What better way to celebrate the Sex and the City movie premiere than with cocktails (like the ladies themselves)? 
Here is a cocktail for your face, as well as a Cosmopolitan recipe with NUVO Sparkling Liqueur:
The At-Home Facial Cocktail for Softer, More Hydrated Skin
What You’ll Need:
- 1 California Avocado (California avocados are the type of choice because of their high oil content)
- 1/4 cup of plain yogurt
According to Shalini Vadhera, celebrity make-up artist and author of Passport to Beauty, the avocado should be smashed first, then the yogurt added. Once mixed, brush the mask on your face, and allow to chill for about twenty minutes.
Why it works: Avocados have been known for their hydrating properties in moisturizers from some time, as cited in a 1995 study in Archives of Dermatological Research. There is also a limited amount of evidence suggesting that avocados may improve the skin’s defensive functions, as published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science.
Why yogurt works well comes down to the milk in the product, which contains lactic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid. Although the preferred alpha hydroxy acid is usually glycolic acid (because glycolic acid increases the thickness and firmness of the skin over time, while lactic acid does not), lactic acid is able to hydrate the skin extremely well. In fact, prescription LacHydrin, with ammonium lactate (a relative of lactic acid) is used to treat dry skin.
The Nuvo Liqueur Cosmopolitan (not for your face 
)
What You’ll Need:
- 1 part ultra premium Vodka
- 2 parts Nuvo Liqueur
- Ice in a martini glass
According to a friend of mine who sent me this recipe, Nuvo Liqueur is the first sparkling liqueur ever made, - a blend of vodka, some delicate French sparkling wine, and a touch of natural fruit nectar. She sent me the recipe in honor of the Sex and the City premiere. And while I don’t drink much, if I were to have a Cosmo for the Sex and the City premiere, I’d definitely use her recipe!
A Note About the Movie
I saw it today (it was my day off work!!), and it was fabulous. When I wasn’t crying tears of sympathy or laughter, I was drooling over the incredible handbags and outfits. Ladies, if you loved Sex and the City on TV, you have to go and see this movie!
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May 30th, 2008
Posted by
futurederm |
Cosmetic Dermatology News, Uncategorized |
10 comments
Spin Lash is a new product that actually rotates 360o to give you a fuller, more separated lash line. While the product comes with its own hypoallergenic, contact lens-safe mascara, the rotating brush is suitable for use with any mascara, which is certainly a welcome feature.
The good parts about Spin Lash is that it works - lashes really do look fuller and more separated after using the rotating system. The brush head is also made of synthetic materials, so it feels rubbery, like a silicone brush. I like it - it reminds me of Cover Girl Lash Blast. In addition, the mascara itself builds nicely and comes off easily with soap and water.
The not-so-good parts are that the Spin Lash technique takes a little while to master (I’m not used to putting anything mechanically rotating near my eye, so it took a bit of practice!), and the brush is not good for getting those hard-to-reach corner lashes.
However, overall, if you have some patience, Spin Lash is a sensational product. I think it especially makes a really great gift for the makeup junkie in your life!
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May 30th, 2008
Posted by
futurederm |
Best Skincare Gifts, Cosmetics, Product Reviews |
10 comments
Avril Lavigne has perfect skin - and is a fan of Olay Definity, according to the June 2, 2008 issue of OK! Magazine. Photo source: ChrisOnRails.Wordpress.com
Olay Definity Deep Penetrating Foaming Moisturizer ($11.69, Amazon.com) claims to “penetrate 10 surface layers of skin” to treat “discoloration, dullness, brown spots, and wrinkles for luminous skin.” Sounds great…and affordable too!
Unfortunately, this is an instance of a great product with a claim that frustrates me. The statement “penetrating 10 surface layers deep” is actually an impossibility. The epidermis, the surface layer of the skin, only has five layers: stratum corneum, stratum lucidum, stratum granulosum, stratum spinosum and stratum granulosum. To imply “10 surface layers” indicates that the company is employing its own skin layer-numbering system, and really, who knows how deep each of these 10 new layers even goes?!
