For a limited time, you can get a free sample of Bare Escentuals Rare Minerals Skin Revival Treatment (good for 1-2 applications) with any purchase; just enter the code BESAMPLE at checkout. Also available while supplies last is a free jumbo Sephora lip pencil with any purchase; just enter PUCKERUP at checkout.
As always, sign up for EBates before making your purchase at Sephora.com, and receive 4% cash back plus your free samples when you enter the coupon codes above at checkout!
I love Drugstore.com, because they list the ingredients for nearly all their skin care products. For a limited time, if you are a new customer with a non-prescription order, receive $5 off a purchase of $30 or more, or receive $10 off a purchase of $50 or more.
GreatSkin.com features some of my favorite brands, like Skinceuticals and RevaléSkin. For a limited time, receive 15% off a minimum purchase of $120; just enter the coupon code SPRING15 at checkout. Or, if you are spending $300 or more, use the coupon code MOMDAD60 to receive $60 off your order.
If you know of more great offers and coupon codes, please feel free to post them in comments! 
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May 16th, 2008
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Offers and Promotions |
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The pathway of glutathione oxidation-reduction. Source: The Robert Edwards Group.
Glutathione is a potent antioxidant that is naturally found in the skin. Unfortunately, according to The Prescription for Nutritional Healing, glutathione levels decrease 30-35% over the course of one’s lifetime with normal aging. In the body, glutathione acts as an antioxidant and detoxifier, most prominently in the liver, kidneys, and bone marrow.
In the skin, glutathione has been found to be more prevalent in the epidermis (outermost layer of skin) than the dermis. Together with vitamin C, glutathione is actually one of the major water-soluble antioxidant metabolites naturally found in the cell, according to Dr. Rafaela M. Quiroga in the textbook Cosmetic Dermatology. Glutathione protects cells after an enzyme known as glutathione peroxidase catalyzes the reaction between glutathione and hydrogen peroxide, ultimately forming water and oxidized glutathione, which is a stable compound.
It has also been well-established that glutathione levels decrease with exposure to UV light, according to The Journal of Investigative Dermatology (amongst other sources), in a manner that is similar to other antioxidants, like vitamin C or vitamin E. With continued exposure to UV light, the lower levels of glutathione increase the skin’s susceptibility to UV-induced damage, as findings reported in Photochemistry and Photobiology suggest.
To supplement levels of glutathione, N-acetylcysteine is often taken as an oral supplement, which is converted to glutathione in the body. While typical dosages of N-acetylcysteine range from 250-1500 mg/day and no toxic level has been established as of yet by the FDA, check with your doctor to be safe, as side effects have been reported in some individuals.
Glutathione has also been shown to be an effective antioxidant when topically applied to the skin. However, the effects of glutathione can be enhanced by either lipoic acid or vitamin C, because these ingredients effectively recycle the antioxidant power of glutathione. For this reason, glutathione is best used in formulations with lipoic acid and/or vitamin C. One excellent formulation is Perricone Pore Refining Concealer ($35.00, Sephora.com), with glutathione and lipoic acid. Another is Philosophy When the Hope is Not Enough Facial Serum ($38.00, Sephora.com), with glutathione and vitamin C.
Overall, glutathione is a promising antioxidant. Because its levels naturally decrease with age, leaving the skin more susceptible to UV-induced damage, I think it seems like a good idea to use a cream or serum with glutathione. As always, consult with your derm if you have any concerns!
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May 15th, 2008
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futurederm |
Anti-Aging Treatments, Antioxidant Treatments, Cosmetics, Dry Skin Treatments, Pore Size Treatments, Spotlight On... |
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Recently, cosmetics companies have been having a field day trailing on the success of Bare Escentuals, each releasing their own formulation of mineral powder. Because it’s rather difficult to tell them all apart, FutureDerm is here to come to the rescue. To find out which has the best ingredients, as well as the best texture, read on…
Neutrogena Mineral Sheers Powder Foundation claims to “enhance skin clarity, tone, and texture.” Ingredients-wise, it lives up to the claims, with a plethora of skin-beneficial ingredients. Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and tocopheryl acetate (vitamin E) are one of my favorite combinations of ingredients, and are well-touted throughout this blog. Vitamin C and vitamin E synergistically enhance the power of one another, and have been reported by Djerassi et. al. to prevent the formation of carcinogenic nitrosamines, and have also been shown in this 1996 study, amongst others, to enhance the photoprotective effects of sunscreen. One further thing I love: vitamin C is often unstable in formulations, but according to Dr. Burgess’s Cosmetic Dermatology textbook, “the most stable vitamin C preparations remain anhydrous or completely water-free,” like in Neutrogena Mineral Sheers Powder Foundation.
