Scientists Unmask Genetic Markers Associated With Psoriasis

ScienceDaily (Jan. 27, 2009) — Scientists at the University of Michigan Department of Dermatology, the U-M School of Public Health and their collaborators have found DNA "hotspots" that may reveal how genetic differences among individuals result in psoriasis, an autoimmune disease of the skin. Published in Nature Genetics, the findings could lead to new drug targets and tailore"This discovery highlights the role of several genes in mediating the immune responses that result in psoriasis," says Goncalo Abecasis, Ph.D., co-principal investigator on the project, and associate professor of biostatistics in the School of Public Health. "Some of the highlighted genes, like those in the IL-23 pathway are already targeted by effective psoriasis therapies. Others, like TNFAIP3 and TNIP1, may become targets for the psoriasis treatments of the future."
Psoriasis affects some 7.5 million people in the United States, causing sore, itchy patches of red, scaly skin. In many cases psoriasis is not only disfiguring; between 10 and 30 percent of patients develop psoriatic arthritis, a painful inflammation of the joints. Current treatments, including different types of immunosuppressive agents, aren't always effective, and they can cause serious side effects.
Psoriasis has a strong genetic component; a child with two affected parents has a 50 percent chance of developing it; siblings have a three- to six-fold risk. But the genes responsible for psoriasis haven't yet been completely understood.
In this large, multi-center study, researchers used cutting-edge genomic technology to identify subtle genetic signals influencing the risk of psoriasis. They scanned millions of DNA variations in the genome to find those that occur significantly more often in psoriasis patients than unaffected people.
The study was led by James Elder, M.D., Ph.D., a professor in the Department of Dermatology, and Abecasis. Among the first authors were Rajan Nair, Ph.D., assistant research professor of dermatology, and Jun Ding of the Biostatistics Department in the School of Public Health.
Within the past 18 months, researchers have increased the number of independent genetic "hotspots," or loci, confidently associated with psoriasis from one—HLA-Cw6, previously identified by Elder, et al., in 2006—to 10. Four of these have been identified for the first time by this study, and two more have since been confirmed by these researchers.
Research details
The team looked for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), or DNA changes, at 438,670 sites in 1,359 psoriasis cases and 1,400 healthy controls. Initial scans signaled differences in at least three previously identified DNA sites, with HLA-Cw6 producing the strongest genetic signal. They then expanded the study to look at 18 of the most interesting loci in an additional 5,048 cases and 5,051 controls.
In all, seven of the 18 loci showed consistently strong association with psoriasis. As a result, four proteins produced from the altered DNA code now can be targeted for further study.
This study is the first to identify changes in the IL23A gene in psoriasis patients. Notably, two of the previously identified psoriasis genes (IL12B and IL23R) encode proteins that bind to IL23A protein. Variations in the structure any of these three genes may predispose people to chronic immune responses that ultimately result in psoriasis.
The team also found that genetic signals for proteins activated by TNF-, a key signaling molecule involved in inflammation, are distinct from the patterns in healthy controls. Two genes activated by TNF-—TNFAIP3 and TNIP1—show strong association with psoriasis. Together, these genes limit immune responses. Genetic alterations in this "brake" may allow the immune system to work overtime within the skin. Variants of TNFAIP3 also have been associated with rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, two other autoimmune conditions.
The fourth novel hotspot implicates two "next-door neighbor" genes, IL4 and IL13. These genes support development of Th2 cells, a type of immune system T cell. Any condition that leads to too few or too many Th2 cells in relation to other types of T cells may result in disease, including psoriasis.
This new research, together with recent immunology work by Elder and colleagues, links four psoriasis loci (IL12B, IL23A, IL23R and IL4/IL13) together in a common functional pathway.
Implications
The large library of genetic data increases the number of proteins and pathways that can be targeted by emerging therapies to fight psoriasis.
Once the full catalog of psoriasis genes has been identified, it may be possible to generate a "psoriasis gene profile" that can accurately predict one's risk of developing the disease. Such work may one day help assess risk of heart attack and stroke, since psoriasis carries an increased risk of coronary artery disease, and TNFAIP3 has also been shown to influence risk of coronary artery disease in mice.
The number of disease genes that can be identified more than triples if the study size can be increased two to three fold. "We invite participation of psoriasis patients from across the country," says Elder.
Patients can enroll for this study by mail without a trip to Ann Arbor. Elder has information at his Psoriasis Genetics Laboratory Web site, http://www.psoriasis.umich.edu/. Interested patients can also call 800-356-2840.
Funding for this study was provided by the National Institutes of Health and by the Genetic Association Information Network (GAIN).d treatments for the disease.

Dermatitis Is More Prevalent In Humid Cities Where There Is A High Level Of Rainfall

ScienceDaily (Jan. 29, 2009) — Climate affects children who have atopic dermatitis, a recurrent disease of the skin. This is suggested in a study headed by Spanish researchers that links this disease with rainy and humid areas. However, the experts point out that both temperature and the number of hoursMaría Morales Suárez-Varela, who is the principal author of the study and a researcher at the University of Valencia, explains this to SINC, “the study documents the possible influence of climate on the prevalence of atopic dermatitis in girls and boys aged 6 and 7, in the three climatic regions of Spain (the Atlantic, Mediterranean and Continental regions)”.
To show this, the study, which is published in the International Journal of Biometeorology, analyses 28,394 cases of children from 10 Spanish cities (Asturias, Bilbao, La Coruna, Pamplona, San Sebastián, Barcelona, Cartagena, Castellón, Valencia and Madrid); all these places are situated in the three climatic regions of Spain.
The study uses the questionnaire from the “International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) in order to determine the prevalence of atopic dermatitis in the population, using criteria from the Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (Academia Espanola de Dermatología y Venereología). Moreover, the researchers have analysed data provided by the Spanish Meteorological Agency (Agencia Estatal de Metereología) concerning annual temperature, rainfall, relative humidity and the number of hours of sunshine for each of the regions.
“Significant differences in the prevalence of the disease were detected in the three regions studied (32.9% in the Atlantic area, 28.3% in the Mediterranean area and 31.2% in the Continental area)”, outlines the researcher from Valencia. The results showed that atopic dermatitis depends on meteorological conditions.
Given that our suggest that the disease appears to be associated positively with rainfall and humidity, and associated negatively with temperature and the number of hours of sunshine, “the appearance of dermatitis could be prevented, and the status of the lesions could be improved”, Suárez-Varela emphasises to SINC.
Who has dermatitis?
Dermatitis or atopic eczema is a chronic disease of the skin that affects a very high proportion of the population. According to the data from the Spanish Paediatric Association (Asociación Espanola de Pediatría), one out of every 20 children has dermatitis, and its incidence has increased “probably due to a high concentration of irritants in the atmosphere”.
Atopic dermatitis turns areas of the skin red on which tiny blisters form (eczema). It usually appears during the first years of life, although not before three months of age, and then reduces in intensity and duration slowly as it grows. The disease can also appear in adults, and varies in location, depending on age. Both environmental factors as well as genetic predisposition are involved in this disease.
“The problem is that the set of criteria for diagnosing dermatitis is complex as there are various schools of thought and usually it is accompanied by nappy rash or other types of lesions. The difference is that atopic dermatitis suggests that the origin of the disease is entirely unknown”, concludes the author. of sunshine combine together in the treatment of this condition.

UV Light-enhanced Tooth Bleaching Dangerous To Eyes and Skin, Study Shows

UV light-enhanced tooth bleaching is not only a con, but is dangerous to your eyes and skin, according to new research. The light ...

