are unsafe. P&G gets their hand slapped for using photoshop to touch up mascara ads and promise “never again. “ France attempted to ban parabens. Lots of chemical companies merged this year and so did a fair amount of finished goods companies. Finally, just a great big THANK YOU to all of the great people in the Beauty Brains community. Whether you’re an active commentator, forum poster, RSS feed reader, emailer, newsletter subscriber, or FaceBook fan, thank you for making the Be...

Look at the Label: BBW Sparkling Snow Anti-Bacterial Soap

thebeautybrains.com — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 06:01:49 +0100

Product Girl wonders if the “snowberry” used in Bath & Body Works Sparkling Snow Anti-Bacterial Soap is a real ingredient. A look at the label should give us the answer. Ingredients Water The usual suspect that makes up the bulk of most formulations. Sodium laureth sulfate A common, and not very expensive cleansing agent. Also known as SLES. Fragrance According to the BBS website, this product leaves your skin with the “scent” of snowberry which suggests to us that it’s added as part of the fragrance instead of a stand alone ingredients. There is a plant called “snowberry” (technically known as “Symphoricarpos”) but we’ve never heard of it being used as a fragrance component. PPG -1, PEG-9 Lauryl glycol ether Thickeners. D...

Can Tweezing Eyebrows Make You Sneeze?

thebeautybrains.com — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 06:01:55 +0100

Brow Beaten asks…I tweeze my own eye brows and I notice that almost every time I tweeze I start to sneeze. My sister says I’m just imagining it and it doesn’t happen all the time but I thought maybe you could find out. The Left Brain responds: Dear Brow Beaten, your “tweeze and sneeze” problem is a new question that I’ve never heard. I wasn’t able to find any documentation in the technical literature to confirm this effect is real but I can think of two possible mechanisms that could explain what’s happening to you. Tweeze and sneeze First, the act of pulling hairs out of your brows could be agitating the follicle and triggering a histamine response. Histamines are chemicals in your body that are released in response to certain injuries. ...

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Product Give Away: Izzie Skirt from Shabby Apple

thebeautybrains.com — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 00:32:47 +0100

Hey Everyone! Sarah Bellum here with a special year end post. This isn’t our typical beauty science Q&A, but Lefty and Righty and I thought it would be fun to give you guys a chance to win some free stuff! What we’re giving away A cute “Izzie” pencil skirt (see picture above) from Shabby Apple (www.shabbyapple.com), an online boutique of women’s dresses. It features vines and blooms in an intricate bright green pattern across a pale aqua background and it’s capped with a 2″ wide waistband for a flattering high-waist fit. How to enter Leave a comment on this post and tell us which Shabby Apple product (dress or other item) is your favorite. Go to FaceBook and “Like” Shabby Apple. That’s all you have to do. We’ll a...

Look at the Label: Botani Boost Balancing Moisturizer

thebeautybrains.com — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 06:01:43 +0100

Some beauty blog was impressed with Botani Boost Balancing Moisturizer because it uses Aloe Vera as the base along with other natural ingredients. Is she right? Let’s look at the label to find out. Ingredients Water (Aqua) This is the true “base” of the product. Aloe Barbadensis (Leaf) Extract Mostly water, but there is some evidence that aloe is good for skin. Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil Moisturizing oil. Most formulas would have a silicone or mineral oil as the most prominent “oil” in the formula. Lecithin Natural emulsifier. It’s unusual to see this as a primary emulsifier. Glycerin Humectant, attracts moisture. Squalane (Olive) Moisturizing oil that’s very similar to natural sebum in skin. Glyceryl Stearate, Potassium Cet...

Is Shea Moisture Shampoo Missing Ingredients?

thebeautybrains.com — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 06:01:12 +0100

CJ3…I love the Shea Moisture line, and the Organic Raw Shea Butter Moisture Retention Shampoo. The other day as I was shampooing my hair, I decided to look at the back of the bottle at the ingredients and I noticed a few things were missing. I could care less if there are silicones and parabens in my hair products, my main concern is do they work. But I do prefer that a company be honest about what’s in their products. The shampoo is thick with a pearlized sheen and a strong floral fragrance. But when I look at the ingredients, I don’t see a thickener/Pearlizer, fragrance, or a preservative. Is it possible to have a shampoo be thickened by Shea Butter only? Is it possible for a shampoo to have a pearl sheen and floral scent from extracts? Is Vitamin E enough of a preserva...

Look at the Label: Macadamia Natural Oil Healing Oil Treatment

thebeautybrains.com — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 06:01:40 +0100

Nouveau Cheap says that Macadamia Natural Oil Healing Oil Treatment makes her hair soft and shiny. But what makes this nut cracker so sweet? Please take a moment to savor that clever Christmas pun; then, let’s look at the label! Ingredients Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone Silicones that smooth hair and make it shiny. Dimethicone is the CLASSIC hair shine enhancer and it’s mixed with Cyclomethicone to make it more spreadable. The Cyclomethicone evaporates leaving behind a light coating of dimethicone. These are the “work horse” ingredients that make deliver the treatment benefits of this product. Tocopheryl Acetate This is Vitamin E. It can have a lubricating effect on hair but it’s likely that it’s used at very low levels here. It might be added to help p...

Can A Dry Body Lotion Moisturize Your Skin?

thebeautybrains.com — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 06:01:55 +0100

Natalia asks…I got this body moisturizer as present. When you apply it it is fine but within a minute it goes absolutely dry and it feels like you have nothing on your skin! As much as I like that feeling I wonder if its really moisturizing? Or if it might even be doing harm to my sensitive, dry, skin? The Right Brain responds: Here are the ingredients for Natalia’s nameless product: Aqua, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ceteareth-20, Glyceryl Stearate, Isopropyl Palmitate, Carbomer, Sodium Hydroxide, Prunus amygdalos dulcis oil, PCA Na, Acetamide MEA, Dimethicone, Mineral Oil, Passiflora incarnata Fruit Extract, Calendula officinalis Flower Extract, Disodium EDTA, BHT, Triclosan, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Imidazolidinyl Urea, Parfum, Benzotriazoyl dodecyl, P-Cresol, CI 15985, CI 19140. ...

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Christmas Beauty Science

thebeautybrains.com — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 06:01:58 +0100

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays everyone! The Beauty Brains are taking the day off to be with our families so we’re re-running one of our favorite Christmas-themed posts. We all have our favorite memories of the season – Christmas trees, stockings stuffed with gifts, the beauty of a new fallen snow. But nothing says “happy holidays” quite like this study I found on the composition and pharmaceutical activity of chondroitan sulfate obtained from reindeer trachea. That’s right, I said “reindeer trachea.” Although chondroitan sulfate is usually employed as a joint medication, chondroitan-based ingredients do make their way into a variety of skin care beauty products. Could jolly ol’ Santa be secretly harvesting reindeer trachea for big Pharm...

Will Sulfate Free Shampoo Wash Away Pomade?

thebeautybrains.com — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 06:01:56 +0100

Celeste asks…Is a SLS free shampoo or cowasing enough to remove pomades from hair? The Right Brain responds: Celeste asked her question in the Beauty Brains forum, where the ever-savvy Lindygirl quipped “I’m not a Brain, but I would think it would depend on what ingredients the pomades have in them. If they have silicones you would most likely need to use a shampoo with sulfates periodically to remove any buildup.” As usual, LindyGirl rocked the house. The removability of any given pomade TOTALLY depends on the ingredients in that particular formula. If it’s a light polymer based formula, SLS-free is probably fine. Cowashing will NOT clean hair as well and so may be a problem. If the pomade is a heavy silicone or wax based formula, you may need the extra clean...

Should a Philips Norelco Sensotouch 3D Shaver be in your stocking?

thebeautybrains.com — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 06:01:45 +0100

Some weeks ago the good folks at Philips sent the Beauty Brains a free electric shaver (Philips Norelco) to try out and write about what we think. This is a little different than other types of posts we do but shaving is not a topic that we cover very often and it is definitely beauty related. As a long time blade user, I was a bit skeptical about the benefits of an electric shaver but thought I’d give it a try. Here are some of the obvious benefits. Benefits of an electric shaver There are a number of benefits that an electric shaver has over a standard blade. These include. 1. More convenient – To use an electric shaver you don’t even need a sink. You can do it on a dry skin surface and where you are doesn’t really matter. Definitely a plus for people on the go....

10 Tips for Getting Better Sleep in 2012

Aviisha blogs — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 21:13:44 +0100

Good sleep is essential to good health, concentration, weight loss, and mood. The better we sleep, the better we feel. In honor of the new year, Aviisha Medical Institute, the national leader in home sleep care, has combed through the research on sleep medicine to create a list of 10 ways to improve your sleep health and have a productive, enjoyable year.read more (Source: Aviisha blogs)

Can Retin-A Kill You?

thebeautybrains.com — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 06:01:09 +0100

Beaners is bothered…I’ve looked everywhere for an answer to this, but can’t seem to find one! Given that retinoids are so good at building collagen, thickening the dermis and making skin texture better, I’d like to use it on my legs (entire circumference of the thighs) to help improve the texture of thinning, slack, crepey skin. I’m worried, though, about absorption into the bloodstream as I’ve heard that retinoids used in large amounts can cause vit. A toxicity. I realize that Tazorac is a synthetic retinoid, but don’t know whether that means it bears no resemblence whatsoever to Vitamin A, or whether it’s simply a synthetic form of the vitamin? And even if it’s not, then could large-scale application of Tazorac still be dangerous? I...

