Ah, yes, the “natural” product craze continues. Curel jumps on the Green S.O.S. Boat (and does a fantastic job, I might add) with its Natural Healing Moisturizing Lotion with Aloe, Green Tea, and Cucumber Extracts ($7.97, Amazon.com). Filled with effective ingredients, and priced very reasonably, it’s a must-have for soothing and moisturizing your skin! 
There’s not much not to love about this product. Aloe vera has been a popular folk remedy since the 1930’s, during which time the ingredient was used primarily as a soothing and anti-inflammatory ingredient. Indeed, aloe vera’s efficacy as an anti-inflammatory ingredient was verified in this study in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, and according to a 1999 review of ten aloe vera-related studies, “aloe vera might be effective for genital herpes and psoriasis,” and “whether it promotes wound healing is unclear.” (Refuting the latter claim is a separate study, which found rather convincingly that aloe vera does promote wound healing.)
Green tea is another favorite ingredient of mine. In a 2001 study in the journal Carcinogenesis, topical application of the active catechin compound in green tea, EGCG, to human skin resulted in decreased oxidative stress and an increase in antioxidant enzymes after UV irradiation. A further 2003 study in Molecular Epidemiology and Cancer Prevention found that the polyphenols in green tea prevent UVB-induced oxidation of lipids and proteins and prevent against the depletion in antioxidant enzymes experienced after UVB exposure in mouse skin. Pretty impressive, to say the least.
As if Curel Natural Healing Moisturizing Lotion with Aloe, Green Tea, and Cucumber Extracts wasn’t great enough, the lotion goes on with a light-to-medium texture and drinks in quickly. It leaves skin lightly fragranced and smelling fresh, something like pure aloe vera extract.
So what’s not to love about Curel Natural Healing Moisturizing Lotion with Aloe, Green Tea, and Cucumber Extracts? I only have two (very minor) complaints. The first is that the level of active compound, EGCG,of the green tea in the lotion is not specified; however, I have only seen much more expensive lotions, like Topix Replenix Cream, specify the level of EGCG. (In other words, the Curel is still a great value for the money, even if it is relatively low in EGCG, although I can’t know this for sure). The second problem is that this lotion is not really natural, as in, organic or certified organic. However, as I have said before, I certainly do not believe that all-natural or all-organic products are better for your skin. I am just stating this as a problem because it may be somewhat misleading to those who prefer all-natural products.
Overall, I love this product, and I think it’s great. I love using it after a bath or shower to lock in moisture and to soothe the skin. I give it a solid 9/10. (High concentration of well-established ingredients: 3/3. Value for the money: 3/3. Unique formulation: 3/3. Sunscreen: 0/1).
Ingredients in Curel Natural Healing Moisturizing Lotion with Aloe, Green Tea, and Cucumber Extracts
Water, Glycerin, Distearyldimonium Chloride, Petrolatum, Isopropyl Palmitate, Cetyl Alcohol, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract (Green Tea), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract (Cucumber), Propylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Fragrance, Sodium Chloride, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Caramel
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July 28th, 2008
Posted by
futurederm |
Antioxidant Treatments, Best Products, Best Products, Product Reviews |
one comment
Although fish and flaxseed have always been considered healthy, there seems to be more talk than ever about the benefits of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. And for good reason: more and more research seems to indicate that these fatty acids are good not only for your skin, but also for your brain, circulation, heart, and overall well-being.
Omega-3 fatty acids include alpha linoleic acid and eicopentaenoic acids, according to The Prescription for Nutritional Healing. The text also states that sources of omega-3’s include deep seawater fish, fish oil, and several vegetable oils, including canola, flaxseed, and walnut. In the skin, it has been suggested in The Journal of Investigative Dermatology that omega-3 consumption via fish oil reduces UVB-induced prostaglandin levels, which are partially responsible for inflammation, and further increases the threshold of UVB light allowed before damage occurs. Other research also indicates that fish oil reduces inflammation in the skin, and limited research suggests further that omega-3 consumption may stimulate fibroblast production of collagen.
On the other hand, omega-6 fatty acids include linoleic and gamma linoleic acids derived from raw nuts, seeds, legumes, primrose oil, sesame seeds, and soybeans, according to The Prescription for Nutritional Healing. However, research cited in The Prescription for Nutritional Healing from the British journal The Lancet states that omega-3’s are better than omega-6’s for the heart, based on limited research.
Although some skin care products include omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, the best source of omega-3 and omega-6 come directly from oral consumption, whether via nutritional sources or a supplement. This is because most research concerning the effects of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids on the skin were done after animal or human consumption of the ingredients, rather than topical absorption. Further, oral consumption of a beneficial ingredient has been proven to be more effective than topical application, though use through both means is best. My favorite source is GNC Double Strength Fish Oil ($15.99 for 90 softgels with 600 mg total EPA/DHA, Drugstore.com), which is great because it is a medium-sized capsule that actually provides 600 mg of omega-3 fatty acids. Most supplements of omega-3 state “1000 mg,” which usually means that the capsule itself is 1000 mg, but you usually only get 120-300 mg of omega-3 fatty acids (kind-of a rip off!) The GNC Double Strength Fish Oil is definitely a better buy, and certainly cheaper than Dr. Perricone’s version, as the blog Truth In Skincare points out is unnecessarily expensive. And if you prefer to get your omega-3’s from food, be sure to consult this list to learn which fish have the highest (and most dangerous) mercury levels, so you can make the healthiest choices.