Caring for Sensitive Skin

When skin is considered “sensitive”
When skin fluctuates depending on your emotional well-being and the environment. You might experience oily and acne-prone skin during the summer and dry and tight skin during colder months. Emotional stressors can contribute to your acne and/or dryness, too.
When rashes and other minor skin reactions occur after using certain products — like heavily scented skincare — too many products or over-doing it on cleansing and exfoliating.
When you’re affected by eating spicy foods, exercising and using regular household cleansers.
When you have skin conditions such as eczema, rosacea or psoriasis.
Post-procedural skin sensitivity
Even if you weren’t born with sensitive skin, it can become sensitive after getting Botox, microdermabrasion, chemical peels or other treatments and procedures.
Your skin might experience these side effects: redness, scaling, swelling, blisters, tenderness, bruising, sun sensitivity or hyperpigmentation.
Your dermatologist or plastic surgeon will be able to tell you exactly how long the sensitivity will last, what symptoms to expect and how to determine which products are best to use after a procedure.
Read the labels
What to pick:
“Hypoallergenic” or “allergen-free.” But, be aware that the FDA doesn’t regulate the term “hypoallergenic.” This means that a) a company doesn’t need to produce any proof to include “hypoallergenic” on its label and b) companies have different definitions for the term.
Fragrance-free products. Keep in mind that products labeled “unscented” can still contain potentially skin-irritating chemicals to mask the scent of fragrances.
Sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), which is gentler on sensitive skin.
Methyl paraben or butyl paraben preservatives.
Overall, you might want to talk to a dermatologist about the best products for you. Specifically, the Beauty Brains suggest asking about the Contact Allergen Replacement Database (or CARD), a list of skincare products that are free from certain allergens.
What to skip:
Retin-A, alpha hydroxy acids (e.g., glycolic acid), sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and alcohol-based toners.
Topical acne treatments such as benzoyl peroxide.
“…any product that boasts vitamins, antioxidants, alpha hydroxy acids, and sunscreen all at the same time,” dermatologist Diane Berson, M.D., tells SheKnows.
Botanical ingredients. For instance, pass on plant-based products that include citrus fruits, which can irritate sensitive skin, reports Real Simple.
Essential products
Cleansers should be used only twice a day. To cleanse without stripping the skin’s natural moisture, use a cream or lotion-based cleanser. For acne-prone skin, alternate your regular cleanser with a gentle anti-acne cleanser. Or skip the acne cleanser altogether and use a spot treatment with salicylic aid, which is gentler than benzoyl peroxide.
Product picks: SkinMedica Sensitive Skin Cleanser, B. Kamins Hydrating Acne Wash, Clean and Clear Acne Spot Treatment
Moisturizers are crucial, helping to repair minor skin irritations and dryness. They can also act as a barrier between your delicate facial skin and environmental hazards such as pollutants and dry air, restoring much-needed moisture to the skin.
Look for products rich in ingredients like vitamins and antioxidants and hydrating ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid. If you need an anti-aging formula, choose ingredients like kinetic, coenzyme Q10, peptides and poly hydroxy acids, suggests Real Simple.
Product picks: Ole Henriksen Nurture Me Crème, Kinerase Cream
Ointments and serums can help alleviate pain, itching or discomfort after a cosmetic procedure, speeding healing time and reducing visible swelling.
Product picks: EmerginC D Red Daytime Emulsion, B. Kamins Revitalizing Booster Concentrate
Sunscreen should be used daily. Look for a formula that contains both UVA and UVB protection. This is especially important following a chemical procedure, because your skin becomes particularly susceptible to sun damage. Additionally, many treatments might cause hyperpigmentation, so cover up.
When selecting your sun protection, look for these physical ingredients, which repel UV rays: titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.
Product picks: Neutrogena Sensitive Skin Sunblock Lotion, NIA24 Sun Damage Protection 100% Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30
Dealing with environmental factors
In addition to choosing your products carefully, those with sensitive skin should be aware of other factors that often cause skin sensitivities.
Clothing: Stick with materials that are soft and smooth and allow skin to breathe. Choose lightweight, loose-fitting clothing. In the winter, opt for multiple layers rather than large coats made from stiff, heavy fabrics. Here’s what to wear and avoid:
Cotton, absorbent and cool, is always a classic choice.
Silk is strong and light, and also warmer than cotton. It wicks moisture away from the skin, keeping skin dry.
Viscose is usually safe, as it’s mostly a natural product. But some people find that their skin reacts with the chemicals used in its processing.
Wool, linens and nylon should be avoided, as they don’t allow the skin to breathe.
Socks and shoes: Skip the nylons if you have sensitive skin, and opt for cotton socks or tights. Leather shoes can be irritating, so try synthetic alternatives.
Jewelry: Avoid jewelry that contains nickel, which is very likely to cause a reaction. In fact, most people are at least slightly allergic to nickel. The majority of cheap jewelry does contain nickel, so you might want to splurge a bit on the nickel-free accessories. When choosing your metals, keep in mind:
Yellow gold contains very little nickel and is a safe choice.
White gold can be irritating, because it contains white metals to create the lighter coloring and often does contain nickel.
Fine silver contains 99.9 percent silver, meaning it contains very little additives and is a good choice.
Sterling silver contains 92.5 percent silver and is also safe. It usually contains some copper, which is unlikely to irritate skin.
Surgical or stainless steel is said to be safe for those with nickel allergies, but in actuality contains up to 12 percent nickel, so be wary.
Titanium is hypoallergenic and makes an excellent choice for those with sensitive skin.
Fragrances: Whether it’s a household cleaner or bouquet of fresh flowers, it can become a potential source of irritation. Luckily, most household products offer a fragrance-free option. If you suspect that you may have an allergy to something in your environment, such as flowers or grass, visit an allergy specialist.
Cold weather: The winter months can be very irritating to those with sensitive skin. Keep your skin comfortable by:
Avoiding extreme temperatures. While a hot bath or shower may help to warm you up when you’re feeling cold, extreme heat can be irritating to your skin. So turn the temperature down slightly.
Taking precautions. Transitions from cold and rainy outdoor weather to dry, hot air inside can cause painfully red and chapped skin. Make sure to protect your skin from the winter chill by wearing cotton-lined gloves and scarves. And if you use central air heating at home or in the office, use a humidifier to make up for lost moisture in the air.

Flawlessly Yours!

Almost everyone has suffered from problems with skin or hair at some point. Whether it’s eczema, acne, thinning hair, or even cracked skin, a great deal of money is thrown into chemically-based products that may do more harm than good. These products can even compromise the overall health of the individual. While in graduate school, Cheri Oatsdean found that her post-adolescent skin was actually worse than it had been as a teenager. Also, her skin wasn’t improving with any of the major cosmetic lines that she tried in desperation. In fact, with her sensitive skin, she was actually burning her skin in an attempt to alleviate her embarrassing facial outbreaks.

Sunsilk for Straight or Curly Hair

Sunsilk allows women to virtually change their hairstyles to straight or curly. Just like styling using the new Sunsilk line, this makeover tool gives you the chance to have a new look in a snap. Styling your hair and achieving a new look has never been this easy with Sunsilk. Over 380,000 hits about "straight or curly" can be found on Google. A good percentage of which are about the trials, triumphs and travails of straight- and curly-haired women in search of the perfect man - and the kind of hairstyle he prefers on a woman. According to a survey in Good Morning America, women with curly hair are perceived as sweeter, more outgoing, and personable while those with straight hair are more serious, sophisticated, and professional.

America's Expo 2009: Education at Its Best

In just a few short weeks, America's Expo for Skin Care & Spa (AESCS)(R) will bring its exciting and dynamic program to McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago on March 28-30, 2009. This year’s show will again be co-located with America’s Beauty Show (ABS), bringing you even more educational value for your dollar. This event offers you access to more than 500 exhibitors, 150 of which deal exclusively with spa, and you will have the opportunity to mingle and network with more than 3,000 of your industry peers.

Laser Treatments for Younger Looking Skin

Diet, exercise and healthier living may make us feel younger but too often our skin tells the true tale of our age, despite our best efforts to mitigate the damage to our skin that can make us look much older over time. Aging skin, with its "loose" feel, sagging, fine lines, enlarged pores, sallow complexion, and creases — is caused by many factors, including too much sun with too little sunscreen, wind, cold and pollution, plus cigarette smoke, stress, poor nutrition, facial contortions, and alcohol, among other things.