Which is unfortunate, really, because Olay Definity Deep Penetrating Foaming Moisturizer is actually a great product. It contains a fairly high concentration of niacinamide and glucosamine, two ingredients that have been proven in numerous studies to reduce the appearance of age spots and increase skin’s brightness with regular use over time. Niacinamide has also been shown by Bissett et. al (amongst others) to increase skin’s hydration levels and reduce the appearance of fine lines wrinkles over time. The moisturizer further rises to greatness with the inclusion of aloe and vitamin E, both of which have been proven to soothe and hydrate the skin.
After using Olay Definity Deep Penetrating Foaming Moisturizer the first time, dry skin flaked off like crazy, which I thought was especially great, considering that I keep my skin very well-moisturized! It was a nice, completely unexpected effect! The texture of the foam is very light, which I also liked a lot, making the foam perfect for applying before sunscreen each morning and a heavier moisturizer at night. In fact, the moisturizer is designed before morning use with Olay Definity Deep Penetrating UV Moisturizer SPF 15, which has a thicker texture and offers some sun protection. Personally, because I like a higher SPF, I use Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 85 after [Skinceuticals CE Ferulic and] Olay Definity Deep Penetrating Foaming Moisturizer, but Olay Definity Deep Penetrating UV Moisturizer SPF 15 works well too.
Overall, although the “10 layers of skin” claim initially bothered me, when I realized that the product has effective, scientifically-proven ingredients, hydrates, and works very well under sunscreen, I was willing to give Olay Definity Deep Penetrating Foaming Moisturizer a break — and a permanent place on my bathroom shelf! Definitely a winner, and a must-have for skin care fanatics. Product rating: 8.5/10 (High concentration of proven ingredients: 3/3. New technology: 3/3. Value for the money: 3/3. Sunscreen: 0/1. And a -0.5, just because, let’s face it, I had to do something about the “layers of skin”!! )
Active Ingredients: Octisalate (3.8%), Avobenzone (1.9%), Ensulizole (0.95%), Octocrylene (0.95%)
Inactive Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Isopropyl Isostearate, Isobutane, Propane, Acetyl Glucosamine, Pentylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Polyethylene, Triethanolamine, Panthenol, Polysorbate 20, Benzyl Alcohol, Ethylparaben, Cetearyl Glucoside, Cetearyl Alcohol, PEG 100 Stearate, Propylparaben, Tocopheryl Acetate, Disodium EDTA, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Methylparaben, Pentadecalactone, Carthamus Tinctoria (Safflower) Seed Oil, Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Fruit Extract, Soluble Collagen, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Lecithin, Plankton Extract, Phosphoric Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tin Oxide, Titanium Dioxide, Mica
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May 28th, 2008
Posted by
futurederm |
Best Products, Best Products, Product Reviews, Uncategorized |
7 comments
Ahhh, yes, back by popular demand: my favorite posts of the week!
I personally have always loved rose water; in fact, my first big department store purchase was a now-discontinued moisturizer with rose water as the main ingredient. And now one of my favorite derms, Dr. Leslie Baumann, verifies rose water’s goodness in an awesome post! Rose water is now available in Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist ($31.00, Amazon.com).
An excellent post by dermatologist Dr. Benabio in The Derm Blog. Highly recommended for anyone even considering laser hair removal!
Girl-Woman-Beauty-Brains is a beauty blog from two very smart, savvy women. It regularly features a lot of really interesting posts about everything from make-up to fitness. I was really excited to do the interview!
The ever-popular Nadine Haobsh AKA Jolie blog features pictures of her pretty self with UV imaging…we all have sun damage, so I’m definitely not singling her out, but when you see her perfect-looking skin with UV imaging, it really serves as a great reminder that we all need to wear sunscreen every single day.
Product Girl is giving away a Sex and the City package including DVD essentials, coffee table book, and soundtrack. I. Dig. It.
Stop back tomorrow for a review of the new Olay Definity cream…and a book all about skin care!