Neutrogena Mineral Sheers Powder Foundation also contains retinyl palmitate. Although retinyl palmitate was found in a 1997 study in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology to be less effective in penetrating the skin than retinol, it has been shown to exhibit the collagen-stimulating, smoothing, and wrinkle-reducing properties of retinol over time. In addition, retinyl palmitate has also been shown to be less irritating than retinol, which makes it promising in a powder formulation.
The final ingredient in Neutrogena Mineral Sheers Powder Foundation that I love is soybean flour. Soybean has been shown in numerous studies to exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, to stimulate collagen and hyaluronic acid production of human fibroblasts in vitro, and to lighten the appearance of sunspots after use for two weeks.
As far as product application goes, Neutrogena Mineral Sheers Powder Foundation goes on easily, even over sunscreen. The high concentration of mica and silica in the product makes it reflect the light, while the dimethicone makes it thicker than other Neutrogena powders I have tried in the past. It covers well and looks great, and I think it is the best choice if you are looking for light to medium coverage with skin-beneficial ingredients. Just one caveat: do not expect this or any other powder to give you sun protection. Although it says SPF 20, any powder product requires about 14 times the amount of normal powder application to receive the SPF listed on the package, so a powder with an SPF of 20 is really providing an SPF of about 1.2 with normal use.
Active Ingredients: Titanium dioxide. Inactive Ingredients: Mica, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Zinc Stearate, Silica, Dimethicone, Oryza Sativa Starch (Rice), Magnesium Myristate, Methicone, Ascorbic Acid, Tocopheryl Acetate, Retinyl Palmitate, Pantothenic Acid, Panthenol, Glycine Soja Flour (Soybean), Alumina, Silk Powder, Water, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, May Contain: Iron Oxides, Nylon 12, Carmine
Clinique Almost Makeup SPF 15 claims to be “a long-wear formula” that “keeps pores out of trouble.” That’s always good - I was pretty upset the last time I had to go downtown and bail my pores out. (Sorry, I’ll stop putting bad humor in here, haha.)
At any rate, Clinique Almost Makeup SPF 15 is a solid talc-based formulation. Suitable for dry skin, Clinique Almost Makeup SPF 15 contains sodium hyaluronate, which in its unprotonated form as hyaluronic acid is a natural moisturizing factor that binds up to 1000 times its weight in water, according to one of my favorite dermatologists, Dr. Leslie Baumann. However, sodium hyaluronate, with similar water-binding abilities, is commonly used instead of hyaluronic acid in skincare products due to its greater chemical stability (Kewpie) and still-hydrating capabilities.
When applied, Clinique Almost Makeup SPF 15 feels thicker than Neutrogena Mineral Sheers Powder Foundation, and I feel that it provides greater (heavier) coverage. I like this product better than Neutrogena Mineral Sheers Powder for dry skin types or for those women who would like more coverage. Still, like with the Neutrogena product, don’t expect to get an SPF of more than 1 with this product.
Ingredients (01 Fair And 04 Neutral)
Active Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide 13.00% • Octinoxate 2.00%
Ingredients: Talc • Dimethicone • Nylon-12 • Silica • Squalane • Boron Nitride • Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer • Cetyl Caprylate • Diisostearyl Malate • Phytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer Dilinoleate • Methicone • Aluminum Hydroxide • Glycerin • Sodium Hyaluronate • Magnesium Palmitoyl Glutamate • Sodium Palmitoyl Sarcosinate • Palmitoyl Proline • Alumina • Tocopherol • Palmitic Acid • 1,2-Hexanediol • Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate • Tin Oxide • Sodium Dehydroacetate • [+/- Iron Oxides (Ci 77499, Ci 77492, Ci 77491) • Mica • Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891)]
Ingredients (07 Deep)
Active Ingredient: Titanium Dioxide 6.90%
Ingredients: Talc • Silica • Isostearyl Palmitate • Methicone • Sodium Hyaluronate • Triethoxycaprylylsilane • Nylon-12 • Glycerin • Alumina • Tetrasodium Edta • Chlorphenesin • Potassium Sorbate • Sodium Dehydroacetate • [+/- Mica • Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891) • Iron Oxides (Ci 77491, Ci 77492, Ci 77499)]
Avon Ideal Shade Mineral Makeup is free of talc, oil, or fragrance. Of all three powders, Avon Ideal Shade Mineral Makeup is definitely the formulation closest to Bare Escentuals, with mica, bismuth oxychloride, and iron oxides. The consistency of Avon Ideal Shade Mineral Makeup is also the most similar to Bare Escentuals, with a half-foundation/half-powder type duality, and mastery of the application technique is a must.