22 Herbal Tips for Skin Care

1) Drink at least 8 glasses of water every day.
2) Cut some beet root into small pieces and grind them. Squeeze juice from beet root and massage to your face for 5 minutes. Shower after 10 minutes with mild soap or gram flour.
3) Mix sandalwood powder with rose water and add 4 to 5 drops of milk in it and apply on to your face and body. Shower after 15 minutes with warm water.
4) Mix honey in water and drink daily in the morning to keep your skin shiny and smooth.
5) Warm honey and mix with lemon juice and apply on to face. Wash after it dry.
6) Mix Turmeric, sandal powder and olive oil and apply to body. Shower after 10 minutes.
7) Massage your skin with milk. Milk has moisturizer, it will keep your skin smooth.
8)Use humidifiers and keep room temperature moderate to keep your skin away from dryness.
9) Hot water blushes your skin and you don’t feel fresh unless you have bath with little cold water. If you have shower for a longtime, dead skin will be automatically be removed. Do not rub with towel, be gentle on your skin.
10) Take food which contains more A and C vitamin.
11) Grate carrot and boil. Massage that mixture to body to get fair and smooth skin.
12) For natural bleaching: - mix milk and lemon juice. The milk will break as soon as you mix the lemon juice in it. Use that mixture to massage on your body. It works as natural bleaching.
13) Mix turmeric and cream on the top of milk, massage that mixture to body.
14) If you go into sun your skin will lost the fair ness. To get your skin color to normal take equal quantities of cucumber juice and tomato juice and apply on to skin. Shower after 10 minutes.
15) Massage mustard oil to your skin for 5 minutes and have shower with gram flour or mild soap.
16) Mix cream on the top of milk and all-purpose flour and apply that paste on to your skin avoid eyes, eyebrows and lips. Shower after 5 minutes. This will make skin smooth.
17) Mix curds (yogurt) with wheat flour and apply to your skin and take shower after 5 minutes.
18) Grind rose petals and mix with cream on the top of milk and apply to your body. Shower after 10 minutes.
19) Scaly skin is a result of fluorine deficiency. Fluorine is the anti-resistant element of the human body, the absence of which creates problems in the blood and spleen. Since cooking and heating foods destroys fluorine, it is better to eat uncooked raw fruits and vegetables. Other foods rich in fluorine are goat milk and cheese, rye flour, avocados, sea plants and cabbage, cream whey and cottage cheese.
20) Wrinkle skin is a result of Sodium deficiency and makes skin sticky. Cucumbers are ideal for combating and preventing sodium deficiency because they are not only high in sodium, but also help in keeping the body cool, a great summer’s treat.
21) Skin rashes are the result of silicon deficiency. To avoid pus and rashes, eat plenty of sprouts, alfalfa, barley, tomatoes, spinach, strawberries and figs.
22) Skin eruptions are the result of Chlorophyll. And are found in wheat grass and other green leafy vegetables

6 Innovative Ways to Look Younger

With so many great advances in skincare today, we’re able to build a better defense against Father Time. Though we can’t stop the clock, we can certainly slow the hands of time and look younger, longer. Here are some surprising ways to do just that.

Seek out silk. Great hair can shear years off your appearance. The key lies in proteins, which chemists have turned to for years to help hair. Recently, the attention has shifted to silk protein, touted for its intense shine, body and weightlessness. These days, silk is harvested from worms or spider genes transplanted in tobacco or alfalfa plants — both costly processes. Similar to less-pricey wheat proteins, the molecule size is ideal for sitting outside of the hair shaft, but its ability to deliver shine is unsurpassed.
Product picks: Philip B Creme Of The Crop, Ted Gibson Goodnite, Alterna Life Solutions Volume Restore Conditioner
Attack emotional aging. Whatever we feel emotionally, our skin “feels” too. That’s because “The skin and brain are connected by the same neuromediators,” says Naz Toloui, Vice President of Sales and Education at Orlane Paris. This means that worry and stress affect our skin. In fact, according to Toloui, a staggering 80 percent of skin problems result from emotional aging. To attack this stress-induced aging, look for products with arctic cranberries, which carry powerful antioxidants. These cranberries are found in an unusual plant that blooms its omega-3 rich cranberries just once a year.
Arctic cranberries are just one variety of about 20 berries that grow in arctic locales, boasting both essential fatty acids and antioxidants, according to Time.
Product picks: Babor B. Young Sensitive Cream, Babor B. Young Combination Cream, Bliss Snow Wonder Body Butter, skyn ICELAND the Antidote SPF 18 Mineral Sunscreen
Get creative about sunscreen. “You need to protect your skin daily and nothing keeps you looking younger than avoiding sunlight,” says dermatologist Diane Berson, M.D., KAO Brands Skincare Consultant. But you can be creative about it: to get the benefits of both SPF and a youthful sun-kissed look, apply a self-tanner that contains sun protection.
Product picks: Dr. Michelle Copeland Sunless Tanning Bronzer SPF 15, Murad Firming Bronzer SPF 15, Jan Marini Daily Face SPF 30 Sun Kissed Bronze
Lose the lipstick. It can actually draw attention to lines, wrinkles and imperfections. Instead, try using Vaseline on your lips. “This will leave the mouth looking plump and shiny,” says Dr. Berson.
Nourish your insides. “A good rule of thumb is that anything that’s good for the body is good for the skin,” says Dr. Berson. “Vitamin C and omega-3 fatty acids give a glow, and vitamin B and biotins (vitamin B complex found in yeast, liver, and egg yolk) help build strong hair and nails.”
Product picks: Menscience Omega 3 Supplement Formula and Perricone MD Omega 3 Dietary Supplement
[Note: always consult your doctor before trying any supplements]
Check out sirtuins. After studying Tibetan monks from Okinawa Japan — known for their long lives and wrinkle-free skin — researchers found that the monk’s 30 to 40 percent calorie restriction led to more active cells. It appears that this calorie restriction activates a family of genes called sirtuins, which help to repair DNA and delay cell death.
In fact, in last January’s Cosmetics & Toiletries, researchers “established a link between sirtuin production and life cycle of skin cells,” according to the blog, The Beauty Brains. The researchers concluded that sirtuins may protect the skin against stress and photoaging. The hope is that skincare products can “fool the body” to activate sirtuin to speed up skin tissue regeneration, says Toloui. More research is still needed, though, so keep an eye out for studies on this exciting ingredient.

Talking About Toner

Even with careful cleansing, dirt or makeup can sometimes be left behind on the skin. How can you be sure that the skin is getting completely clean? Keep reading to find out.