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Look At The Label: Clinique Lid Smoothie

thebeautybrains.com — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 06:01:12 +0100

Palacinka Beauty is a little freaked out by cooling makeup but is starting to warm up to the idea of Clinique Lid Smoothies. What makes this eye make up feel so cool? Let’s look at the label to find out. Ingredients Water Solvent. Dimethicone Silicone to give lids a smooth feel. Isododecane A volatile hydrocarbon, that means it will evaporate and make your eyelids feel cooler. (I had expected to see some kind of menthol derivative to give a cooling effect but that’s not a good idea to use around the eyes – this is a much better solution.) Methyl Trimethicone Silicone based emulsifier. Trimethylsiloxyslicate, HDI/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer Spreading agents. Polysilicone-11 Slip and smooth agent. Glycerin Another humectant. Magneseum Myristate Emulsifier. Cope...

Crippling Toxins Around Us We Do Not Know About

Doctor Kalitenko antiaging blog — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 17:30:13 +0100

When we use something every day we want it to be 100% safe, especially if it’s approved for home use. None want to keep hazards next to us, but now it seems that such common, innocent looking things can literally cripple us. When a 15 year old boy bought a laser pointer on the internet, he didn’t think it would cripple him. He started playing with it in front of the mirror to create a light show. The result was disastrous: he could not see as clearly as before – as the laser beam hit his eyes and damaged his retina, which lets us see things. How did this happen? Lasers sold to the public should have an output of no more than 5mW, which is considered harmless. Lesson to learn here: it turned out that what was considered harmless wasn’t harmless at all. But we’re not all play...

Can Protein Conditioner Stop Mushy Hair?

thebeautybrains.com — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 06:01:01 +0100

Hyspin asks…In the black natural hair community there’s a big thing about controlling hair breakage by balancing your protein and moisture with conditioners (leave-ins and rinse-outs). But I have read time and time again that protein doesn’t do anything but a lot of women swear if they don’t do the protein treatments their hair becomes mushy or over stretches; in other words, with moisture conditioning their hair that becomes mushy with too much moisture. What is really happening here? Does the protein really make a difference? The Right Brain responds: We’ve seen this “mushy” effect on African American hair that has been relaxed, so here’s what we think is most likely happening: Protein conditioners don’t over condition Hair that ha...

A Pill For Healthy Aging & Health

Straightfromthedoc — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 01:12:44 +0100

© BytemarksTechnology and research has come a long way. If you've ever wanted to go back in time and change your health to ensure that you age slower and look and feel better, there are new research suggesting that it can be done from just one pill. Although this sounds too good to be true, many individuals are looking towards new research for results. Animal studies have shown that those on a near-starvation diet tend to live longer then those on a regular diet. ... (Source: Straightfromthedoc)

The McDonald's Blues

Straightfromthedoc — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 20:07:15 +0100

© colros When talking about the McDonald's blues, this article isn't referencing the cheesy Mac Tonight moon character the fast food chain introduced as a ploy to lure adults into restaurants in the mid 1980's. Many studies by research facilities strongly suggest that eating diets rich in foods that are high in trans-fats leads to higher rates of depression. Evn though diets high in fiber and nutrients found in vegetables have the exact opposite effect, people can still tend choose to eat foods they know ... (Source: Straightfromthedoc)

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Look at the Label: Scotch Naturals Watercolors Nail Polish

thebeautybrains.com — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 06:01:37 +0100

Vivawoman gives 5 out of 5 stars to Scotch Nails water-based nail colors. Let’s look at the label to see what is, and in this case what is NOT, in this formula. Ingredients Water It make sense that water is the first ingredient since this product is not based on typical nail polish solvents like ethyl acetate or butyl acetate. Acrylic polymer emulsion This is the actual polish ingredient in the formula. Acrylic polymers are commonly used in nail polishes but they usually have to be dissolved in solvents like those listed above. In the case of this product, the polymers are in “emulsion” form which means they’re made to be mixed with water. The term “Acrylic polymer emulsion” is a bit misleading because it is descriptive of a class of chemicals but i...

How Does Witch Hazel Work?

thebeautybrains.com — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 06:01:53 +0100

Zoe K says…How do tannins found in witch hazel act as an astringent? And how is witch hazel modified from its original state to its state in cosmetics? The Right Brain responds: After reading the StevenFoster educational monograph we’re now equipped to tell you more than you ever wanted to know about witch hazel. How does witch hazel act as an astringent? First, we’ll explain that astringents are materials that give the skin a feeling of tightness. In the case of witch hazel the active ingredient is a chemical called a tannin. (At the time of this writing it’s close to Christmas, so I’m tempted to work in some kind of pun about a “tannin bomb.” But I won’t.) Anyway, tannins can cross link proteins causing biological structures like skin t...

Look at the Label: Aveda Men Pure-Formance Liquid Pomade

thebeautybrains.com — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 06:01:57 +0100

Our friend over at the Chap blog (“Chap” is the metric equivalent of “dude” for those of you who aren’t savvy with UK-speak) likes the Aveda Men Pure-Formance Liquid Pomade hair styler. Let’s look at the label and see what’s in it that helps shine up the dude’s do so well. Ingredients Water Solvent for the other ingredients. Glycerin Moisturizer, will help keep hair looking glossy. Denatured Ethanol Not sure we you’d have ethanol as the third ingredient since none of the rest of the ingredients seem to need it as a carrier. Methyl GLUCETH-10 Emulsifier to help the ingredients mix together. Hydroxypropyl Starch Helps hold the hair in place, although this won’t work nearly as well as many other styling resins. Capryl Glycol Anot...

Why Is Soap Bad For Hair?

thebeautybrains.com — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 06:01:38 +0100

Ximena asks…I’ve also decided to go the most natural with my shampoos. With my fine hair I’ve never had a problem removing dirt and grease, never needed anything strong to make it stay clean and I wash it every other day although it can go for two days with no wash if I use a dry shampoo. I’ve started to make my own castille soap making sure everything is very measured so it’s the mildest possible but I find that, for my hair, it leaves a bit of a waxy feeling in the roots. After that I tried Dr. Organic Aloe Vera shampoo. I don’t use it pure though as I think it lacks silicones and the hair ends up quite rough when wet: I mix equal parts of shampoo and filtered water and a few drops of olive oil. It leaves my hair perfect and no conditioner needed (ev...

Look at the Label: Ambi Even & Clear Exfoliating Wash

thebeautybrains.com — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 06:01:07 +0100

Palacinka Beauty blogged about Ambi Even & Clear Exfoliating Wash and thinks it’s the the perfect choice if you have sensitive skin. Why oh why is it so good? Let’s look at the label! This is an over the counter acne drug product and it correctly lists the active drug ingredient first, followed by the “inactive” ingredients. Non-drug would be a better term since these ingredients do have function in the formula. Ingredients Active Ingredients: Salicylic Acid (0.5%) Acne Medication Inactive Ingredients: Butylene Glycol Primary solvent or carrier for the product. (Normally that’s the role of water. Products made without water are called “anhydrous.”) Cetearyl Alcohol Emulsifier, thickener, bodyifier (is that even a word?) Citric Acid Adjusts pH...

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Will Body Mint Reduce Body Odor and Bad Breath?

thebeautybrains.com — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 06:02:36 +0100

Long time readers of the Beauty Brains may be familiar with a post we wrote back in 2007 about “Why Body Mint is a Disappoint-mint.“ Based on references that we had seen at the time, we wrote that the product would not reduce all body odors as suggested by the product’s claims. Body Mint revisited Wow! That post unleashed a crap-storm of comments (almost 90 at last count.) You can click the link above to read all of them, but suffice it to say that discussion got a bit…ugly…at times. Regardless, based on these comments we took another look and found that indeed, as many of the readers said, Chlorophyllin (not chlorophyll) is the active ingredient in Body Mint and it does have some proven odor fighting properties. Specifically, the evidence shows that product...

Prostate Milking Machine for Happy Rear Endings

Timemaster MD — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 04:35:36 +0100

Discussions should begin at: * 50 for average-risk men * 45 for men at high risk (including African-Americans) * 40 for men with a strong family history of prostate cancer. The American Urological Association recommends a first-time PSA test at age 40, with follow-ups per doctor’s orders.The sex massage begins with a thorough soaping down in a large tub, attached to the room. The girls can be quite adept at this and will join you in the tub. After that, you get a romp on the bed. Girls in these establishments may go with quite a few men during a day’s work, and the whole encounter is supposed to last about an hour and half. Mostly, they expect to be done in less than 45 minutes, and the moment you shoot, she’ll generally wrap it all up. Price is between 1,000 and 1,600 baht (...

Look at the Label: Proactiv Green Tea Moisturizer

thebeautybrains.com — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 06:01:49 +0100

A Mom In Red High Heels recently blogged about how Proactiv Green Tea is good for skin, but does green tea really moisturize? Let’s look at the label to find out. Ingredients Water (aqua) This ingredient is properly listed for a change! Usually we see “”pure water” or “natural spring water” or some other illegal version. Kudo’s to Proactiv for getting it right. Glycerin A good humectant which means it will attract moisture to skin from the air. Butylene glycol Another moisture binder. Dimethicone One of the best ingredients for sealing moisture into the skin. Iris florentina root extract, macadamia ternifolia seed oil Nuts and flowers. Epigallocatechin gallate This active ingredient in green tea extract that everyone is so excited about. (It̵...