Ascorbyl palmitate (a form of vitamin C) and tocopherol (vitamin E) provide some additional sun protection, while retinyl palmitate helps to refine skin texture and to improve cell turnover over time. The product feels like a heavier powder but covers like a good foundation, and stays put all day. If you are looking for a mineral powder experience that is completely distinct from normal powders, then I would recommend Avon Ideal Shade Mineral Makeup over the other two. (And again, wear sunscreen under it!!!)
Ingredients
MICA
TITANIUM DIOXIDE
KAOLIN
ZINC PCA
SODIUM HYALURONATE
SODIUM PCA
LECITHIN
UREA
C12-15 ALKYL BENZOATE
SILICA DIMETHYL SILYLATE
WATER/EAU
LAURYL PCA
TREHALOSE
ASCORBYL PALMITATE
ATELOCOLLAGEN
PHENYL TRIMETHICONE
BETA-CAROTENE
POLYQUATERNIUM-51
RETINYL PALMITATE
SODIUM CHONDROITIN SULFATE
TOCOPHEROL
NYLON-12
METHYLPARABEN
PROPYLPARABEN
MAY CONTAIN:
IRON OXIDES
BISMUTH OXYCHLORIDE
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May 14th, 2008
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futurederm |
Anti-Aging Treatments, Antioxidant Treatments, Best Products, Best Products, Cosmetics, Dry Skin Treatments, Hyperpigmentation Treatments, Product Reviews, Spotlight On..., Sunblocks, sunscreen |
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Jack LaLanne is 92 years old in this picture. Source: Static.Flickr.com
Now more than ever, women of all ages are concerned with looking younger. And no wonder, with more information, products, and procedures available to them than ever before. Despite all of the newfound technologies out there, however, an effective anti-aging routine doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are 10 simple ways to look younger for far longer:
1. Relax.
Stress triggers the release of hormones that cause inflammation in the skin, which worsens the effects of, and even causes, free radical production and more rapid aging, according to Dr. Nicholas Perricone, author of The Wrinkle Cure. It seems like common sense, but learning to relax and finding the time to do what makes you happiest in life will make you glow from the inside out. One of my favorite guides is Finding Your Own North Star by Martha Beck - it taught me to relax and enjoy the work-life balance like no other.
2. Sleep at least 7 hours per night.
Sleep is when your skin restores and renews itself. To maximize your sleep efforts, take some advice from Dr. Ben Kaminsky, founder of B. Kamins skin care:
- Wear earplugs if necessary.
- Keep the room as dark as possible.
- Have a light, high-carb snack before bed, which increases serotonin production, which triggers calmness that can result in sounder sleep.
- Cut out caffeine.
- Take a warm bath before bedtime.
- Beware of medications that can disturb sleep (talk to your doctor).
- Spend time outside, especially in the morning, to keep body rhythms in harmony
3. Eat healthfully, and take a multivitamin.
Although multivitamins certainly are not a complete substitute for healthy eating, taking a vitamin has been shown to have skin-beneficial effects, as demonstrated in a 2007 study in Skin Pharmacology and Physiology. In the study, it was shown that either an oral supplement with antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin or the cream with the same ingredients improved skin elasticity, hydration, and protection against sun damage. However, the combination of oral and topical formulations boosted numbers the most — skin hydration by 60 percent and protection against sunburn by 20 percent. Therefore, by taking beneficial ingredients orally and applying them topically, you are getting the greatest effects for your skin.