What it does
Toner is a real jack-of-all-trades and has many skincare functions, including:
Removing residue: Cleansers — particularly thick creamy ones — can leave behind a slight film or residue on the skin. On a dry skin, this is not necessarily a bad thing, but for oily or combination, this can lead to complications with blemishes or further oiliness. Toner 'cuts' the residue and lifts away all traces of cleanser.
Balancing: Because cleansers momentarily change the pH balance of the skin, restoring that balance is critical, which is where toner comes in. Toner restores the skin to a normal pH (5.5 to 6.2), preventing unnecessary dryness or irritation.
Clarifying: A commonly-held belief is that toner can shrink pores; unfortunately, this is simply not true. Once a pore has stretched, it will not shrink; however, the appearance of large pores can be minimized with toner. How? Toners (particularly toners made with cosmetic alcohol such as SD or isopropyl alcohol) cause a slight swelling at the opening of the pore, which makes the actual pore itself less noticeable. But remember, these effects are only temporary.
Who should use it?
Today there is a toner for practically all skin types so consider carefully when choosing a toner.
Oily or acne-prone skin: Both toners and astringents (which generally contain more alcohol than toners) are great options for oily or acne-prone skin. They lift away any leftover cleanser and toners with salicylic acid to exfoliate the inside of the pore, reducing the chance of blemishes.
Normal or dry skin: Opt for a moisturizing or hydrating toner with humectants and botanicals to pamper dry or sensitive skin. And don't necessarily disdain toners with alcohol; certain cosmetic alcohols (such as cetyl, which is a fatty alcohol) will not 'dry out' the skin when used correctly. Do avoid daily use of toners with salicylic or glycolic acid and instead, rotate their use with mild toners to prevent excess dryness or irritation.
Product picks
Acne-prone skin: Clear up acne with Murad Clarifying Toner, which features algae extract and witch hazel to absorb oil and keep skin smooth and blemish-free.
Oily skin: If your skin is very oily, go for a toner which addresses the excess oil, such as Bliss Steep Clean Toner Pads. These pre-treated pads are a quick and easy time saver; just grab a pad, wipe and go.
Dry skin: La Roche Hydraphase Toner is a soothing formula which balances hydration, removes residue and leaves skin super-soft.
Sensitive skin: Pamper delicate, sensitive skin with botanical extracts that hydrate and reduce redness: EmerginC Lavender Toner is loaded with lavender and other soothing natural extracts.

Preventing Plugged-Up Pores

Not surprisingly, clear healthy skin starts with clear healthy pores. Find out how to keep your pores clear and what to do when they get clogged.

What pores are
Pores are so small that as many as 65 can be found in one square inch of skin. In healthy, normal skin, pores are generally invisible, neither clogged with dead skin cells nor plugged with sebum. Pores are like miniature gateways, letting materials in and out of our skin.
Allow sweat and oil out. Technically, pores are the openings to hair follicles and sweat glands, through which sebum and sweat are expelled.
Allow other substances in. Although skin prevents many harmful substances from penetrating the body, scientists are discovering that some substances — in particular, retinoids, fat-soluble vitamins, nanoparticles and certain hydrating agents — can penetrate the skin via pores to a certain degree.
How pores become enlarged
Pores fill with oil, dirt and dead skin. If a pore’s contents become greater than the size of the pore, it will stretch. An enlarged pore may become a whitehead (closed comedone) or blackhead (open comedone). Most often seen in very oily or acneic skin, these pores are typically found along the nose, chin, forehead or back.
Unfortunately, once a pore is stretched, it won’t shrink or disappear — even with rigorous cleansing. Instead, with proper skincare, you can maintain pore clarity, causing pores to appear smaller.
A quick way to minimize the look of pores? Splash your face with cool or cold water, which will cause the small surrounding muscles to tighten, making pores seem less visible.
Care for clear pores
Wash. Keeping skin clear of excess oil minimizes the risk of pores becoming clogged with sebum, dead skin and dirt. Look for cleansers containing alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) — like glycolic or lactic acid — or BHAs — like salicylic acid.
Murad Clarifying Cleanser deep cleans with salicylic acid and triclosan to kill acne-causing bacteria. Cellex-C Betaplex Gentle Foaming Cleanser lathers up, featuring AHAs and BHAs to remove oil and dead skin.
Extract. Another method to keep pores clear is by manually extracting blackheads and comedones from skin. However, proceed with caution — improper removal “can spread bacteria to other pores, leading to new breakouts,” warns Erica Metzger in Ladies’ Home Journal.
Instead of expelling the blackheads yourself, schedule an appointment for a facial with a dermatologist or licensed esthetician, who can safely and effectively perform the extractions.
Scrub. Consider using a scrub to exfoliate the dead skin that clogs pores. Scrubs often have ingredients like fruit peel extracts or ground nut shells for this purpose. But if you use scrubs too frequently, they can be drying and irritating. As a result, your skin “produces more oil in an attempt to replace it,” cautions Deborah Grayson for iVillage.
And that’s exactly what you don’t want, because too much oil can clog pores. Two or three times a week, apply a scrub, such asOle Henriksen Walnut Complexion Scrub, to slough off rough, dead skin.
Deep-cleanse. Deep-cleansing masks are another option to keep pores clear. Loaded with purifying clay, herbs and mud, they draw out impurities and lightly exfoliate, leaving skin smooth and clear.
Although they won’t technically remove blackheads, clarifying masks will keep them from becoming larger or more noticeable, especially if used weekly.
Try SkinCeuticals Clarifying Clay Masque, which features an exfoliating hydroxy acid blend as well as kaolin clay. It clears pores of excess sebum and keeps their size to a minimum.
Makeup to minimize pores
Sure, your instinct might be to slather on thick makeup to camouflage enlarged pores, but doing so can actually add to the problem! Here are some better makeup options.
Pass on foundation. “Even mattifying foundations seem to call more attention to pores,” Grayson writes.
Opt for pore-minimizing treatments or primers. They’re lightweight and create the look of smooth skin. Check out Dermelect Pore Revolution and T Zone Mattifier.
Apply oil-absorbing powder. This provides a soft, smooth finish to skin and banishes any oily shine.

Alcohol is A-OK for Your Skin

There are few terms that strike fear in the hearts of skincare shoppers more than the word “alcohol.” But not all alcohols are created equal. In fact, some are actually good for your skin. Here’s a quick rundown of which alcohols to avoid and which to allow in your skincare routine.

Alcohols to avoid
These alcohols can irritate and dry out the skin: ethyl alcohol — also known as denatured, or SD, alcohol and ethanol — benzyl alcohol, methyl and isopropyl alcohol. In fact, you should never see the last two alcohols in skincare, because they’re so harsh.
Acceptable alcohols
Several types of cosmetic alcohols, also known as fatty alcohols, are actually valuable ingredients. These alcohols help skincare formulas transform into silky-smooth products.
Cetyl alcohol is an emollient that comes from coconut oil. It’s often added as a stabilizer to cosmetic emulsions, such as: baby lotions, hand creams, foundation, lipstick, shampoo, mascara, deodorant, nail polish remover and cream blush.
Stearyl alcohol, also derived from coconut oil, can be used in place of cetyl alcohol in order to obtain a firmer formula. Specifically, you’ll find stearyl alcohol in creams, lubricants, depilatories and conditioners.
Cetearyl alcohol is an emulsifying wax, regularly used to soften ointments or other thick formulas. Widely found in permanent hair color, cleansers, face creams (especially for dry skin), eye makeup, lipstick and sun block.
Lanolin alcohol, the sebum extracted from sheep’s wool, is another excellent emulsifier that’s used in moisturizers, sunscreen, self-tanners, shaving cream and cosmetics.
Product picks
Here’s a selection of hydrating skincare products that contain cosmetic alcohols:
La Roche Posay Anthelios SX Daily Moisturizer with SPF 15 is a broad-spectrum, highly effective sunscreen that contains the revolutionary SPF ingredient, Mexoryl.
Richly scented with the essential oil of California tangerine, The Art of Shaving Soap — Tangerine is a luxurious product that hydrates and softens the skin.
One of the hottest anti-aging formulas on the market, Janson Beckett AlphaDerma CE features a handful of powerful anti-aging ingredients — including argireline, vitamin E, vitamin C ester, alpha lipoic acid, DMAE and soy — that target skin concerns on both the face and body. This treatment improves the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, stretch marks and scars.
Dr. Michelle Copeland Body Moisturizing Lotion includes vitamins A, E and lipoic acid to hydrate and protect the skin for a soft, supple look and feel.
Obagi ELASTIderm Night Eye Cream is designed to boost collagen and elastin for younger-looking eyes.

How to Find a Great Dermatologist: 7 Tips and More!

Identical to selecting a physician or specialist, deciding on a dermatologist isn’t a task one should take lightly. Learn how dermatologists get their degrees, what conditions they treat and seven ways to pick the right one.