What Can You Do About Bumpy Chicken Skin?

thebeautybrains.com — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 06:01:02 +0100

Rics really needs to know…I don’t know if what I have is what they call chicken skin since when I searched in the internet about it I read that there should be redness on the part of your body where you have chicken skin. Mine doesn’t have that. It’s more like when you have goosebumps when you’re cold or frightened, in my case that ‘goosebumps’ seemed to not go away, regardless. I’d like to cure that so I’ll have blemish-free skin even up-close. Also, the problem is not only when you look at it you’ll see them, but to touch your skin and you feel those little bumps like when you touch the skin of a featherless chicken, I feel self-conscious. I hope it’s curable. But honestly is it really (curable)? can anyone suggest any med...

Literature Couture: Quirky Makeup Tutorials and More

thebeautybrains.com — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 19:01:11 +0100

One of our new favorite beauty blogs is Literature Couture. While it features some fairly typical product reviews, it’s unlike any other blog we’ve ever seen because of its unusual mix of influences: Gothic novels, detective fiction, feminist theory, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Art Deco design, and abject art, to name a few. Perhaps most intriguing are the makeup tutorials which give you step by step directions on how to duplicate the look of famous artistic and historical figures such as 1920′a silent film actress Gloria Swanson, Queen Elizabeth I, Anne Boleyn, and Sigrun the Valkyrie. If you enjoy beauty blogs with a dash of culture, check out Literature Couture. (Source: thebeautybrains.com)

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Look at the Label: Cle de Peau Gentle Cleansing Foam

thebeautybrains.com — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 06:01:08 +0100

Pedro of East To West Skincare wants to know why Shiseido’s Clé de Peau Gentle Cleansing Foam leaves his face feeling moisturized. Let’s look at the label! Ingredients Sorbitol, Glycerin These are moisture-grabbing lubricants. It’s unusual to see them this high in the ingredient list in a product like this. These are one reason your face feels so moisturized. Water It’s just…water. Potassium Stearate, Potassium Myristate These are “soap” materials that help the product foam. They provide a “fatty” cushion feel too. Also part of the moisturized feel. Sodium Methyl Cocyl Taurate A very mild cleanser, found in high end products. I’ve seen data that shows this ingredients strips much less oil from your skin. You’ll no...

Will Chamomile In Renpure Organics Shampoo Lighten My Hair?

thebeautybrains.com — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 06:01:11 +0100

Victoria is very curious…I bought Renpure Organics body & shine shampoo and according to the bottle ingredients list, chamomile extract is the 6th ingredient. I’ve never dyed my hair and it is a very dark brown, almost black. What are the chances the chamomile flower extract will lighten my hair? I don’t intend to change the color of my hair. I just bought this shampoo to try out a new one and didn’t realize it had chamomile extract until I after I bought it. The Left Brain responds: Don’t worry, Victoria, the chamomile won’t have any effect on your hair color. Here’s why: Chamomile in shampoo isn’t the coloring kind If you use the right part of the plant, chamomile can have some natural staining properties. It has a light yellow color an...

Look At The Label: Dr. Hauschka Intense Garnet Lipstick

thebeautybrains.com — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 06:01:26 +0100

A Girl’s Gotta Spa waxed eloquently about red lip color, specifically Dr. Hauschka’s Intense Garnet. If you like her description of this red shade, let’s look at the label to see which dyes to look for (and to learn what the other ingredients do.) Ingredients Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil Natural lubricating, moisturizing oils that help the waxes spread on your lips. Rosa Canina Fruit Extract No function but it looks good on the label! Lanolin Sheep wool extract that moisturizes lips and lubricates the stick so it spreads easily on your lips. Beeswax (Cera Alba) Waxes like this give the stick a strong structure yet still keep it spreadable. Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Root Extract Although it’s not an approved color...

Do Frownies Really Fight Wrinkles?

thebeautybrains.com — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 06:01:43 +0100

Hin asks…Are Frownies really a hollywood beauty secret,do they help to smooth forehead lines and creases between your eye brows (especially if some one has a habit of scrunching eyebrows)? The Right Brain responds: This question has come up from several of our readers. Lucia, for example, asked if “can using a patch to relax muscles while sleeping reduce wrinkles?” The answer comes from understanding the underlying role of muscles in facial wrinkles (pun intended). But first let’s look at how Frownies are supposed to work. What are Frownies? Frownies been around since the late 1800′s and they are allegedly used by Hollywood’s elite to secretly fight wrinkles. These adhesive strips are applied to your between the eyes, across the forehead, and at the co...

Look at the Label: SpaRitual Nutri-Thick Nail Thickener

thebeautybrains.com — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 06:01:34 +0100

15 Minute Beauty Fanatic brags about Spa Ritual’s Nutri Thick nail thickener. Wanna see what makes it work? Ingredients Butyl Acetate, SD Alcohol 40B, Ethyl Acetate Solvents to dissolve all the other goodies. Nitrocellulose, Adipic Acid/Neopentyl Glycol/Trimellitic Anhydride Copolymer FIlm forming agents that create a reinforcing layer on your nails. Isopropyl Alcohol Secondary solvent. Triphenyl Phosphate, Trimethyl Pentanyl Diisobutyrate, Ethyl Tosylamide, Camphor Resin modifiers that keep the film flexible. Benzophenone-1 UV aborber to protect the formula from light exposure. Dimethicone Cuticle conditioning agent Calcium Pantothenate Calcium can help strengthen nails by cross-linking. Read What’s The Best Product For Brittle Nails to learn how it works. CI 60725/Violet 2 A...

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5 Reasons Why Exercise Is Bad For Your Skin

thebeautybrains.com — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 06:01:25 +0100

Rutiga really wants to know…Is working out good for my skin? And if it is how does it work? The Left Brain responds: I looked for evidence that exercise increases cell turn over in the stratum corneum which would be measurable proof that working out renews skin more rapidly. While I couldn’t find a definitive study for this effect, I did find references from several dermatologists regarding the indirect benefits of exercise. How exercise is good for skin Increased nourishment As you might imagine, exercise improves circulation which helps keep skin healthy. Increased blood flow nourishes skin cells and carries away waste products. (Remember that toxins are removed by the liver, not the skin.) (1) Reduced stress-related breakouts Exercise relieves stress and therefore can allev...

Ole Henriksen Micro/mini Peel System: Look At The Label

thebeautybrains.com — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 06:01:52 +0100

Literature Couture recently tried the Ole Henriksen micro/mini peel system and had some irritation issues with the lemon strip product (one of three products in the kit.) Let’s take a look at the label to see what might have caused her problems. Lemon Strip Ingredients: Water (Aqua) Our favorite solvent. Algae Extract Not really sure why this is the second ingredient. It won’t have any peeling function but it may help increase viscosity/give texture. Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid Alphahydroxy acids that give the product it’s peel power. Too much of these can definitely make your face sting! Glycerin A moisturizer in a leave on product; doesn’t really do much but adjust texture in a product like this. Xanthan Gum Another viscosity/texture controlling agent. M...

Look At The Label: Ole Henriksen Micro/mini Peel System

thebeautybrains.com — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 06:01:52 +0100

Menage a Trois Causes Adult Acne

thebeautybrains.com — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 06:01:23 +0100

“It’s like having lots of gasoline…and a match.” That’s how the lead researcher describes his team’s break through in skin research. Rosacea revealed Dr. Richard L. Gallo, M.D. Ph.D. of the University of California’s San Diego School of Medicine and his team of researchers have found the cause of rosacea, a condition also referred to as adult acne. (You can learn more about the red-faced regret of rosacea here.) They discovered that unlike real acne, which is caused by bacteria, rosacea is caused by a combination of two abnormal factors. A protein menage a trois According to Science Daily, Dr. Gallo’s team found that when too much of two different inflammatory proteins are produced, they interact and boost the levels of a third protein. It’s this unusu...

Lush Ro’s Argan Body Conditioner: Look at the Label

thebeautybrains.com — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 06:01:07 +0100

Product Girl recently blogged about Lush’s Argan Body Conditioner, let’s take a look label to see what goodies it contains. Ingredients Fresh Spring Water (Aqua) The solvent for the rest of the ingredients. Technically this is mislabeled since “water” is the correct legal name for H2O. Glycerine Moisturizer Almond Oil (Prunus dulcis), Cypress Leaf Infusion (Cupressus sempervirens), Brazil Nut Oil (Bertholletia Excelsa), Vanilla Pod (Vanilla planifolia), Fair Trade Shea Butter (Butyrospermum parkii) Moisturizing oils. Some mislabeling again since “Fair Trade” isn’t part of the legal name of this material. Stearic Acid A fatty material that makes up the backbone of the formula. Argan Oil (Argania spinosa) and Cupuacu Butter (Theobroma Grand...