To keep skin hydrated, Dr. Howard Murad recommends a supplement that contains all of the following elements:
- antioxidants
- fatty acid supplements, like fish oil, to encourage the body to make its own water-holding molecules
- glucosamine supplements, also to encourage the body to make its own water-holding molecules
- lecithin, and its building blocks phosphatidylcholine and choline to maintain cell walls
4. Protect your skin from the sun.
Wear a sunscreen of at least SPF 30 everyday, and try to wear sun-protective clothing, including a hat. The effectiveness of ultraviolet protective clothing is measured by Ultraviolet Protection Factor, or UPF. Unlike SPF, which quantifies only UVB protection, UPF incorporates both UVA and UVB (broad-spectrum) protection. In general, according to Dr. Leslie Baumann, a UPF of 10 equals protection of about SPF 30. Sunscreen pills, such as Murad Pomphenol Sunguard Supplement ($35.00, Amazon.com), have also been found to boost sun protection by as much as 25%.
5. Exfoliate weekly and moisturize daily.
According to Dr. Patricia Wexler in this month’s Real Simple magazine, there are 3 steps to looking 15 years younger: “Exfoliate, moisturize, and apply sunscreen. Each one takes five years off.” Exfoliation, according to Dr. Ben Kamins, “works very effectively in the loosening of the dead cells of the stratum corneum and on acne-prone skin with plugged pores and dry, flaky skin.” It also enables your other skin care products to work more effectively. My personal favorite exfoliator is Peter Thomas Roth UnWrinkle Peel Pads ($45.00, Amazon.com), with the AHAs glycolic acid and lactic acid.
As for moisturization, according to B. Kamins, “For the skin to maintain an optimal barrier function, its hydration level is very important.” According to Dr. Frederic Brandt in this month’s Real Simple magazine, even the most basic moisturizer hydrates, giving the skin a chance to rest. By doing so, you help maintain collagen production over time, keeping your skin looking firmer (and you looking younger) for longer. I like it.
6. Exercise for at least 30 minutes at least 5 days a week.
According to the book Physiology of Exercise and Healthy Aging, exercise not only makes your body stronger, leaner, and more healthy, but also helps you look younger as well. In a recent study, women who did aerobic exercise 30 minutes 5 days a week for a year (or longer) were found to look 4 years younger than their non-exercising peers. Not bad!
7. Visit your dermatologist.
Although there are some incredible over-the-counter skin care treatments, your dermatologist can administer prescription-grade retinoids, more effective chemical peels, laser treatments, and unique therapies customized to your skin and your desires.
8. Use antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents, and retinoids.
Some of my favorite formulations include Revalé Skin (with super antioxidant coffee berry), Patricia Wexler MMPi Skin Regeneration Serum (with anti-inflammatory matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors) and Green Cream Level 6 (with 0.6% retinol). For specific product recommendations, I highly recommend Dr. Leslie Baumann’s The Skin Type Solution, which recommends skin care products to each of sixteen different skin types.
9. Drink enough water.
According to Dr. Howard Murad , “Of all the raw materials you need, water is at the top of the list of the forty-odd other ones. ..however, [there is] no evidence to support the commonly known “eight by eight” rule that advises drinking eight eight-ounce glasses of water per day [for the skin]…[although] one study has shown that men who drank more than that had nearly half the risk of bladder cancer as those who drank half as much.” Instead of eight glasses, try to drink water consistently throughout the day, and more after exercising or being in the heat.
10. Don’t smoke.
Smoking has been found to be more responsible for aging the skin than sun damage (Baumann-cited, Daniel et. al., 1971). A recent German study also demonstrated that smoking is linked to acne, as about 40.8% of smokers exhibited acne, compared to 25.2% of non-smokers, amongst a population of 896 citizens. Although “smoker’s mouth” and facial wrinkles are commonly noted, a 2007 study in the Archives of Dermatology found that smokers were more likely than non-smokers to exhibit deep body wrinkles as well. Secondhand smoke puts you at a lesser, although still substantial, risk, so limit your time in smoky rooms as much as possible.
Other sources for great ideas
I was excited to read 50 Tips for Healthier Skin at Any Age on RNCentral.com recently. Even if you already live a healthy lifestyle, I highly recommend reading the article and picking up a new idea or two to incorporate into your daily routine.
Also, keep checking back on FutureDerm.com for product reviews and new ingredient information!