Education and training
Ever wonder how a dermatologist earns that framed diploma on the wall? Like other types of doctors, dermatologists require training and instruction in college and medical school. They also receive further specialized background in skin, hair and nail health. This entire process of becoming a dermatologist can take about 11 years.
Undergraduate degree. Typically, when a future dermatologist goes to college, he or she majors in a science field like biology.
MCAT. Students usually take this Medical College Admission Test after their third year of college.
Medical school. After earning an undergraduate degree and passing the MCAT with flying colors, a future dermatologist enters medical school, where classes focus on biology, chemistry, physiology, pathology and surgery.
Residency. Students must attend at least four years of a post-graduate residency program for additional training in the fields of hair, skin and nails. Following the residency program, students take exams like the American Board of Dermatology Examinations.
Within dermatology, a variety of sub-specialties exist, including pediatric dermatology, cosmetic dermatology and immunodermatology.
Conditions dermatologists treat
Dermatologists care for many types of skin, hair and nail problems in women, men and children. These range from cosmetic problems, like acne and wrinkles, to more dangerous conditions, such as skin infections and skin cancer.
Skin problems: acne, skin cancer, eczema, moles, psoriasis, rash, rosacea, ringworm, scars, sunspots, warts and wrinkles.
Hair problems: hair loss, hair thinning, head lice, dry hair or excessive facial/body hair.
Nail problems: dryness, brittleness, bumps, ridges or spots; fungal infections.
7 tips for the selection process
Now that you understand what it takes to become a dermatologist and the types of conditions these professionals treat, how do you determine which doctor to see? Here’s a hint — don’t pick a random doctor from the phone book with the biggest, fanciest ad. Always remember to do your homework and shop around.
Asking around. Your primary care/family physician might suggest a dermatologist and give you a referral. Also, do you have friends, family or co-workers with similar skin conditions? Ask them for feedback about their dermatologist and what they like — and dislike — about him or her.
Credentials. Check with a hospital or university physician directory and licensing board to confirm the dermatologist’s credentials. Where did he or she attend college and medical school? How about a residency or internship program? Any additional training?
Background. Research all you can about your dermatologist. For instance, check whether he or she's had any disciplinary actions or malpractice suits.
Insurance. Be sure that the dermatologist will accept your health insurance. Also, health insurance might not cover certain types of procedures that are considered cosmetic — that is, to improve appearance.
Location, location, location! Those in the real estate biz know this mantra, but it also applies to finding a dermatologist. It can be helpful to pick a doctor whose office is near your home and/or workplace, suggests About-Skin-Disorders. Consider that you’ll have to visit the dermatologist a number of times for a consultation, treatment sessions and follow-up evaluations. Think of the travel time involved and the cost of gas.
Patient reviews. Use the Internet to find patient satisfaction ratings for the doctor. Many Web sites and organizations will post these ratings and additional comments.
Specific expertise. Do you have a specific skin condition, like acne or hyperpigmentation? Are you considering a particular procedure for your skin, such as laser resurfacing or a facelift? Then you might seek a dermatologist who specializes in that exact condition or procedure. When choosing a dermatologist, it’s important to find out whether he or she has experience and/or training in your particular problem.

The Facts About Skin Structure

by Skincare-news.com team
We often talk about our skin types and skincare routines. But what exactly is skin? Its job goes way beyond covering our body. Skin is a marvel of engineering, physiology and technology — certainly one of the body’s most amazing resources. Learn more about this remarkable organ.

Some surprising skin stats
Comprised of three layers — the dermis, epidermis and subcutaneous tissue — skin plays a major role in your body’s overall well-being and health.
Skin is the largest organ and can account for up to 15 percent of your body weight.
It protects us from heat and cold, provides a barrier to harmful bacteria and shelters internal organs.
Despite its rigorous use and exposure to the elements, skin will reproduce itself for your entire life.
An average square inch of skin can contain over 19 million skin cells. These include 650 sweat glands, 20 blood vessels, 60,000 melanocytes and over 1,000 nerve endings.
Epidermis: The outermost layer
This outside layer is visible to the naked eye and made up of tightly-packed cells that undergo exfoliation.
Constant exfoliation. Within this layer, new skin cells are born. At first, young skin cells are round and plump. They work their way outward toward the surface and flatten out as they go. Dead cells on the outer surface are constantly shed and exfoliated, replaced by new skin cells. Every minute, every day, we shed 30,000 to 40,000 skin cells.
Melanocytes. These special skin cells produce melanin, a pigment that determines skin color. Melanin production increases when you’re in the sun, causing the epidermis to darken or tan. To a very limited extent, melanin provides extra sun protection. However, to get full protection against sunburn and skin damage, sunscreen is an absolute must.
Epidermis problems. Unfortunately, because it’s the outermost layer, epidermal skin is vulnerable to many problems, including acne, microbial attack and damage from UVB rays. The epidermis shows signs of aging that result from environmental exposure, such as dark spots or fine lines. Sores, cuts, calluses, rashes and bruises can also show up on the epidermis.
Dermis: The middle layer
This next layer contains collagen and elastin, oil and sweat glands, nerve endings and blood vessels.
Collagen and elastin. These tissues, which provide firmness and elasticity to skin, are crucial to a youthful appearance. Collagen is the skin’s natural cushioning, keeping it full and plump. Elastin allows skin to stretch and move without tearing.
As we age, production of these substances slows, resulting in thin, transparent, sagging or wrinkled skin. Some topical treatments, like vitamin C and copper peptides, may help bolster this natural slowdown.
Oil glands and nerve endings. Oil glands create sebum or oil to keep skin lubricated. When the body becomes too hot, sweat glands produce sweat to regulate body temperature and cool you down. Nerve endings in this layer register touch sensations, including pain, heat, cold and being tickled.
UVA damage. As mentioned earlier, UVB rays impact the epidermis. UVA rays, however, are a different length than UVB rays, so they penetrate skin differently. These rays can cause damage to the dermis. Therefore, a broad-spectrum sunblock protecting against UVA and UVB rays is absolutely essential. La Roche-Posay Anthelios SX Daily Moisturizer with SPF 15 is an excellent choice. It contains a revolutionary sunblock ingredient: Mexoryl offers superior protection against damaging UVA rays, preventing them from penetrating skin.
Subcutaneous tissue: The third layer
The subcutaneous tissue is the bottom layer of skin, connecting skin to muscle membranes.
Protection and cushioning. This highly-elastic layer of skin contains cushioning fat cells, protecting bones and internal organs from damage. It insulates heat, keeping your body warm, and acts as a shock absorber. It also has blood vessels and nerve endings.
“Hair” I am. Hair follicles are also located in this layer. These are the small openings where hair growth begins. From here, a hair starts its journey to skin’s surface.
Show your skin some TLC
For such a complex organ, skin is resilient and adaptable. Keep it clean and hydrated for maximum health. A little pampering never hurts, either.
Try a minty shower gel or soap for the summer and a warmer, richer scent in the winter. Bliss Mammoth Minty Scrub Soap will keep you cool even on a hot summer day. Whish Almond Three Whishes Body Wash is perfect for fall or winter.
After a shower or bath, dry skin thoroughly. Use soft, lint-free towels. Apply moisturizer while skin is still damp, so it penetrates better and hydrates the skin. Murad Bare Fruit Pomegranate Silky Body Lotion will leave skin silky-smooth and deeply hydrated.
Got dry, rough skin on your hands and feet? Slather on M.D. Forte Hand and Body Cream. With 20 percent glycolic acid, this cream loosens dead skin cells to reveal radiant, glowing skin.

Nail polish

Maintaining nails is a very big art which needs upmost care to look more attractive and beautiful.
Nail polish plays an important role when it comes to the beauty care of your nails.
You have to pay attention while putting on your nail polish as it enhances beauty of your nails and makes them look more elegant.
The most important factor is you should make sure that you remove your nail polish, if present on your nails, before you apply another color to your nails. The essential steps to apply nail polish mainly include:
Step 1: Select the nail polish you would like to apply and make sure that it is not more than two months old as the out dated nail polishes may harm your nails and makes them look life less.
Step 2: Clean your nails with a nail remover and apply the moisturizer thoroughly to your hands weekly twice as it will help in growth of your nails.
Step 3: You should always apply a single base coat first and let them dry for at least 10 minutes or put them into cold water which helps in quick drying.