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Expire or Perspire: When Antiperspirants Go Bad

thebeautybrains.com — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 06:01:25 +0100

Jenna’s question…Do you really have to heed the expiration date on antiperspirants and deodorants? Is it dangerous to use any that have expired? The Right Brain replies: If you read 5 Ways That Beauty Products Go Bad, you know that regular cosmetic products (like deodorants) are NOT required to have an expiration date in the US. But products like antiperspirants that are over the counter drugs, do have to provide a date. Is it dangerous to use an antiperspirant that’s past it’s expiration date? Well, it’s not as dangerous as being in jail with flesh eating bacteria, but there are a fews things you should know: Top 3 Ways Antiperspirants Can Expire 1. Active ingredient absentia The worst that can happen is that the active ingredient loses efficacy and it doesnR...

Please don’t feed the Fat women!

Timemaster MD — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 20:24:05 +0100

Plus Plus Plus Size War Don’t play Chicken with this girl – you may lose a finger or two! Fat, Dumb, and Gassy Jessica Simpson was less than 3 Twinkies away from looking like this - I hear her daisy duke shorts exploded last year! Now, rumor is that she has been signed with a weight loss company to lose her fat for $4 Million dollars. That is about $40,000/lb or so, not bad. I think it is sad when someone is 7 months pregnant and people weren’t sure she was carrying a child, or mountains of bon bons. It’s not the Meat Jessica recently said, “My belly is officially bigger than my boobs..well kinda…ha,” You have to admit, the one thing she might be good at is breast feeding. She seems anatomically gifted in that regard, even tho...

How to Protect yourself from Radiation

Doctor Kalitenko antiaging blog — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 17:23:17 +0100

We all know that radiation isn’t safe by any means – and according to the BEIR VII report, even low doses of it can be damaging. What this means is that some everyday activities possess a potential danger of damaging radiation, such as: Flying in an airplane at high altitudes. The protective effect of the atmosphere is at its lowest point here and you may get more radiation than you are supposed to. X-Ray machines and nuclear medicine procedures, airport scanners, etc. Industrial radiography. Nuclear plant radiation or radioactive contamination, and fallout from damaged reactors. Uranium mining. Eating food, even uncontaminated (It is called the ‘Banana Equivalent Dose’, informally defined as the additional dose of radiation a person will absorb from eating one bana...

Your Hair Style Could Be Causing Hair Loss

thebeautybrains.com — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 06:01:54 +0100

If you’re worried about hair loss, you may be interested in this hair loss research published in the British Journal of Dermatology. It turns out that hairstyles involving tight braiding (corn rows) or hair extensions can lead to permanent hair loss. That’s right, gone…no more…bald patches for life. The situation is made even worse if straightening chemicals are used. According to the researchers who examined over 2000 people in South Africa, one third of women had “traction alopecia” as did 1 out of 7 children. And the worst part is that it’s likely that the hair won’t grow back. What’s Causing the Hair Loss? The Beauty Brains have previously talked about traction alopecia. It is a condition in which a constant pulling action l...

Makeup Remover Secret: 5 Reasons To Use Baby Wipes!

thebeautybrains.com — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 06:01:42 +0100

Carmen’s question… I realize this is an icky revelation — but I frequently find myself too pooped at the end of the evening to properly wash my face. Sometimes I go to bed with my makeup still on, and I know that’s not good. I’m considering buying face wipes to at least take some of the grunge off before plunging into bed. But what about just using baby wipes? Aren’t they basically the same thing? They’re certainly cheaper! The Right Brain’s pampered response: Yes, Carmen, you can use baby wipes to remove makeup. Here are 5 things to think about before you baby your face: 1. Cost Wow, what a difference! The cost of an average Baby Wipe = 5.5 cents each. Cost of an average Make Up Remover = 33 cents each (For baby products we used the average cost of...

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Is Charcoal Good For Acne?

thebeautybrains.com — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 06:01:07 +0100

Joolia’s just asking…There’s a product called Dr. Ci:Labo Basic Black Blemish Control Gel that uses charcoal to treat acne. Does it really help? The Right Brain simply says: It’s tough to find much information on this product, but according to the product info on Amazon.com Dr.Ci:Labo’s Basic Black Charcoal Gel “contains charcoal that absorbs excess sebum and helps maintain clean skin.” The company doesn’t seem to be directly claiming that charcoal is good for acne, but the formula does contain salicylic acid which is an active drug that really works. What causes acne? As you know if you read our post on the causes of acne, there are three different factors that cause your face to populated with pimples. Excess skin oil (sebum) production is one of the caus...

Sigma Beauty Makeup Brushes: In the Beauty Brains Bathroom

thebeautybrains.com — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 18:02:19 +0100

Even though the Beauty Brains don’t do traditional reviews, from time to time we like to share new products that we’re trying. We want you to know that we received free samples in exchange for a mention on our blog and that we’re not necessarily recommending you buy anything. We’re just sharing new product news; please do your own research before you buy. This week we have one product to share. Sigma Beauty Brushes What the manufacture says: Sigma Beauty is a rapidly growing cosmetic company that specializes in cosmetic brushes, makeup and accessories based in the United States. By combining both high quality and affordable prices, Sigma Beauty is unlike anything else in the industry. Sarah Bellum says: I was the lucky recipient of a set of sample brushes and in general I like them...

The Little Known Connection Between Your Hair and a Turkey Dinner

thebeautybrains.com — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 06:01:26 +0100

Since it’s Thanksgiving Day here in the U.S. we’re re-running our annual post about hairy turkey… What does your hair have in common with turkey? They both contain a chemical called tryptophan. Tryptophan is one of the amino acids that make up the protein structure of hair. It is also easily degraded by UV radiation so when scientists measure sun damage to hair, they can measure how much tryptophan is lost. Hairy turkey Tryptophan is also the chemical that people claim is responsible for making you sleepy after a big Thanksgiving dinner. Except that’s not really true. Snopes.com has an excellent debunking of the turkey-tryptophan myth. While it IS true that some forms of tryptophan can be a natural sedative, the kind in turkey (and many other meats as well) doesn&...

Are Anti-Bacterial Soaps Good For Acne?

thebeautybrains.com — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 06:01:59 +0100

Crystal asks (via Facebook)…I have been using foam antibac soap to wash my face and I have noticed my breakouts have become fewer and easier to get rid of. I grew up with really bad acne and this has pretty much helped me the best. It’s easy to use and gets all my makeup off. Do you think it’s really killing the bacteria on my face? The Right Brain responds: The main ingredient in most anti-bacterial soaps, Triclosan, is not currently approved for use in acne products in the US. But we found several studies in the scientific literature regarding that show it may actually work! Triclosan is terrific The first study, “The effectiveness of topical antibacterials in acne: a double-blind clinical study1″ tested Triclosan and Triclosan with propylene pheoxetol ag...

Will Spring Water Give You Stones?

thebeautybrains.com — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 06:01:47 +0100

Michelle wonders…I drink spring water ONLY on a daily basis, around 2-4 bottles a day, and i heard that by drinking too much spring water, it might cause kidney stone because they contain minerals?? is that true? or would drinking too much spring water have any other negative effects on your body?? The Left Brains watery reply: The main problem with drinking that much spring water is that it will cost you a lot of money. It also creates a large amount of plastic waste so it is not a very environmentally conscious thing to do. You are much better off drinking filtered tap water. The sad truth is many bottled water companies actually just take city tap water run it through a simple filter and call spring water. You probably aren’t even drinking actual spring water. In fact,...

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Is your stomach your second brain?

Doctor Kalitenko antiaging blog — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 18:43:11 +0100

Do you occasionally have bloating, constipation, foul smelling gas, abdominal distension or heart burn? Are your hands or feet numb or tingling? Do you have an irregular heartbeat? If so, you may be suffering from a lack of digestive enzymes. Whatever you ingest through your mouth will be digested and absorbed into your body, that’s self-evident. It’s why so many people are leaning towards minerals and supplements as well as high-quality foods – because these beneficial ingredients will be digested, absorbed and utilized by the body. This is to assume that their digestive system is working properly, but that may not be the case. As we age, our ability to digest declines so that by the age of 75, our ability to digest decreases significantly. But does it really matter? Enzymes ...

Does WrinkleMD Eye Patch Really Work?

thebeautybrains.com — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 06:01:25 +0100

Hin asks…WrinkleMD eye hyaluronic acid filler patch system is promoted on TV to reduce the appearance of crow’s feet. Do these kinds of gadgets really works like injectable hyaluronic acid or even closer to it? The Right Brain responds: This WrinkleMD Eye product, made by University Medical Pharmaceuticals, consists of a patch containing a hyaluronic acid (HA) solution coupled with an “Activator Pod” that generates electric current. The combination results in an “Advanced delivery system works deep in the skins surface – deeper than the leading anti wrinkle creams or serums – for clinically proven superior results.” If you’re asking “is this product a good moisturizer that will reduce the appearance of wrinkles?” then the answ...

Will Kerastase Hair Relaxers Straighten Hair Like Japanese Rebonding?

thebeautybrains.com — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 06:01:11 +0100

Intrigued…I want to know whether treatment with Kerastase hair relaxers (straighteners) is the same as Japanese rebonding of hair (as permanent straightening is known in most Bangalore (India) salons)? If not, what is the difference and what is safer for brown hair (Asian) streaked with a golden tint? The Right Brain replies: The only Kerastase straightening products we were able to locate are in their “Oleo Relax” line. This line consists of 3 cleansers, 2 treatments, and 3 protectant products. These are traditional shampoos and conditioner products in the sense that they don’t contain any reactive chemicals that will to permanently (or even semi-permanently) straighten your hair. Japanese straightening, on the other hand, combines thioglycolate (a chemical that...