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May 13th, 2008
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futurederm |
Anti-Aging Treatments, Cosmetic Dermatology News, General Cosmetic Dermatology, Uncategorized |
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Freeze and Go Instant Smoother and Brightener ($65.00, Freeze247.com) promises “a 50-90% visible reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles within 10 minutes of a single application.” The product is packaged in a portable container that enables easy transfer of the product, whereever you decide to go.
GABA may temporarily inhibit wrinkles
Although the company claims that “100% of women” in their study experienced the 50-90% reduction in fine lines and wrinkles, the main ingredient, gamma aminobutyric acid, does not always have these types of results. GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter, may temporarily inhibit nerves and reduce the appearance of wrinkles when applied topically, but this effect varies from woman to woman, and is not usually anywhere comparable to Botox or other professionally-administered wrinkle reducers.
Black tea
Black tea has been found in this study to prevent glycation-produced cross-linking of collagen in the aorta of rats, i.e., prevents the hardness of collagen that is characteristic with aging. Black tea has also been shown in this study to be protective against UVB-induced photodamage in mice.
Hydrating
Freeze and Go Instant Smoother and Brightener contains a high concentration of silicones, as well as hydrating shea butter, coconut oil, and vitamin E, which should reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles somewhat, for a limited amount of time, as well.
Overall opinions
Freeze and Go Instant Smoother and Brightener is a solid product; for most women, it should make fine lines and wrinkles appear less visible, although results will vary from woman to woman. This is largely due to the differing results women experience from topically applying GABA to the skin. Overall, I like the product, though I recommend trying it through a store or company with a reliable return policy before committing. Definitely a solid product, but no Botox. Overall rating: 8.5/10.
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May 11th, 2008
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Anti-Aging Treatments, Product Reviews, Wrinkle Treatments |
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Occasionally, you run into a body lotion that just feels nice. That’s the case with Mario Russo All For One Body Lotion ($22.50, SalonMarioRusso.com). Infused with seven known hydrators, this one feels light on the skin and leaves it hydrated and soft for hours.
Mario Russo All For One Body Lotion leaves a light floral scent on the skin, so you may not want to wear it with perfume. However, after a shower or before bed, particularly under a cotton robe or nightgown, this lotion is great, and will leave your skin soft and hydrated.
With continued use of Mario Russo All For One Body Lotion, the olive oil in the product will protect the skin as an antioxidant, and soften the skin. The other hydrators will also leave the skin more apt to repair itself; these hydrators include glycerin, cetearyl alcohol, panthenol, dimethicone, cyclomethicone, olive oil, and shea butter.
Overall, I give Mario Russo All For One Body Lotion a solid 8/10 - a great hydrating body lotion! High concentration of proven ingredients: 2.5/3. New technology or solid formulation: 3/3. Value for the money: 2.5/3. Sunscreen: 0/1.
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May 9th, 2008
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Product Reviews |
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As far as trace minerals in the skin go, you don’t get one much more abundant than zinc: the skin contains about 6% of all the zinc in the body, according to Joy Bauer, MS, RD, CDN and author of Food Cures. In the skin, zinc is responsible for protecting cell membranes and maintaining skin’s collagen levels. Dr. Howard Murad further sings zinc’s praises in The Murad Method: “Zinc is truly a workhorse ingredient…It protects the skin from UV light and other irritants and infection from bacteria and fungi…enhances the effects of vitamins A and E, and soothes irritation.” In fact, patients with severe zinc deficiencies can develop redness and pustules, as well as small blisters, crusting, and flaking lesions on the scalp, genitalia, and around the mouth, according to Dr. Audrey Kunin, dermatologist and founder of DERMADoctor.com. Kunin also notes that zinc deficiency may lead to hair loss.
According to Bauer, zinc is naturally found in all of the following sources:
- oysters
- lean beef
- crab
- ostrich
- pork tenderloin
- peanut butter
- wheat germ
- turkey
- veal
- pumpkin seeds
- chicken
- chickpeas (garbanzo beans)
- fat-free yogurt
- fortified whole grain cereals
- pine nuts
- cashews
- sunflower seeds
- lima beans
- lentils
- pecans
- cheese (fat-free, reduced-fat)
- fat-free milk
- almonds
- walnuts
- peanuts
- black-eyed peas (not these ones, hee hee)
- green peas
However, Bauer strongly advises not to take above 100% USDA daily values of zinc (15 mg per day). According to Bauer, “Excess zinc can inhibit the body’s ability to absorb copper, a minor but necessary mineral…[High levels of zinc] can depress the immune system and block copper’s availability in the body.” In fact, Bauer advises patients who ingest 80 mg of zinc/day (usually to treat macular degeneration) to also take 2 mg copper/day.