Treatment of acne:

Specific treatment will be determined by your child's physician based on:
your child's age, overall health, and medical history
severity of the acne
your child's tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
expectations for the course of the condition
your opinion or preference
The goal of acne treatment is to minimize scarring and improve appearance. Treatment for acne will include topical or systemic drug therapy. Depending upon the severity of acne, topical medications (medications applied to the skin) or systemic medications (medications taken orally) may be prescribed by your child's physician. In some cases, a combination of both topical and systemic medications may be recommended.

What causes acne?

Rising hormone levels during puberty may cause acne. In addition, acne is often inherited. Other causes of acne may include the following:
hormone level changes during the menstrual cycle in women
certain drugs (such as corticosteroids, lithium, and barbiturates)
oil and grease from the scalp, mineral or cooking oil, and certain cosmetics may worsen acne
bacteria inside pimples
Acne can be aggravated by squeezing the pimples or by scrubbing the skin too hard.

What are the symptoms of acne?
Acne can occur anywhere on the body. However, acne most often appears in areas where there is a high concentration of sebaceous glands, including the following:
face
chest
upper back
shoulders
neck
The following are the most common symptoms of acne. However, each child may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:
blackheads
whiteheads
pus-filled lesions that may be painful
nodules (solid, raised bumps)
The symptoms of acne may resemble other skin conditions. Always consult your child's physician for a diagnosis.

Acne

What is acne?
Acne is a disorder of the hair follicles and sebaceous glands. With acne, the sebaceous glands are clogged, which leads to pimples and cysts.
Acne is very common - nearly 17 million people in the US are affected by this condition. Acne most often begins in puberty. During puberty, the male sex hormones (androgens) increase in both boys and girls, causing the sebaceous glands to become more active - resulting in increased production of sebum.

How does acne develop?
The sebaceous glands produce oil (sebum) which normally travels via hair follicles to the skin surface. However, skin cells can plug the follicles, blocking the oil coming from the sebaceous glands. When follicles become plugged, skin bacteria (called Propionibacterium acnes, or P. acnes) begin to grow inside the follicles, causing inflammation. Acne progresses in the following manner:
Incomplete blockage of the hair follicle results in blackheads (a semisolid, black plug).
Complete blockage of the hair follicle results in whiteheads (a semisolid, white plug).
Infection and irritation cause whiteheads to form.
Eventually, the plugged follicle bursts, spilling oil, skin cells, and the bacteria onto the skin surface. In turn, the skin becomes irritated and pimples or lesions begin to develop. The basic acne lesion is called a comedo.
Acne can be superficial (pimples without abscesses) or deep (when the inflamed pimples push down into the skin, causing pus-filled cysts that rupture and result in larger abscesses).

How You Can Keep Your Teeth Healthy

Kids can take charge of their teeth by taking these steps:
Brush at least twice a day - after breakfast and before bedtime. If you can, brush after lunch or after sweet snacks. Brushing properly breaks down plaque.
Brush all of your teeth, not just the front ones. Spend some time on the teeth along the sides and in the back. Brush away from your gums.
Take your time while brushing. Spend at least 3 minutes each time you brush. If you have trouble keeping track of the time, use a timer or play a recording of a song you like to help pass the time.
Be sure your toothbrush has soft bristles (the package will tell you if they're soft). Ask your parent to help you get a new toothbrush every 3 months. Some toothbrushes come with bristles that change color when it's time to change them.
Learn how to floss your teeth, which is a very important way to keep them healthy. It feels weird the first few times you do it, but pretty soon you'll be a pro. Slip the dental floss between each tooth and up along the gum line. The floss gets rid of food that's hidden where your toothbrush can't get it, no matter how well you brush.
It's also important to visit the dentist twice a year. Besides checking for signs of cavities or gum disease, the dentist will help keep your teeth extra clean, and he or she can help you learn the best way to brush and floss.
It's not just brushing and flossing that keep your teeth healthy - you also need to be careful about what you eat and drink. Remember, the plaque on your teeth is just waiting for that sugar to arrive. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables and drink water instead of soda. And don't forget to smile!

Before Toothpaste Was Invented

We're lucky that we know so much now about taking care of our teeth. Long ago, as people got older, their teeth would rot away and be very painful. To get rid of a toothache, they had their teeth pulled out. Finally people learned that cleaning their teeth was important, but they didn't have toothpaste right away. While you're swishing that minty-fresh paste around your mouth, think about what people used long ago to clean teeth:
ground-up chalk or charcoal
lemon juice
ashes (you know, the stuff that's left over after a fire)
tobacco and honey mixed together
Yuck!
It was only about 100 years ago that someone finally created a minty cream to clean teeth. Not long after that, the toothpaste tube was invented, so people could squeeze the paste right onto the toothbrush! Tooth brushing became popular during World War II. The U.S. Army gave brushes and toothpaste to all soldiers, and they learned to brush twice a day. Back then, toothpaste tubes were made of metal; today they're made of soft plastic and are much easier to squeeze!
Today there are plenty of toothpaste choices: lots of colors and flavors to choose from, and some brands are made just for kids. People with great-looking teeth advertise toothpaste on TV commercials and in magazines. When you're choosing a toothpaste, make sure it contains fluoride. Fluoride makes your teeth strong and protects them from cavities. When you brush, you don't need a lot of toothpaste: just squeeze out a bit the size of a pea. It's not a good idea to swallow the toothpaste, either, so be sure to rinse and spit after brushing.

Why Healthy Teeth Are Important

How does taking care of your teeth help with all those things? Taking care of your teeth helps prevent plaque (say: plak), which is a clear film that sticks to your teeth. The film itself might not sound so bad, but it's very sticky, and it acts like a magnet for bacteria (say: bak-teer-ee-uh) and sugar.
Like ants at a picnic, bacteria go crazy over the sugar on your teeth, breaking it down into acids that eat away tooth enamel, causing holes called cavities. Plaque also causes gingivitis (say: jin-juh-vi-tis), which is gum disease that can make your gums red, swollen, and sore. Your gums are those soft pink tissues in your mouth that hold your teeth in place.
If you don't take care of your teeth, it won't be long before cavities and unhealthy gums make your mouth very, very sore. Eating meals will be difficult. And you won't feel like smiling so much.

teeth

When you get your picture taken, everyone says, "Say cheese! Smile!" So you do - you open your mouth and show your teeth. When you see the picture, you see a happy person looking back at you. The healthier those teeth are, the happier you look. Why is that?
It's because your teeth are important in many ways. If you take care of them, they'll help take care of you. Strong, healthy teeth help you chew the right foods to help you grow. They help you speak clearly. And yes, they help you look your best.

creating a natural, rosy radiance

When applying blush, you want the color to look soft and natural, as if it comes from within. Read below for tips on how to put on make-up.
1. Tap or lightly blow on the applicator brush to remove any excess blush before applying to prevent a harsh and uneven application.2. Apply your blush on the apple of the cheek and carefully blend towards your natural hairline.3. If you have two shades, apply the darker one on the apple of the cheek first, then use the lighter shade to highlight. Blend well so there is no visible line between colors.4. Highlight your temples, forehead and chin. Tip: To know "where to glow" bend over for 30 seconds, then slowly stand up. Where your cheeks are flushed is where you are meant to blush. Apply your blush there and it will be naturally rosy every time.
Tip: Cheek color should be used to enhance your complexion, not to change your natural skin tone. Use sparingly for daytime, then add more or a deeper shade for a more dramatic nighttime effect. For special occasions, dust a lightly frosted powder over your cheekbones for a subtle but alluring glow.
Tip: Make sure to blend your blush into your foundation well or it will tend to look unnatural and add the appearance of 5 years to your looks.Click Here for Age Defying Skin and Bonus Products!