Where Can You Find A List Of Cosmetic Ingredients?

thebeautybrains.com — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 06:01:03 +0100

Tashana asks…I just have a simple question for the Beauty Brains. Well, I hope it is. I was wondering where I could find a dictionary of approved chemicals, chemical combinations etc or something similar that could be used for creating shampoos, conditioners and other cosmetic items. Is there such a thing? The Left Brain’s locution: The cosmetic industry is self-regulated, and all legitimate manufacturers agree to follow the rules laid out by the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) formerly known as the Cosmetics, Toiletries and Fragrance Association (CTFA). One such rule is that everyone has to label their cosmetics using chemical names found in the International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI). This is the dictionary you seek. Unfortunately, to get access to...

Do Conditioners Cause Your Hair To Fall Out?

thebeautybrains.com — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 06:01:33 +0100

Discussion Results showed that regardless of how much conditioning the shampoo provided, it did not impact hair fall rates. We recognize that this test was done on shampoos, not conditioners as asked in the question. But, it is reasonable to assume that this data could be extrapolated to conditioners for two reason: One, the testing was done with shampoos containing dimethicone which is one of the most popular ingredients used in conditioners. Two, one of the cells tested a two-in-one shampoo which typically contains cationic guar, which is representative of the kind of positively charged (or cationic) ingredients often used in conditioners. Therefore, we’d expect these results to be similar for conditioners. (If anyone finds a more recent study that contradicts our assumption, ple...

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Is Tend Skin Good For Razor Bumps?

thebeautybrains.com — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 06:01:21 +0100

Reiray asks…Are the ingredients in Tend Skin useful and does it work like it claims? The Right Brain responds: Tend Skin is a product designed to treat razor bumps and ingrown hairs (technically known as Pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB) when they occur on the face and Pseudofolliculitis pubis (PFP) when they occur in the genital area.) PFB is caused by a hair fiber becoming trapped under the skin and resultant blocked follicle becomes infected. This is especially common with curly hairs because they are more likely to grow “sideways” instead of straight out. What is Tend Skin and how does it work? PFB products work like this: First, they use glycols (chemicals that have an -OH group) which can penetrate and soften the hair. A softer hair has a looser curl pattern which ...

Rhamnose: Anti-Aging Miracle Or Marketing Ploy?

thebeautybrains.com — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 06:01:41 +0100

ElenaMilano asks…Vichy has created a much publicized rhamnose based anti aging line, called Liftactiv. They claim rhamnose is a very important patented discovery and that it stimulates the papillary dermis, causing it to produce new skin cells, collagen etc. Is it true or is it the usual marketing ruse? The Left Brain responds: Vichy, for those who may not be familiar with the brand, is the self-proclaimed ”number 1 skincare brand in European pharmacies.” Vichy is also owned by L’Oreal so they have access to deep pockets for R&D spending. Liftactiv day cream According to Vichy’s website, there are 13 Liftactiv products, 3 of which contain 5% Rhamnose. Here are ingredients for the day cream: BUTYROSPERMUM PARKII BUTTER / SHEA BUTTER • RHAMNOSE • PRUN...

Sperm wars

Timemaster MD — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 06:18:10 +0100

Where the rubber hits the road Nowadays, condoms come in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors, and flavors, and there are even male and female styles now. There are small ones, huge ones, skinny ones, grape, green, glowing, or peppermint candy ones; from latex to lamb skin – you name it, and there’s one probably out there. Most women appreciate great sex, and the sperm stopping power of condoms, but scoff at the ribbing, bumps, bulges, and gadgets that men have designed into the rubber as ineffective. Birth control pills while doing the best to prevent toddlers in the house, do nothing to stop sexually transmitted diseases, and they have negative consequences for women when it comes to lowering testosterone and increasing risks of stroke. Wouldn’t it be great if w...

Heat Styling Damage Versus Relaxer Damage – Part 2

thebeautybrains.com — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 06:01:06 +0100

NOLA Darling says…As Denise pointed out [in recent comment on this post], a chemical relaxer “rearranges” the hair bonds, permanently smoothing the cuticle so that the hair remains straight. While the hair may be permanently altered, it is not damaged in the sense of split ends and breakage one gets with regular use of a flat iron. As a black woman with 3B hair (i.e., tight corkscrew ringlets) living in the most humid place in the country, who has used both the flat iron and a chemical relaxer to straighten my hair, I (and any hair stylist specializing in “black hair”) will attest to the fact that regular flat ironing is far more damaging. When I decided to start wearing my hair straight for work, I had to flat iron it at least twice a week to keep it frizz free, and every ti...

The Pros and Cons of Laser Hair Removal

thebeautybrains.com — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 06:01:49 +0100

Today’s guest post is on the pros and cons of laser hair removal. Laser hair removal is the latest and most advanced method designed to permanently reduce and eliminate unwanted hair on your face and body. It harnesses advanced technology to cut down on procedure time, expedite recovery and minimize adverse side effects. Yes, there are side effects, as is the case with any medical procedure, but they’re limited to very temporary redness, sensitivity and dryness. Your skin will also be very sensitive to light, which is why you’ll need to protect your skin when you go out religiously. The Technical Stuff There are several laser hair removal technologies, but they all work on the same premise: a device delivers laser energy to the unwanted hair. This laser energy penetrates each hai...

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Is Yogurt A Natural Exfoliant?

thebeautybrains.com — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 06:01:15 +0100

One of our favorite blogs, Vivawoman, recently blogged about using yogurt as a facial exfoliant because it contains an Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA). According to her blog post, “I’m not sure what’s the concentration of AHA in the yogurt but the pH level is definitely under 5 and so most people can use it quite regularly” and that “there is no need to purchase cleansers or creams containing AHA because yogurt is a natural and viable option.” We thought this was an intriguing statement and decided to look at the facts behind lactic acid in yogurt and lotions. Is yogurt a natural exfoliant? First the good news: the pH of yogurt is about 4.5 which IS low enough for it to be effective as an exfoliant. However, according to this food science reference, yogurt only conta...

Halloween Beauty Science

thebeautybrains.com — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 06:01:51 +0100

To celebrate All Hallow’s Eve we’re reposting one of our favorite Halloween articles: Happy Halloween everyone! In honor of this spooky holiday, we’re going to tell you about a demonstration of a scientific principle that not only make for a good Halloween trick, but it also has application in beauty science. Water to blood The trick is to change the color of water to red and then back again to colorless. You can learn everything you need to know to do this trick yourself About.com, but here’s the quick explanation of how it works. Certain compounds act as pH indicators which means they change color depending on the pH. For example, phenolphthalein turns red at a certain pH range. So, if you take two glasses of water with the right pH and add Phenolphthalein to o...

Sleeping Pill Habits are Dangerous

Aviisha blogs — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 22:33:14 +0100

Insomnia is a symptom of an underlying issue, and is not an illness in itself. By simply taking pills and not dealing with the underlying causes of your sleeping problems, there’s little chance it will ever go away – and it could get worse. And if you are taking prescription sleep medications, there is the potential for addiction, which is a very difficult habit to break that may require professional help.read more (Source: Aviisha blogs)

Loser Eraser

Timemaster MD — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 07:02:28 +0100

KICK ZIPPY TO THE CURB AND FORGET HIM Prescription for Peace and Quiet Can you imagine that one day you could just take a little pill and forget all about someone who has done you wrong? Like taking a Tylenol after one too many drinks – poof! and all is well? The real morning after pill! Grudges and revenge be damned – amnesia is the new answer! That is what might be on the horizon as researchers are working on a drug called PKM. Like it never happened! No matter you were dating for years, months or a few days, break-ups bring a lot of pain and are hard to survive. Reviewing all the extra effort, money and time spent, the giving, loving, and helping without return – it just isn’t productive or healthy. Stop grieving and shedding tears over the past, p...

Does My Child Have a Sleeping Disorder?

Aviisha blogs — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 22:31:23 +0100

Sleeping problems among children are fairly common: around 25% of children experience some kind of sleep disturbance.1 These disturbances can range in origin from physical to behavioral, and can be somewhat difficult to assess. Signs of a sleep problem might include daytime tiredness, hyperactivity, attention difficulties, and an inability to concentrate.read more (Source: Aviisha blogs)

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Sign the Safe Cosmetics Alliance Petition

thebeautybrains.com — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 06:01:16 +0100

The Safe Cosmetics Alliance, a coalition comprised of the Personal Care Products Council, the Professional Beauty Association, Independent Cosmetic Manufacturers and Distributors, and the Direct Selling Association, is working with legislators to advance a bill that will strengthen and modernize regulatory oversight of the cosmetic industry while allowing manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, retail owners, salon/spa owners, and licensed beauty professionals to conduct their business. The Safe Cosmetics Alliance Website, SafeCosmeticsAlliance.org, includes a petition urging lawmakers to support responsible cosmetics legislation based on sound scientific principles. We need your help in generating support for this petition, both through your own participation and by sharing it with friend...

What is a Polysomnography?

