Commentary: What Causes Skin Aging?


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According to Susan C. Taylor, board-certified dermatologist and author of Rx for Brown Skin, there are four basic mechanisms of skin aging: 1.) genetic factors; 2.) telomere shortening and chromosomal alterations; 3.) free radical generation (in excess of free radicals necessary for normal metabolism); 4.) UV light-induced skin damage. Each of these are discussed in more detail below. Genetic factors that contribute to skin aging Skin aging is the result of genetic, as well as environmental, factors. In several lower species, genes that... read more

Product Review: Remergent High Intensity DNA Repair SPF 30


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Recently, a reader asked me to research and review Remergent High Intensity DNA Repair SPF 30 ($94.95, SkincareRx.com). The company’s “super concentrated” product claims to “protect your skin from the sun as well as help to regenerate your skin and heal the damage that has already been done.” But does the product live up to the hype? Not “super” concentrated, after all Based on the ingredients list provided by SkincareRx.com, the product is a physical sunscreen with 5.1% Titanium Dioxide and 0.97%... read more

Quick Question: How Do I Get Rid of Cracked Lips?


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In the harsh winter months, many women suffer from dry lips. When the lips crack at the corners of the mouth, it is a condition known as chelitis, in which moisture accumulates in the area. According to New York City dermatologist Patricia Wexler in the January 2008 Allure magazine, to get rid of cracks at the corner of the lips: “The best way to heal them is with a rich emollient, such as Aquaphor ($27.25 for two, Amazon.com) which contains petrolatum to seal in moisture [and prevent excess moisture from accumulating in the area]. ... read more

Spotlight On: Selenium


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Selenium is a nonmetal that has been said to exhibit anticancer properties in numerous studies, including this 1997 study in the journal Nutrition and Cancer. However, do products containing selenium help the skin? Selenium as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory ingredient According to Dr. Jeannette Graf in Cheryl M. Burgess’ Cosmetic Dermatology textbook, “Selenium’s protective ability lies in its essential role as a cofactor in the formation of the important protective enzyme glutathione peroxidase.” Selenium... read more

Is Mineral Oil Really Bad For Your Skin?


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Johnson’s 24 Hour Moisturizer contains a high concentration of mineral oil. $4.99, Drugstore.com Visit your local drugstore, and you are bound to find a plethora of lotions with mineral oil as one of the main ingredients. Hailed for its emollient properties, but believed by many women to clog pores, is this inexpensive ingredient good or bad for your skin? What is mineral oil? Mineral oil is a colorless, odorless substance that is derived from petrolatum. It is widely used in cosmetics because it rarely causes allergic reactions and... read more

Quick Question: How Long Should I Use a Skin Care Product Before Giving Up On It?


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According to Dr. Kenneth Beer, a dermatologist in Palm Beach, FL, for the December 2007 Glamour: “The complete benefit of skin creams won’t be visible until after a full cycle of skin-cell turnover to take place, at least a month.” He adds that sun and smoke interferes with the results you get, so avoid the sun and cigarette smoking (bad for the skin, even in moderation) at all costs. With that said, give your next skin care cream a full month before you decide it is (or isn’t) working! ... read more

Spotlight On: Ascorbyl Glucoside (A Stable Form of Vitamin C)


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In a since-revised October 28, 2007 blog post, I erroneously attacked the form of vitamin C known as ascorbyl glucoside, due to the fact that there was little established research on the ingredient. However, luckily for me, I was recently contacted by the North American Cosmetic Ingredient Sales and Technical Support Representative for Hayashibara International, the manufacturer of ascorbyl glucoside since 1990, who provided me with a plethora of the company’s research on the ingredient. Again, my apologies to the company. It may... read more

Product Review: L’Oréal Revitalift UV with Mexoryl SX


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Although you may not be thinking of sunscreen in the winter months, think again: damaging UV rays can bounce off of the opaque snow, right onto your face. Furthermore, about fifty percent of UV rays penetrate through car and home windows, contributing to the majority of cumulative sun damage year-round. With that said, you really do need to be wearing sunscreen every single day, even in the winter. Is L’Oréal Revitalift UV with Mexoryl SX SPF 15 ($18.85, SaleAwaySavings.com) worth your money? Or are there other sunscreens on the... read more