getting an all-day flawless finish

A light even dusting of loose powder sets foundation and concealer, giving your face a velvety, more natural finish. It also provides smooth blending for any eye makeup or blush to follow.
1. Dip a puff or powder brush in loose powder. Shake off excess to avoid uneven distribution, then apply powder over entire face and neck.2. To maintain a flawless finish throughout the day, apply pressed powder using a sponge or clean powder brush.
Tip: Face powder can be used alone, over foundation or over your moisturizer for a natural, sheer, no-shine look.
Tip: For the closest color match, choose a powder shade that is 3 shades lighter than your foundation.
Tip: If you are over the age of 30, avoid powdering under the eyes as it can make fine lines and wrinkles appear more obvious.
Tip: Facial oil-blotting sheets help to remove excess oil and shine without disturbing your makeup. Carry them with you everywhere you go!

hide imperfections

Concealer is more dense than foundation, allowing fuller coverage of trouble spots and hyperpigmentation (red areas). It can be used over foundation or on it own, and has greater staying power. Remember, a little goes a long way!
1. Since the skin under your eyes is more transparent, it tends to look dark, especially at the inner corner near the bridge of the nose. To even out the tone, concealer is a must. Using liquid concealer, gently pat over dark under-eye circles (don't sweep it across the entire area), then blend with your ring finger.2. To cover trouble spots and imperfections, apply a thicker cream concealer onto the blemish or flaw. Then lightly press with a makeup sponge.
Tip: Choose the shade of your concealer carefully. When testing out shades, pick one that matches your skin tone or one shade lighter. It helps to use a mirror outdoors to see how shades look on your skin in natural light. Tip: Prepare your skin with a light SPF moisturizer before applying concealer for a smoother application.

master the basics

To prepare a smooth canvas for your makeup, always start off with clean, moisturized skin. You'll find that your makeup glides on and blends more easily.
1. Keep your skin free of buildup by using a gentle cleanser in the morning and at night. When cleansing your face, do so gently in upward motion stokes - do not tug, pull or scrub too hard to prevent irritation.2. Freshen up your skin with a toner containing ingredients that suit your skin type.3. Indulge your skin and keep it hydrated with a moisturizer that is compatable with your skin type. Make sure your daytime moisturizer contains SPF to protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays. 4. Treat yourself to an at-home-facial 2 to 3 times a week. Use a mild cleanser, then exfoliate with a gentle scrub that contains exfoliants that are round and non-abrasive.5. Apply a facial mask after exfoliating. Rinse off thoroughly and get a good night's sleep!
Tip: Even when you're steering clear of the sun, or it appears to be a cloudy day, always be sure your makeup foundation or moisturizer contains SPF 15 or higher.

getting smooth, soft, and supple lips

Tip: For smooth, soft lips, take a clean damp washcloth and gently rub lips for 60 seconds before applying lipstick.
Tip: For touch-ups during the day or night, carry a soft toothbrush in your handbag or makeup kit. Be sure to brush your lips gently.
Tip: Apply a lip balm or conditioner throughout the day to keep lips hydrated and protected from the sun's harmful rays.

shape up your lips

Applying lipliner is not only a great way to define and accentuate the shape of your lips, but also to keep your lipstick from feathering.
1. Begin applyling lipliner at the center of your natural upper lip line to define the bow then work toward the outer corners to complete the line.2. Start at one corner of your bottom lip then follow your natural lip line all the way to the other corner.
Tip: Choose a lipliner that matches your lipstick or a flesh tone shade for a soft, natural look.
Tip: To get plumper, pinker looking lips, do not touch up by drawing a hard lip line; smudge it so lips look fuller! For a more dramatic fullness, choose a lipstick shade with a hint of frost.
Tip: To avoid lipstick on your teeth, put your index finger in your mouth and then draw it out slowly with your mouth closed. What you see on your finger is what would have ended up on your teeth!

creating the sophisticated look

1. Apply a light eyeshadow over your entire eyelid from lash line to eyebrow bone, but not beyond.2. Define the crease of your eyelid using a medium or dark shade. The deeper the shade, the more dramatic look.3. To open up your eyes so that they appear livelier, place a dot of a light shade in the inner corner of each eye. Tip: When choosing an eyeshadow shade, keep in mind that a pastel shade will look softer while a darker shade will appear more dramatic when applied.

The makeover principal

master the basicsTo prepare a smooth canvas for your makeup, always start off with clean, moisturized skin. You'll find that your makeup glides on and blends more easily.
1. Keep your skin free of buildup by using a gentle cleanser in the morning and at night. When cleansing your face, do so gently in upward motion stokes - do not tug, pull or scrub too hard to prevent irritation.2. Freshen up your skin with a toner containing ingredients that suit your skin type.3. Indulge your skin and keep it hydrated with a moisturizer that is compatable with your skin type. Make sure your daytime moisturizer contains SPF to protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays. 4. Treat yourself to an at-home-facial 2 to 3 times a week. Use a mild cleanser, then exfoliate with a gentle scrub that contains exfoliants that are round and non-abrasive.5. Apply a facial mask after exfoliating. Rinse off thoroughly and get a good night's sleep!
Tip: Even when you're steering clear of the sun, or it appears to be a cloudy day, always be sure your makeup foundation or moisturizer contains SPF 15 or higher.

Water therapy for healthy skin

Water is a precious gift to mankind and forms almost 70 per cent of our body weight. Therefore can you imagine how important water is for the smooth functioning of the body systems. Lack of sufficient water causes: Dehydration, Difficulty in blood circulation, Body gets less active and more tired. Water also keeps the digestive tract in order Helps to flush out the toxins and controls constipation. No wonder then, that water acts as a natural remedy towards achieving a beautiful and healthy skin. Dehydration due to decreased water intake or increased loss by way of evaporation leads to premature ageing. In this, the dehydrated skin shows in the form of fine lines and dryness. Constipation due to low water intake as we all know leads to raised toxin levels and therefore a dull skin that easily breaks out into pimples. The right amount of water is necessary for skin’s elasticity and suppleness. Even without sweating the body is losing water through the skin and this needs to be replaced. Otherwise the skin cells become dry, crack, peel and change colour. Water has the power to hydrate, revitalise, detoxify and oxygenate the skin. Increased warm water intake regulates the excess oil present in an ‘acne- prone’ skin. Let me just enumerate some of the basic needs of water in skin care. The hygiene in our body especially skin starts with a soap and water bath. Hygiene prevents body odour, fungal infections and any other parasitic or bacterial infection. Detoxification and weight regulating programmes use a lot of water in their treatment protocols. Large amounts of water need to be consumed in both these treatments. This in turn flushes away toxins, clears constipation, increases immunity of the body and thus affects the skin directly. Then come the skin care products that use water as their base. These products (sunscreen, moisturisers, body lotions, repair serum, night creams) are used to prevent or reverse the cutaneous ageing of the skin. l Many exercises also use water, eg, swimming, floatation therapy, steam hydrotherapy, etc, that increase blood flow to the skin and which in turn increases levels of nutrients and oxygen and flushing off of toxins that again imparts a glow to the skin. Healthy cooking also requires water!!! Thus we can easily say that ‘water is life’ and the secret of a glowing skin is “water, water everywhere and lots of it to drink”.