Aviisha blogs — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 21:22:18 +0100

Polysomnography is considered the “gold standard” for diagnosing obstructive sleep apnea or OSA. OSA is a common but under-diagnosed condition in which breathing ceases temporarily during sleep, up to hundreds of times per night, resulting in lowered blood oxygen levels. read more (Source: Aviisha blogs)

Best Options for Diagnosing Sleep Apnea

Aviisha blogs — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 21:28:18 +0100

Sleep apnea is a highly under-diagnosed condition that results in breathing cessations during sleep, up to hundreds of times a night, which can seriously lower blood oxygen levels. If left untreated, sleep apnea is associated with a host of problems including daytime sleepiness, increase in car accidents and serious illnesses such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.read more (Source: Aviisha blogs)

Will Black Henna Melt My Relaxed Hair?

thebeautybrains.com — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 06:01:15 +0100

Chica1 is curious… I’ve read on a henna forum that metallic salts from lower quality henna can react with your relaxer and cause instant damage (possibly melting) to your hair. If your hair was properly washed after using the lower-quality henna, why would the metallic salts react to the relaxer? I would assume that once your hair was washed, it would be neutralized. I understand that the metallic salt could potentially cause damage and once a relaxer was used, it could inflict further damage but I don’t understand the “melting” theory. Could someone clarify that for me? I was a political science major that probably should have taken more science classes! The Right Brain responds: Let’s start with a little background on henna and hair. Henna chemistry Tr...

Exercise and Sleep Linked to Reduced Cancer Risk

Aviisha blogs — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 21:32:19 +0100

Sleep is becoming recognized as more critical to overall health and well-being than previously recognized, and much research is underway investigating the relationship between sleep quality, duration, and the risk of various diseases and conditions. It has already been determined that sleep disorders such as sleep apnea read more (Source: Aviisha blogs)

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Tired Truck Drivers and Sleep Disorders

Aviisha blogs — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 21:30:31 +0100

OSA is characterized by breathing cessations during sleep, resulting in daytime sleepiness and an increase in the risk of motor vehicle accidents. OSA is a highly under-diagnosed condition that is also associated with obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease.read more (Source: Aviisha blogs)

Find Out if You Have Sleep Apnea - At Home

Aviisha blogs — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 21:19:38 +0100

People with sleep apnea experience cessations in breathing during sleep, and the condition is associated with a range of serious side effects and illnesses. It used to be that you had to go into a sleep lab to have polysomnography, or a sleep test, in order to diagnose sleep apnea. In fact, having the test done in a sleep lab is a highly accurate method of diagnosing sleep apnea. read more (Source: Aviisha blogs)

5 Tips for Adjusting to Daylight Savings

Aviisha blogs — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 21:07:45 +0100

This weekend, we rolled our clocks an hour forward for daylight savings. The time-adjustment tends to leave a lot of people out-of-sync for days or weeks, leaving them tired throughout the day. According to the Department of Transportation, car accidents increase significantly just after daylight savings. Here are simple 5 tips to help you ease your transition into daylight savings.read more (Source: Aviisha blogs)

Can Tequila Body Shots Give You “Lime” Disease?

thebeautybrains.com — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 06:01:12 +0100

Terry is troubled… After vacationing in Cancun, my roommate told me that doing tequila body shots can leave you with scars. Is this true? The Right Brain pours salt on the wound: I don’t know about your roommate, but after one too many tequila shooters, I have seen our fellow Beauty Brain Sarah Bellum wake up with some unexplained marks on her body. But that’s a story for another time… Phytophotowhatsis? The condition you’re referring to is technically known as “phytophotodermatitis.” That’s just a multi-syllabic way of describing a particular type of skin irritation caused by plant extracts that make your skin sensitive to sunlight. Darn those limes! For those of you who don’t know, doing a “body shot” involves drinking a shot of tequila...

How To Get Rid Of Hairspray Residue

thebeautybrains.com — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 15:57:45 +0100

Leska longs to learn… How do you clean hairspray build up off of a curling iron? The Right Brain replies: To answer Leska’s question let’s start with a quick bit of background on hairspray chemistry. How hairspray works Hairsprays (like Sebastian Shaper, Tresemme Tres II, Bumble and Bumble Does It All Styling Spray, and Charles Worthington Big Hair to name a few) work by sticking hair shafts together with tiny droplets of chemical glue, or resins. These resins are polymers that form hard films that weld the hairs together. They’re designed to be water resistant so your hairstyle won’t droop when it’s exposed to high humidity. Unfortunately, that water resistance means that hairspray won’t wash off with water alone. Usually a good shampoo is enou...

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Spoiled Milk and Sour Honey

Timemaster MD — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 08:38:07 +0100

In the land of Milk and Honey (or Los Angeles)- all is not sweet! Everyone seems to be excited and talking about milk and honey shoes, but health conscious folks are concerned more about hormones and pollutants showing up in the milk supply rather than if custom wedding shoes match the theme of the event. Not only are contaminants scary to think about -frankly, cow’s milk isn’t even a properly balanced food . Trying to sweeten the pot with honey? – well that might not be the answer either. Read on to find out why. Milk is not just cold white goodness. The milk of every animal is unique and specifically tailored to the requirements of that species. For example, cows’ milk has more protein in it than human milk does. Three to four times as much, and has fi...

Are Magnets Good For Hair?

thebeautybrains.com — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 06:01:45 +0100

Sharon says…A lot of hair appliances talk about emitting negative ions since they make hair shinier. However, I came across this Giovanni product that claims to use a “positive force” on the hair because “negative electrical charges have left hair desolate and bleak.” So what is the deal with ions in the hair? Does it make a difference if your hair is positively or negatively charged? The Left Brain’s charged response We’ve been hearing about these ionic appliances since we first started and have written about them a couple of times here and here. Ionic Pentameter But your question about whether ions in hair make any difference is one we haven’t directly addressed. Basically, hair has both negative and positively charge sites on it. These ch...

Do Cosmetics Really Cause Cancer?

thebeautybrains.com — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 06:01:45 +0100

We’ve blogged before about our concerns of how the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics and the Environmental Working Group are using fear mongering to scare consumers away from beauty products that are perfectly safe to use. Competitive Enterprise Institute We’re excited to see that the Competitive Enterprise Institute is now committed to exposing the facts behind the propaganda that these groups are spreading. According to Dana Joel Gattuso, author of the CEI Issue Analysis, The True Story of Cosmetics: Exposing the Risks of the Smear Campaign: “As part of their effort to ban the use of synthetic ingredients from skin products, environmental extremist groups are working to incite fear among consumers, making outrageous and bogus claims that we are poisoning ourselves by using lipsti...

The Intriguing Vitamin D

Doctor Kalitenko antiaging blog — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 16:11:24 +0100

No other vitamin has sparked so furious a fight in a medical community as Vitamin D. The debate concerning whether or not it prevents cancer is ongoing. Naturally, the stakes in this fight are extremely high because cancer is the second highest cause of death in this country after cardiovascular disease. For this reason, we all want to know how to protect ourselves from this monster, especially because traditional western medicine does not offer preventative prescriptions. Yes, there are some screening tools like mammograms, colonoscopies and PAP smears, but these are far from 100% accurate. Therefore, we must forge our own fight with regard to cancer prevention. Because traditional medicine does not offer a solution, I had to find one on my own. From the beginning it was not an ...

Does Biotin Give You Beautiful Hair?

thebeautybrains.com — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 06:01:24 +0100

Noa needs to know…I’m using a Biotin shampoo that was recommended by a dermatologist,but i’ve read that the Biotin isn’t absorbed by the skin,so…can this shampoo really benefit my hair? The Right Brain responds: Biotin, also known as vitamin H, is necessary for healthy hair growth. Studies have shown that lack of Biotin sources in your diet can cause hair loss and skin conditions. However, such deficiencies are rather rare and can be easily corrected with supplements and proper diet. Topically applied Biotin, like the shampoo you mentioned, will not help your hair grow. Dermatologist recommended Why then, would a dermatologist recommend a Biotin shampoo? It’s impossible to say for sure without more details from you and your dermatologist and without kno...

Back the jak off

Timemaster MD — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 04:05:22 +0100

We Need To Put The Squeeze on Cancer Currently, one in 4 deaths in the United States is due to cancer. A total of 1,596,670 new cancer cases and 571,950 deaths from cancer are projected to occur in the United States in 2011! While there seems to be some progress being made in diagnosis and genetic predictions, mortality rates remain remarkably resistant to our progress so far. Scientists are really working hard to see how cancer cells seem to outwit us so easily, and they have just found a guy named JAK that is causing problems. SEXY SQUISH Zlata, 24 years old, is considered among the most extreme contortionists in the world, and may provide us with a visual demonstration on how cancer moves in our bodies. Recently, scientists have discovered how cancer cells are able to squeeze b...

Surface Swirl and SmashBox Photo Op: In the Beauty Brains Bathroom

thebeautybrains.com — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 18:03:34 +0100

Even though the Beauty Brains don’t do traditional reviews, from time to time we like to share new products that we’re trying. We want you to know that we received free samples in exchange for a mention on our blog and that we’re not necessarily recommending you buy anything. We’re just sharing new product news; please do your own research before you buy. This week we have two products to share. Surface Swirl Sea Salt Spray What the manufacturer says: “Ocean salts and citrus fruits combine to create tousled beach waves and wind blown volume. Surface hair care is an eco-friendly line of hair products formulated with sustainable harvested ingredients and certified organic botanicals. All Surface products are made with gluten-free, sulfate-free, 100 percent vegan protein and par...