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May 27th, 2008
Posted by
futurederm |
Cosmetic Dermatology News |
11 comments
Image source: Germes-Online.com
Besides, of course, the fact that carbs are yummy. :-) According to a 2005 study by Beisswenger, the collagen of patients who were put on the Atkins diet aged faster than the collagen of patients who were not on the diet. Specifically, it was found that the rate of advanced glycation endproduct (AGE) formation, responsible in part for the hardened aged state of collagen, was actually doubled in patients who were following the Atkins diet from those who were not. (It was verified the patients in the diet group were following the Atkins diet by the presence of ketones in their urine.) It seems that ketosis doubles the presence of methylglyoxal in the body, which reacts with Amadori products, forming twice the collagen-aging AGE products that would normally be present. It is further notable that methylglyoxal is 40000 times more reactive than blood sugar itself, so it seems that avoiding sugar in hopes of decreasing AGE formation is incredibly counterproductive!
So what is a body-conscious, skin-savvy patient to do? According to über nutritionist Joy Bauer, MS, RD, CDN and author of Food Cures, the best bet is to consume high-quality carbohydrates, such as vegetables, fruits, beans, peas, lentils, brown and wild rice, barley, oatmeal, whole grain cereals, whole grain breads, whole grain crackers, quinoa, amaranth, wheat berries, and millet, rather than eliminating carbohydrates. These carbohydrates allow blood sugars to rise gently, stay even over a longer period of time than their simple carb counterparts, and then fall off slowly.
So don’t age your skin to make your body leaner - simply cut out only the simple carbs, switch to all complex carbs, and get healthier, leaner, and still have younger skin as a result.
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May 26th, 2008
Posted by
futurederm |
Controversy |
20 comments
Ah, sometimes in life, it all comes down to the little things. So as it is with the skin care container, according to Dr. Daniel Yarosh, Ph.D., CEO of AGI Dermatics (Remergent) and author of the new book The New Science of Perfect Skin. According to Yarosh, containers should in fact be a consideration when you are purchasing your skin care:
- “Jars are the worst offenders, because they are opened and closed frequently, exposing the entire surface of the product to airborne contaminants, as well as bacteria from the fingers that are dipped into the jar.”
- “Tubes have the similar problem between push-out and suck-back between the inside and outside of the package.”
- “Pumps are better, but those with long straws leading into the lotion or cream draw the product up from the bottom and still leave air on top of the product.”
- “Airless pump bottles are the best. There, the contents are pushed up from the bottom by a plunger, so no air is trapped inside a product.”
- “A metered dispenser is another great feature that pumps out the same amount every time the plunger is pushed. This feature avoids the waste that is produced when too much product is dispensed from a jar or tube and can make a small pump dispenser last longer than a bigger jar or tube.”
The bottom line: pay attention to your skin care containers before making a purchase! In addition, take extra caution that unstable ingredients like ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and retinol are in an airless pump rather than a jar or a tube.
Let me know if you have additional thoughts - each comment counts as an entry in the FutureDerm and Skinmedix.com $500 skin care giveaway until June 18, 2008 at 11:59 PM EST!
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May 23rd, 2008
Posted by
futurederm |
Quick Questions |
22 comments
There are certain rumors about skin care that sound so logical, people assume they must be true. Unfortunately, sometimes the right answer is the one that combats common sense! Here are five of the most common myths about summer skin care I have recently heard:
1. SPF 100 means 100% protection.
Errrt, wrong! An SPF of 100 means that the sunscreen blocks 99.0% of UV rays. And yes, that means an SPF of 200 is not only possible, but also would theoretically only block 99.5% of UV rays. How did I get these numbers? The amount of UVB an SPF is effective at blocking can be estimated using the following algorithm from dermatologist Dr. Rachel Herschenfeld: SPF means that 1/(SPF number) of rays goes through. That means that SPF 30 allows 1/30 UVB rays, or 3.3% through, blocking about 96.6% of UVB rays, and SPF 50 allows 1/50 UVB rays, or 2.0% through, blocking about 98.0% of UVB rays. According to Dr. Leslie Baumann, über-derm and author of Cosmetic Dermatology, the Sun Protection Factor (SPF) commonly listed on products refers to the amount of UVB protection, measured by the time it takes for a person without sunscreen versus a person with sunscreen to show a erythemal skin reaction (i.e., to show redness).