Women, Skin Health & Beauty

The key to healthy skin depends on what you eat, whether you exercise, how much stress you are under and even your environment. Women, Skin Health & Beauty tackles the many myths circulating about the dangers of makeup and cosmetic ingredients and how to choose the right products for you. The guide also looks at skin health over the lifespan, including pregnancy, perimenopause and menopause.
For more on skin health and beauty check out one of the NWHRC's newest publications, Your Guide to Non-Surgical Aesthetic Treatments!
It's no secret. Now, signs of aging and skin damage can be reduced, prevented and even erased by non-surgical aesthetic procedures. Women—and men—are embracing the opportunities like never before. Learn more about these procedures and what it takes to make them safe and effective from the NWHRC. Answer your questions by reading Nonsurgical Aesthetic Procedures, or from Your Guide to Non-Surgical Aesthetic Treatments, a 20-page booklet just published by the NWHRC.

juices and smoothies

apple, celery and cucumber juice
Ingredients:
8 apples1/2 cucumber6 sticks celery
Directions: Juice all the ingredients. Pour into glasses. Makes approx. 1 pint.
carrot and mango juice
Ingredients:
8 medium size carrots, peeled or scrubbed2 large ripe mangoes, peeled and stoned
Directions: Juice the carrots, followed by the mango. Pour into glasses. Makes approx. 1 pint.
carrot, apple and ginger juice
Ingredients:
8 apples, washed and chopped but not peeled4 carrots, peeled or scrubbed1 inch ginger root, peeled
Directions: Juice the apples, then the carrots and finally the ginger. Pour into glasses. Makes approx. 1 pint.
citrus smoothie
Ingredients:
4 pink grapefruit2 lemons2 limes
Directions: Halve and squeeze all the fruit juice into a blender. Blend to mix. Pour into glasses. Makes approx. 1 pint.
pineapple & lime smoothie
Ingredients:
1 large pineapplejuice and rind of 2 limes
Directions: Peel the pineapple and chop into chunks, place in your blender jug. Add the rind and juice of the limes. Blend until smooth. Pour into glasses. Makes approx. 1 pint.
tropical smoothie
Ingredients:
1 pineapple2 mangoes4 passion fruit2 papayas200 ml apple juice2 cm cube root ginger, peeled
Directions: Peel and stone the mango, halve the papaya and scoop out the seeds. Cut away the pineapple's rough skin, core and chop into pieces. (Eat the core as a treat). Add these to a food processor, followed by the passion fruit flesh, apple juice and ginger. Process until al the ingredients have blended. Sieve the juice into a large jug to remove the passion fruit seeds. Pour into glasses. Makes approx. 1 pint.

salads

avocado, mango and pine nut salad
Ingredients:
1 large avocado1 large mango, Bag mixed baby salad leaves (e.g. spinach, rocket, water cress etc)Handful fresh coriander leaves (or other herb)1oz/50g pine nuts, raw12 raspberries2 cloves garlic, crushedJuice and rind of a lime2 tbsp olive oil
Directions: Arrange the salad leaves and fresh coriander on 2 plates. Peel and slice the avocado and mango and arrange in a spiral pattern over the leaves. In a blender or food processor, blend together the raspberries, garlic, lime juice and rind and olive oil. Pour the dressing over the salad and sprinkle the pine nuts on top. Serves 2 people.
beansprout, mangetout & waterchestnut salad
Ingredients:
4oz/100g beansprouts (preferably home made)5oz/120g mangetout12 waterchestnuts1g/small handful seaweed, such as Arame3 spring onions1 tsp sesame oil1 tbsp tamari1 tbsp sesame seeds2 cloves garlic, crushed
Directions: Soak the seaweed in water for 10 minutes. Put the beansprouts in a large bowl. Trim the mangetout, slice the waterchestnuts and add these to the bowl. Finely slice the spring onions. In a jug, mix together the sesame oil, tamari, sesame seeds, garlic. Add the spring onions to the dressing and pour over the other ingredients in the large bowl. Serve onto a plate. Drain the seaweed and arrange over the other ingredients. Serves 2 people.
green herby salad
Ingredients:
Small bag of baby spinach leaves1 oz/50g coriander leaves, finely chopped1 oz/50g parsley leaves, finely chopped1 avocado, peeled and chopped into small chunks3 sticks celery, chopped into small chunks2 spring onions, finely chopped1 tbsp olive oilJuice of a lime
Directions: Arrange the baby spinach leaves on plates. Mix all the remaining ingredients together in a large bowl. Pour over the spinach leaves. Garnish with a few springs of coriander. Serves 2 people.
rocket & pine nut salad
Ingredients:
4oz/100g rocket2oz/50g raw pinenuts1 tbsp olive oilJuice and rind of a lemon1 clove garlic, crushed
Directions: Arrange the rocket over the plates, sprinkle the pine nuts on top. Mix together the olive oil, juice and rind of the lemon and garlic and pour over. Serves 2 people.
tomato, avocado and celery salad
Ingredients:
5 tomatoes, chopped1 avocado, chopped3 sticks celery, chopped2 cloves garlic, crushedJuice and rind of a lemon2 tbsp olive oil
Directions: Combine all the ingredients in a bowl. Serves 2 people.
tomato and red onion salad
Ingredients:
5 baby plum tomatoes8 cherry tomatoes4 large tomatoes1/2 red onion1oz/50g fresh parsley (basil or coriander are suitable alternatives), finely chopped 3 cloves garlic, crushedJuice of a lemon3 tbsp olive oil
Directions: Chop tomatoes and onion and place in a large bowl. Add the parsley and garlic to the bowl with the other ingredients. In a jug mix together the lemon juice and olive oil. Add the dressing to the bowl, mix well and serve. Serves 2 people.

soups

gazpacho soup (raw)
Ingredients:
1/2 red pepper, chopped1/2 green pepper, chopped1 red chili, chopped1/2 cucumber, chopped1/2 onion, chopped9oz/250g tomatoes, chopped1 pint/500ml passata or tomato juice1tbsp red wine vinegar, or lemon juice1tbsp olive oil1tsp sugarChopped coriander leaves to garnish
Directions: Put all the ingredients into a food processor and blend together until fairly smooth. Sieve the soup into a large jug or bowl. Serve with some chopped coriander leaves sprinkled on top. Serves 2 people.
italian soup (raw)
From Shazzie's Detox Delights
Ingredients:
1 avocado, peeled and stoned4 tomatoesA handful of basil1/4 of a cup of cold pressed olive oil
Directions: Blend all ingredients. If it's too thick, add some freshly made tomato or cucumber juice.
tomato, chili and lemongrass soup
Ingredients:
13oz/450g tomatoes, choppedBunch spring onions, finely chopped2 lemongrass sticks, finely chopped2 green chilies, finely chopped2 pints/1 litre vegetable stock2 cloves garlic, crushed1 tbsp vegetable oil1 tsp sesame oilChopped coriander leaves to garnish
Directions: Heat the vegetable oil in a large saucepan, add the spring onions, lemongrass, chilies and garlic. Fry for 2 minutes, then add the tomatoes and vegetable stock. Simmer for 15 minutes, then take off the heat and allow to cool slightly. Pour into a food processor until smooth, then sieve back into the saucepan. Reheat gently, then pour into bowls. Add a splash of sesame oil to each bowl and garnish with the chopped coriander leaves. Serves 4 people.

vegetable stir fry

Ingredients:
Small broccoli1 red pepper5oz/120g mangetout1 carrot100g/4oz beansprouts (preferably home made)Bunch spring onions1g/small handful seaweed, such as Arame1 tbsp sesame seeds1 tbsp vegetable oil1 tsp sesame oil2 tbsp tamari1 tbsp honey3 tbsp veg stock
Directions: Soak the seaweed for 10 minutes. Peel and chop the carrot into thin slices, chop the broccoli into small pieces. Trim the mangetout and thinly slice the pepper. Slice the spring onions into inch long lengths. Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or frying pan. Add the carrots and broccoli and stir fry for 2-3 minutes. Add the mangetout and pepper and cook for 2 minutes. Add the spring onion and cook for a further minute. Mix together the sesame oil, tamari, honey and stock and pour into the pan. If necessary cut the seaweed into smaller pieces, and add to the pan together with the beansprouts. Cover and cook for 2 minutes. Serve and sprinkle the sesame seeds on top. Serves 2 people.