How Egg Whites Make Skin Feel Smoother

thebeautybrains.com — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 06:01:13 +0100

Katherine’s question: I read that you can get smoother skin by rubbing egg white on your face and letting it dry. I tried it and I could feel my skin noticeably tighten – like I imagine Botox feels. Why does this work? The Right Brain tightens up this response: What is an egg white? Egg white, technically known as albumen, is the clear, liquidy part of the egg that provides nourishment for the growing embryo. It consists of proteins (about 15%) dissolved in water. What happens when you cook an egg? When you cook an egg, a chemical reaction causes these proteins to denature, which is a fancy way of saying they react with each other and become less soluble in water. So they turn from a clear, liquidy solution to a white, congealed solid (or goo, depending on how you cook your eggs.) ...

Cosmetic Tips For Cancer Patients

thebeautybrains.com — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 06:01:17 +0100

In honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month we present this guest post on cosmetic tips for cancer patients. When dealing with cancer your body goes through many different changes. This varies from person to person depending on their treatment plan. An obvious result from treatment is hair loss, but there are other physical complications that arise as well. Skin discoloration, skin dryness and sensitivity, and nail discoloration are all common side effects. Fast fixes These can be fixed with easy tricks. First when taking care of dry and sensitive skin it is very important to hydrate daily. Drinking a lot of water and using a moisturizing lotion goes a long way with healthiness of skin (don’t forget the lip balm!). When dealing with sensitive skin it is very important to use ...

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How Does Gel Perfect Create A Glossy Gel Coat?

thebeautybrains.com — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 06:01:22 +0100

Mechanical Me asks…So all of my girlfriends are raging about this new powder that is applied directly to your natural nail, reacts with some agent, and becomes a glossy “gel” over-coat. This sounds suspiciously like how acrylics are made. So my question is this: when put directly onto your nails, does this “gel” solution offer any dangerous side-effects? The Right Brain responds: MM, we’re not familiar with any powders that work this way; do you have any specific brand names you can share with us? The only product that we have seen that reacts to form a glossy gel coat is Natra Nail’s “Gel Perfect.” Nutra Nail Gel Perfect Polish The technology of this product is actually quite interesting. The base coat is a “sealer” contai...

New Healthier Happy Meal for Kids

Doctor Kalitenko antiaging blog — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 18:28:19 +0100

Following pressure to offer healthier foods for kids – McDonald’s announced changes to its Happy Meal boxes, adding apple slices, reducing the serving of french fries, and offering reduced fat or reduced fat chocolate milk. However, are these changes really all that ‘health-conscious’? What’s in the box? A soft drink, milk, chocolate milk, or juice. Sliced apples. French fries. A hamburger, cheeseburger, or chicken nuggets with dipping sauce. The problems here: -The appetite suppressing hormone ‘Leptin’ is proportional to body fat, meaning that fat is actually a better appetite suppressant than carbs. Less fat in your meal means less Leptin, making fat-free products more likely to stimulate appetite than suppress it. -Saturated fats aren’t a problem;...

How Can I Tell If I’m Using Enough Antioxidants?

thebeautybrains.com — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 06:01:28 +0100

FM asks…I also use olive oil as a facial moisturizer. Does this provide sufficient antioxidant protection? The Left Brain responds: Assessing how much antioxidant protection you need is a more difficult question to answer than you might imagine. I just read a great article by one of my favorite dermatologists, Zoe Diana Draelos, that explains the difficulty in measuring antioxidant efficacy under real life conditions. But first I’ll provide a little background. Why are antioxidants important? Your skin (and other body tissues) can contain molecules known as free radicals – these are harmful substances that contain an unpaired electron. When they’re in pairs, electors are “balanced” and don’t pose a problem. But the “loose” electron in f...

Why Are Clean and Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets Made With Mineral Oil?

thebeautybrains.com — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 06:01:18 +0100

Mandy must know…I remember using Clean & Clear oil absorbing sheets a few years ago, I wanted to try them out again. However I read the ingredients and I noticed it had mineral oil. What is the purpose of the mineral oil & do I need to be worried about using these on my oily skin? (via Facebook) The Left Brain responds: Great question, Mandy! Why in the world would an oil absorbing sheet contain oil? To get the answer we have to take a look at the ingredients. Clean & Clear ingredients Polypropylene This is the plastic material used to create the sheets. DMDBS Also known as 3, 4 Dimethylbenzyl Idene Sorbitol, this is a modifier added to the melted polypropylene to form a complex nanofabril structure that gives the sheets their characteristic flexibility and helps “...

Is Using Different Hair Color Brands Bad For My Hair?

thebeautybrains.com — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 06:01:36 +0100

Jami says…With mom being a retired hair stylist, I normally trust what she says when it comes to hair. She’s always stressed the importance of staying with one hair color brand. And even then never straying to different types within the same brand. So since I use Revlon Colorsilk I should NOT use Revlon Colorsilk Luminista. I can see the point of not using them at the same time. But if it’s been two or more weeks since you last colored, shouldn’t it be safe to try something different? So how bad for my hair would it be to try a completely different brand once in awhile? The Left Brain responds: Jami, your mom is right…and wrong. All reactive hair color is damaging If your mom says you should stay with one brand because switching is bad for your hair’s health...

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Why Your Doctor Tells You NOT To Wear Nail Polish

thebeautybrains.com — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 06:02:50 +0100

Nicky needs to know… I’m having sinus surgery on my nose but my doctor said to be sure not to wear nail polish during surgery. I can’t figure out what nail polish on my fingers has to do with an operation on my nose. I’m too embarrassed to ask my doctor. Can you explain it for me? The Left Brain responds: Nicky, we’re cosmetic scientists, not medical professionals, but we can guess why your doctor is concerned about your nail polish. Love is like oxygen During surgery doctors track vital signs like your heart rate, blood pressure, and the amount of oxygen in your blood. Blood oxygenation is measured using a little device that clamps on to your finger which is known as a “pulse oximeter.” The oximeter works by shining light through your finger nail an...

How To Avoid Armpit Irritation

thebeautybrains.com — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 06:01:20 +0100

Bunny’s bushy question… I’ve tried different ways of shaving my armpits and always it results in the same thing – sore, and little red spots. What else can I do? The Right Brain’s reply: Why is shaving irritating? One of the reasons that shaving can irritate your pits is that you’re not just removing hair you’re also shredding your skin. In a study published in the Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists (Vol 58 No 3 May/June 2007), researchers measured the amount of Underarm Shaving Debris generated during shaving. (Underarm Shaving Debris I love that term!) They found that 36% of the stuff you’re scraping off your armpit is skin, not hair! No wonder shaving is so irritating! They also measured the skin underneath the arms and found that it actually grows thi...

Meal Planning May Help You Live Longer

Doctor Kalitenko antiaging blog — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 17:10:34 +0100

There are few proven ways to prolong life. The most important one is calorie restriction. Calorie restriction is the cornerstone in anti aging. How do you reduce calorie intake? Right food and portion control! But, it is much easier to say than to do. And also, how do we learn to stop eating when there is food is still on the plate, but you are already full? There is another easy way to do it. There are many ways to control your portion. The traditional way: do not put too much food on the plate. But how do you do it if you are alone and there is nobody to monitor you and you are hungry? What I suggest is to plan the calorie distribution of your meal. It is very easy: carefully plan the energy rich part, like meat, and carbohydrates rich food, making sure that it is no more than 1 or 2 ...

More Sex After 30

Doctor Kalitenko antiaging blog — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 16:59:45 +0100

You may be shocked when you learn that as per Telegraph.co.uk there is a 40 percent increase in the number of men who do not make love to their partners as often as they used to. No wonder. Because at about age 30 testosterone level starts declining. With testosterone drop libido goes down as well as erections. So what can be done? The solution is simple: replenish what is lost. You cannot get back what is already gone. For men there are two hormones used: HCG and testosterone. Both work well. For women there are about three: estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. The bottom line, to support your endocrine system Check your hormone levels Talk to your doctor to find , if you need any supplementation. Because balancing your hormones may give you more fun , happiness and productivity ...

Does Resveratrol Really Reverse Aging?

thebeautybrains.com — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 06:01:00 +0100

Hadapurpura has to know…I’ve heard about this thingy called Resveratrol, which is found in grapes, and is now sold as a supplement. It is said to be able to slow, stop or reverse aging from the inside. Now, I’m in no rush to stop aging (I’ll be 24 next month), but I’d like to know if there’s some truth to those claims. The Left Brain responds: Based on the information provided by the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University, I wouldn’t be in too much of a hurry to throw away my money on Resveratrol. What is Resveratrol? It’s a type of antioxidant found in grapes, peanuts, and some berries. It can be taken orally but it doesn’t really do much because its bioavailability is low since it is rapidly metabolized and eliminated. (If...

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How Do You Get Rid of Stinky Feet?

Doctor Kalitenko antiaging blog — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 16:36:23 +0100

Are you embarrassed because your Stinky feet? Have you tried over-the-counter remedies only to find they didn’t work? Are you afraid that your foot odor will be noticed by your spouse or friends? Even though conventional medicine is very well aware that smelly feet is a problem, it does not offer a long-term solution. Sometimes prescription drugs like DrySol work, but they can’t be used for extended periods of time. Needless to say, over-the-counter solutions don’t solve the problem in the long run. Why it is so difficult to do something about the smell? We have the Internet and computers, we went to the Moon, we decoded the human genome, but we can’t do something about stinky feet? Because conventional medicine does not offer an effective solution for smelly feet and because my...