2. A base tan protects you from future sun damage.
Yes, it is true that darker-skinned women naturally have a slight SPF built-in to their skin (as if Halle Berry and Iman weren’t enough to make me jealous already, *sighs*). However, women who are lighter-skinned should not get a “base tan” to prevent future damage. For one, you will incur free radical and structural damage while trying to achieve the build-up of melanin that yields the bit of sun protection. And two, let’s not forget that everyone — of all skin tones — still needs sun protection: “[Melanin build-up provides an umbrella of sun protection], but the umbrella is porous - you’re still getting DNA damage, which can lead to wrinkles and skin cancer,” says NYC dermatologist Dr. Doris Day in the June issue of Allure. In other words, everyone needs sunscreen, and while dark skin naturally provides a bit of beneficial SPF, tanning lighter skin to get there isn’t benefiting you in the long run.
3. Self-tanner saves you from free radical damage.
Yes and no on this one. Yes, there is nothing proven to naturally age your faster UV light, which does pretty much everything from depleting collagen levels to inducing free radical production at monstrous levels. And if you use self-tanner and stay out of the sun as a result, then you are saving your skin. However, if you use self-tanner and then go out into the sun, you could be causing more damage: According to a 2007 study published in Germany (and cited in Allure), for 24 hours after applying a self-tanner, the skin is more susceptible to free-radical damage once being exposed to the sun.
In other words, best case scenario: avoid self-tanner, wear sunscreen, and avoid the sun between 10-4 P.M. except for 15 minutes/week (for adequate vitamin D production). Next best scenario: use self-tanner, wear sunscreen, and avoid the sun between 10-4 P.M. except for 15 minutes/week. Worst case scenario: use self-tanner, don’t wear sunscreen, and go out into the sun. Eeeeek!
4. “If my powder contains SPF, that’s enough protection.”
Oh dear. If you want to know how much SPF you are really getting from a product, divide the SPF number by 14, according to Dr. Leslie Baumann, über-dermatologist from the University of Miami. According to Baumann, scientists estimate the SPF of a facial powder assuming 1200 mg of product is used with each application, but the average woman only applies 85 mg of powder at a time, 14 times less than the estimated amount. In other words, if you want adequate sun protection, wear a moisturizer or sunscreen with SPF under your powder, even if your powder contains sunscreen.
5. SPF = UPF.
UPF, the rating system for sun protective clothing, has been getting a lot of press recently because sun protective clothing is currently popular and - dare I say it - increasingly stylish. However, unlike SPF, which quantifies only UVB protection, UPF is a number that incorporates both UVA and UVB (broad-spectrum) protection.
In general, according to Baumann’s Cosmetic Dermatology textbook, a UPF of 10 equals protection of about SPF 30, so a UPF of 50 equals protection of about SPF 150 (i.e., lets 1/150 rays through, providing 99.25% protection). Pretty cool, huh?
****
In short, rumors were made to be about Hollywood celebrity scandals, not your skin. Let’s put an end to these 5 skin care myths, shall we?
Let me know your thoughts! After all, until June 19, 2008, every comment on FutureDerm.com counts as 1 entry in the $500 skin care giveaway from Skinmedix.com!
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May 22nd, 2008
Posted by
futurederm |
Commentary, Controversy, Cosmetic Dermatology News, General Cosmetic Dermatology, Sunblocks, The Worst Things For Your Skin, sunscreen |
20 comments
So, recently, I started trying a lot of skin care creams (hey, a blogger’s gotta do what a blogger’s gotta do. ) And, what do you know, I ended up with a pretty bad case of contact dermatitis, resulting in a horrible itchy rash that not even two weeks’ worth of prescription hydrocortisone could cure.
But then someone turned me on to Intelligent Aesthetics Gentle Cleansing Gel ($30.00), Comforting Skin Primer ($20.00) and AM/PM Healing Complex ($28.00). Immediately after using the products, my red, inflamed skin felt smoother and cooler. (And no, as usual, I am not being paid to say this.) The next day, my skin looked to be healing, and it felt comfortable for the first time in weeks. I’m not completely cured yet, but let me tell you, I am well on my way and I love this stuff.