When applied topically, zinc has been shown to have significant antioxidant activity in this 2002 study in the International Journal of Dermatology, amongst others. According to the study, there are two mechanisms by which zinc may provide antioxidant protection: in the first, “zinc ions may replace redox active molecules, such as iron and copper, at critical sites in cell membranes and proteins; alternatively, zinc ions may induce the synthesis of metallothionein, sulfhydryl-rich proteins that protect against free radicals.” At any rate, zinc appears to be an effective ingredient in skin care products.
All in all, zinc is a pretty exciting ingredient, whether ingested or applied topically! Zinc is available orally in most multivitamins and the Murad Pure Skin Supplement ($39.50, Amazon.com), as well as the Murad Acne Spot Treatment ($12.00, Amazon.com). As always, talk to your doctor when starting a new program.
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May 7th, 2008
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Acne Treatments, Spotlight On... |
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For today’s post, I am proud to have Dr. Jeanine B. Downie, a board-certified dermatologist, on board. Dr. Downie is the director of her own practice, image Dermatology P.C. in Montclair, N.J, with training in all aspects of dermatology, including cosmetic dermatology, laser and dermatologic surgery.
FutureDerm: What SPF do you recommend that your patients use every day?
Dr. Downie: An SPF 30 or higher
FutureDerm: I have read recently that daily use of a high SPF (over 50) can make the skin overly sensitive. Is this true? If so, why?
Dr. Downie: No, absolutely not true. It’s actually the contrary and no protection over time will make your skin more sensitive. Additionally, if you’re allergic, use a sunscreen that is hypoallergenic.
FutureDerm: How many skin cancer patients do you see each year?
Dr. Downie: In an average week, 20-30 patients and my Physician Assistant sees an additional 20-30 patients a week.
FutureDerm: What has been your most rewarding case?
Dr. Downie: When I was training at Mt. Sinai Medical Center, I had a patient that came in who was told she had dirt under her toe. I was immediately able to identify it as skin cancer. Even though it was a late diagnosis by the time she came to see me, she only lost her toe and not her life.
FutureDerm: What sun protection products are your favorite and why?
Dr. Downie: AVEENO, Neutrogena, MD Forte and Alyria are all great sunscreens and offer great protection in an SPF of 30 or higher.
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May 5th, 2008
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Interviews |
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Biotin, a member of the B-vitamin family also known as vitamin H, is often recommended in formulations for the skin, hair, and nails. While biotin has no documented benefits for the skin, it is still a dermatologist’s friend because of its tremendous benefits for the hair and nails. According to Dr. Audrey Kunin, board-certified Kansas City dermatologist and founder of DERMADoctor.com, biotin deficiencies lead to hair loss and fragility, while nails become similarly fragile and brittle.
A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology in 2005 found that daily supplementation of 2.5 mg biotin lead to 25% thicker nails over the course of 15 months. A second study revealed that 63% of 44 patients experienced improvements of their brittle nails after just 6 months, while 37% had no change.
It has been reported that the only supplement that can improve nail growth is biotin. It has been reported that 80% of people with brittle nails who switched to a biotin-rich diet had normal nails within a few months. For this reason, Kunin and other experts recommend taking at least 2500-3000 mcg (2.5-3.0 mg) of biotin per day. Two great products that contain biotin are DermaVite Dietary Supplement ($19.75 for 60-day supply of 600 mg/day, DermaDoctor.com) and GNC Hair, Skin, and Nails Formula with biotin and lutein for the skin ($17.99 for 60-day supply of 300 mg/day, Drugstore.com). According to Dr. Kunin, biotin is also available in brewer’s yeast, corn, barley, soybeans, walnuts, peanuts, molasses, cauliflower, milk, egg yolks, and fortified cereals.
Keep in mind that the benefits of biotin have only been shown through oral supplementation. Research has not demonstrated effects for topically applying biotin to the hair or nails, so keep that in mind before you buy anything but biotin in supplement form!
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May 4th, 2008
Posted by
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Best Products, Best Products, Edible Skincare, Product Reviews, Spotlight On... |
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