Is Sunblock Giving My Baby Cancer?

thebeautybrains.com — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 06:01:16 +0100

Penny is perturbed…I’ve been using Aveeno Baby Sunblock Lotion on my 2 year old but I read that it contains dioxane which causes cancer. Should I switch sunscreens? The Left Brain explains: What is dioxane? Penny, the chemical you’re referring to is actually 1,4-dioxane. It’s not an ingredient so it won’t be listed on the package, but it is a contaminant that does show up in small amounts in some cosmetic raw materials. Typically it comes from ingredients that have “PEG,” or “Polyethylene” in the name. In the case of the Aveno sunscreen it comes from PEG-100 stearate, which is used to dissolve the oil soluble ingredients in the product. Can this chemical be dangerous? Yes, under some conditions. 1,4 dioxane was linked to cancer in animal feeding stud...

Dr. Hauschka And Honest Skin Brightening Claims

thebeautybrains.com — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 06:01:32 +0100

We received the following communication from the Dr. Hauschka company in response to our recent post on their Moisturizing Day Cream. We appreciate the clarification (pun intended) that their product does NOT make skin brightening claims as was mistakenly implied in our original article. Dr. Hauschka’s Brightening Rebuttal “Thank you for the work you do. Consumer education is absolutely vital to all of us who truly care about the health and wellbeing of people and the planet we share. We at Dr. Hauschka Skin Care pride ourselves on having some of the best-educated customers in the industry, thanks at least in some part to our policy of transparency. Of course, we can’t control everything that’s said about Dr. Hauschka products, but we are very careful about the claims we ...

Eight Skin Care and MD Confidential: Inside the Beauty Brains Bathroom

thebeautybrains.com — Sat, 24 Sep 2011 23:17:18 +0100

Even though the Beauty Brains don’t do traditional reviews, from time to time we like to share new products that we’re trying. We want you to know that we received free samples in exchange for a mention on our blog and that we’re not necessarily recommending you buy anything. We’re just sharing new product news; please do your own research before you buy. This week we have two products to share. Eight Skin Care Ginger Lime Body Lotion What the manufacturer says: “Eight Body Moisture is a luxurious blend of fourteen natural and essential ingredients formulated to hydrate and nourish dry skin. The fresh, piquant blend of ginger and lime will not compete with your fragrance, as the scent of the essential oils will dissipate. As a moisturizer, Eight is effective for dry skin, ...

Why Does Shine Happy Change My Hair Color?

thebeautybrains.com — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 06:01:30 +0100

Jenna just wants to be happy… In many customer reviews for a product called “Shine Happy” by Clairol, which claims to be like a salon gloss treatment, people complained that it lightened their hair colour. Is there a reason why this would occur with this product but not with the glossing treatments performed in salons? Also, relatively speaking, where do this product and the “glossing” treatments performed in salons fall on the doing-damage-to-your-hair scale? The Left Brain enlightens her: Clairol’s “Shine Happy” is actually like a hair coloring treatment. The reason that people’s hair is turning lighter is because they are putting Hydrogen Peroxide on it. Glossing ingredients Here is a list of the ingredients. Water, Hydrogen Peroxide...

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How To Find a Mental Health Therapist

Straightfromthedoc — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 12:02:15 +0100

© /\ \/\/ /\The stresses of modern life can be difficult to deal with on your own. Finding a mental health therapist is recommended if you find that your relationship is tanking, your kids are driving your crazy and your physical health is suffering as well. Women especially are more prone to depression, anxiety, and eating disorders than men. Changes in hormones can severely disrupt their moods, and many also suffer from having a negative body image. When choosing a therapist, you should first ... (Source: Straightfromthedoc)

The Early Signs of Diabetes Don't Require an X Ray Technician

Straightfromthedoc — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 08:47:53 +0100

© bodytelOne of the most overlooked epidemics in the world is the prolific spread of diabetes. With things like AIDS, cancer, and heart disease leaving devastating effects on those who suffer with them; diabetes is often overlooked. Television shows like It's Always Sunny at Philadelphia even going so far as to poke fun and make light of the disease on the show. Diabetes is a real, serious, and even life-threatening condition which should not be taken lightly. Most people do not know the effects ... (Source: Straightfromthedoc)

Is A Mascara Allergy Causing My Stye?

thebeautybrains.com — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 06:01:14 +0100

DBritt asks…I am 50 and have used Lancome mascara for about 20 years without complication. 5 yrs ago, I switched to Arbonne and had no issues until about a year ago. I started getting a pimple like thing in my lower lashes every now and then. This morphed into an occasional stye type sore near the corner of my eye in my upper lashes. Now, my eye(s) will turn red and bother me plus the lash area is itchy and sore. The only thing that helps is going without mascara over the weekend or longer. Is there any product out there which is truly hypo-allergenic? It Are these symptoms consistent with an allergic reaction to mascara? The Right Brain responds: Well, DBritt, we have good news and bad news for you. Stye science First the good news: From what we’ve been able to glean from vari...

Is Redken Refining Sea Polish a Good Hair Exoliator?

thebeautybrains.com — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 06:01:39 +0100

LaSophistiquee says…Redken came out recently with a hair exfoliator “Nature’s Rescue Refining Sea Polish .” Is there any point in exfoliating one’s hair? Does it do any good? I, for one, use a lot of products: shampoo, conditioner, hair styling mousse, heat protector… then blow dry. Should I get rid of the buildup? The Right Brain responds: Hair exfoliation is a made-up marketing idea if we’ve ever heard one! Let’s take a look… Sea Polish hyperbole According to Redken, the ultra fine granules in this product gently remove impurities and restore hair with incredible smoothness and shine. You use it after shampooing, apply to sections of hair in a gentle rolling/circular motion to smooth and revitalize from root to tip. Rinse and then...

The Beauty Brains Product Oddities Quiz

thebeautybrains.com — Sat, 17 Sep 2011 15:44:49 +0100

If you’re a fan of the kind of beauty science information that the Beauty Brains provide, you might want to check out a new feature on our Facebook page. We call it our “Product Oddities Quiz.” We post pictures of beauty products that have ingredient mistakes, potentially misleading claims, or other problems and we ask you to guess what’s wrong. It’s a fun way to waste time AND practice what you’ve learned about the truth behind beauty products. Play the Beauty Brains Product Oddities game here. (Source: thebeautybrains.com)

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A Common Household Product That Cures Ear Itchiness

thebeautybrains.com — Sat, 17 Sep 2011 06:02:50 +0100

Faith is fearful of flakes… I would like to know what causes my ears to be dry, flaky and itchy. The inner part of my ear and the part behind the lobe gets so dry I can just peel a layer off. I use lotions and oils, but it comes back. What can I do? The Right Brain reassures her: Ok, I’m going to catch a lot of heat from the Left Brain on this one because it’s based on my personal experience and not a peer reviewed study, but here’s my answer: Wash your hair with a dandruff shampoo and rub some of the lather in your ears and behind them. I did this and after a couple of days the dryness went away. Why does dandruff shampoo work? Normally, the stratum corneum cells (the upper, dead layer of skin) fall off in pieces so tiny that you don’t even see them. But dan...

Why Did My Rimmel Foundation Go Bad?

thebeautybrains.com — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 06:01:13 +0100

BlackAngel asks…I’m interested in hearing your thoughts about a foundation I bought recently (Rimmel). Straight after purchasing and opening it was very watery? I tried shaking the bottle hoping it would fix its self but nope!! There is also a mild smell to the product. Is this a sign that its shelf life may be over?? If so I then cannot help questioning how these products continue to be sold in this sort of condition in reputable department stores. The Right Brain responds: You didn’t specify which product you bought but if it’s the Rimmel Perfect Match formula, the three primary ingredients are water, cyclomethicone, and talc. These three components are not mixable and it can be tricky to hold them together. There are three primary reasons this product could separ...

Neova Day Therapy and Somme Institute: Inside The Beauty Brains Bathroom

thebeautybrains.com — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 06:01:02 +0100

Even though the Beauty Brains don’t do traditional reviews, from time to time we like to share new products that we’re trying. We want you to know that we received free samples in exchange for a mention on our blog and that we’re not necessarily recommending you buy anything. We’re just sharing new product news; please do your own research before you buy. This week we have two products to share. Neova Day Therapy What the manufacturer says: “Neova with patented GHK Copper Peptide Complex is a smooth cream base with SPF 30 protection for daily use. Helps improve the appearance of wrinkles while protecting your skin from the sun. Protects the skin from damaging, incidental UV radiation while nourishing it with health-essential copper. Copper peptides work as an antioxidant wh...

Can Your Smartphone Cure Acne?

thebeautybrains.com — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 06:02:53 +0100

Did you hear about the new smartphone app that can cure acne? Acne apps That might sound like the beginning of a joke but it wasn’t funny to the US Federal Trade Commission. They’ve ruled that two Android and iPhone apps that claim to cure blemishes have been sold without proof that they work as advertised. This recent news story came to our attention from Consumer Reports who reported that the apps allegedly worked by emitting colored lights emitted from mobile device screens. All you have to do is hold your phone next to your face for a few minutes each day and *poof* your zits are gone. Not! Skipped the skepticism We’ve blogged before about how to spot bogus claims – read what the Android product claimed: “This app was developed by a dermatologist.̶...