Science backs it up, too. Two of the ingredients in the Intelligent Aesthetics Gentle Cleansing System are willow extract and chamomile, which have been shown in numerous studies to have healing and anti-inflammatory properties. Another great ingredient is oat extract. A 2002 study in Skin Pharmacology and Physiology found that topical application of practical concentrations of Avena Sativa (Oat) Extract reduced skin irritation in the majority of the individuals studied. Avena Sativa (Oat) extract has also been documented to be effective as a soothing and anti-inflammatory agent in the journal Phytotherapy. Other great ingredients in the line include hydrating vitamin E, anti-aging retinyl palmitate, and antioxidant vitamin C.
But my favorite ingredient in Intelligent Aesthetics Gentle Cleansing System is actually the blend of peppermint and spearmint extracts. Although the menthol that distinguishes peppermint from spearmint is sometimes touted as an irritant, both peppermint and spearmint have long been established as anti-inflammatory agents, according to the text Herbal Medicine and Botanical Medical Fields. The blend of mint extracts left my skin feeling cool, clean, and refreshed…completely unlike the itchy discomfort of contact dermatitis.
I highly recommend this line to anyone without a menthol allergy who is suffering from irritated skin! I love it!! 9.5/10 (no sunscreen)
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May 20th, 2008
Posted by
futurederm |
Best Products, Best Products, Best Skincare Gifts, Dry Skin Treatments, Uncategorized, eczema treatments |
16 comments
Yes, it’s almost summer, and what better way to start it off than with a new skin care regime. Thanks to SkinMedix.com, FutureDerm.com is holding its first big giveaway, with over $500 worth of skin care products to one lucky winner!
The lucky winner will receive:
Seven sample packs of Skinceuticals’ best products (each pack lasts 2-3 months!) of all of the following:
There are two ways to enter.
One, leave a thoughtful/insightful comment (just not spam!) on ANY post on FutureDerm.com with your name and e-mail address for the next 30 days (until 11:59 PM June 18, 2008). One comment = one entry!
Two, link to FutureDerm.com from any other blog, website, or forum. (To be sure you get your entries, send a link to the page to: contest [at] futurederm.com). One link = five entries!)
The winner will be chosen at random on June 19, 2008.
Each entry will be assigned a number; on June 19, 2008 at 12 PM EST, I will run a random-number generator program and the winner will be contacted to receive all of the above products! I’m really excited about this contest, so please, enter soon!
What is SkinMedix.com?
SkinMedix.com is a discounted skin care site that sells skin care products from great brands like RevaléSkin, Jan Marini, and Skinceuticals. However, what makes SkinMedix.com unique is that it sells samples and large sizes of a lot of the brands at a major discount. For instance, I usually pay $107.00 for a 1 oz. bottle of Skinceuticals CE Ferulic on sale, but six 0.16 oz samples (amounting to 1 oz. total) is only $28.99. It’s a great way for money-savvy women to save on their skin care. For a limited time, SkinMedix.com is offering 10% off to FutureDerm.com readers. Enter coupon code “FUTUREDERM” at checkout, and automatically receive 10% off your order!
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May 19th, 2008
Posted by
futurederm |
Uncategorized |
80 comments
Ever wish you had a dermatologist at your side when you were packing your beach bag? Never fear…six top derms reveal their must-haves in the June 2008 issue of Allure magazine:
Dr. Francesca J. Fusco of Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City (an experienced, established Manhattan derm):
Dr. Leslie Baumann of the University of Miami School of Medicine in Miami (one of my favorite all-time derms for her incredible knowledge and research background in dermatology):
Dr. Doris Day of the NYU Medical Center in New York City (and the name behind Good Skin products at Kohl’s!):
Dr. Lisa Airan, New York City dermatologist (and quite glam, I might add, this derm is often in magazines like Vogue!)
Dr. Diane Berson of the New York University Medical Center (a well-rounded derm with lots of skin cancer experience)
Dr. Katie Rodan of Stanford University School of Medicine in Stanford, California (of Pro-Activ and Rodan & Fields fame)
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May 19th, 2008
Posted by
futurederm |
Antioxidant Treatments, Best Products, Best Products, Cosmetic Dermatology News, Interviews, Sunblocks, sunscreen |
11 comments
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