Overall, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids appear to have great anti-inflammatory and perhaps even collagen-stimulating effects for the skin, although the limited research suggests that nutritional sources may be more beneficial than topical. At any rate, I’ll update if new information or product surfaces!
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July 27th, 2008
Posted by
futurederm |
Spotlight On... |
3 comments
One of the newest ingredients to hit the mainstream market is royal jelly. A honeybee secretion produced by young worker bees, royal jelly has recently gained popularity due to claims that the ingredient is very hydrating and may demonstrate some antioxidant activity. According to the Journal of Biological Chemistry, the active extract in royal jelly, royalisin, may further demonstrate some antibacterial activity, and the journal International Immunopharmacology reports that royal jelly may inhibit atopic dermatitis-like lesions, at least in mice. Yet the most promising claim about royal jelly is that its use may stimulate collagen production by fibroblasts, as suggested by a study published in Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry in 2004.
Still, the substantiated claims about royal jelly are relatively few, and there are some risks involved. According to Dr. Stephen Barrett, M.D., author of Quackwatch.com, “…royal jelly should be regarded as potentially dangerous because they cause allergic reactions. People allergic to specific pollens have developed asthma, hives, and anaphylactic shock after ingesting pollen or royal jelly…” Therefore, if you have a known allergy to bee stings, please do not try products containing bee pollen or royal jelly. Furthermore, even if you do not have a known allergy,
Overall, royal jelly products appear to have some promise, but don’t be drawn into all the hype just yet. If you want to try the craze, I recommend L’Oreal Vive Pro Hydra Gloss Moisturizing Conditioner ($4.99, Walgreens.com).
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July 25th, 2008
Posted by
futurederm |
Spotlight On... |
no comments
For all of you out there who love a good sunscreen as much as I do, there is new hope: Tinosorb (bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine). Unlike some other sunscreens, Tinosorb is highly photostable, retaining its levels of UV protection even after exposure to UV rays. Yet, the best part of Tinosorb is that it is the most effective UV protection available for both UVA and UVB rays, according to a 2007 study published in the European journal Pharmazie. Tinosorb’s secret? It is not just a physical sunscreen that prevents UV rays from hitting the skin, or just a chemical sunscreen that prevents transmitted rays from damaging the skin, but instead, works as both, shielding and protecting the skin. Pretty incredible!
Based on current studies, it does not seem that long-term exposure to Tinosorb has any damaging effects, nor does it seem that irritation is common. Still, Tinosorb is a relatively new ingredient, and further studies need to be done to determine the ingredient’s true side effects, if any.
One further downside to this phenomenal sunscreen: Tinosorb has not yet acquired US FDA approval, as the process takes longer in the U.S. than in Europe, Asia, or Canada. According to MyWomanStuff.com, Tinosorb is available with powerhouse sunscreen Mexoryl in the European and Asian-marketed L’Oreal UV Perfect (iMallSingapore.com).
Can’t bring yourself to order overseas or to wait for FDA approval? Try using Tinosorb in the wash: According to the textbook Cosmetic Dermatology, an additional way to get the benefits of Tinosorb is to wash your clothes with it, as Tinosorb has a disulfonic acid triazine backbone that enables it to bind to cotton fabrics. The product is RIT Sunguard Laundry Treatment ($20.00, Amazon.com).
I’ll be updating when more information is available about Tinosorb products!
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July 22nd, 2008
Posted by
futurederm |
Sunblocks, sunscreen |
9 comments
Occasionally, a product comes along with a concept I adore. One such product is Priori Radical Defense ($120.00 retail, $110.00 on SkinCareRx.com). Named one of the 30 greatest beauty products of our time by the British Telegraph, Priori Radical Defense combines a potent dual chemical/physical broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 with antioxidant powerhouse idebenone in a side-by-side pump dispenser. Pretty clever, if I do say so myself.
Idebenone is an incredible antioxidant that is technically a stable analog of the antioxidant coenzyme Q10. Idebenone neutralizes free radicals and protects the skin from many UV-induced reactive oxidative species, according to the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. Idebenone use for six weeks was found in a 2005 double-blind study in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology to result in significant improvements in aging: in the study, forty-one female subjects, aged 30-65, with moderate photodamaged skin used creams with either 0.5% or 1.0% idebenone. After one-and-a-half months’ use of the 1.0% idebenone formula, a 26% reduction in skin roughness/dryness was observed, a 37% increase in skin hydration, a 29% reduction in fine lines/wrinkles, and a 33% improvement in overall global assessment of photodamaged skin. For the 0.5% idebenone formulation, a 23% reduction in skin roughness/dryness was observed, a 37% increase in skin hydration, a 27% reduction in fine lines/wrinkles, and a 30% improvement in overall global assessment of photodamaged skin.
In comparison with other antioxidants, idebenone is more effective at reducing oxidative stress than vitamin E, kinetin, ubiquinone, vitamin C, and lipoic acid, according to a 2007 study in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, and is second in antioxidant protection only to antioxidant powerhouse coffeeberry, found in the Revale Skin line.
In comparison with the other most potent antioxidant-sunscreen combination product, Revale Skin SPF 30 with CoffeeBerry ($72.00, Amazon.com), Priori Radical Defense contains a far better sunscreen combination. While Revale Skin SPF 30 with CoffeeBerry only offers SPF 15 and standard UVA protection, Priori Radical Defense protects with physical sunscreen (zinc oxide 8%) that prevents UV rays from hitting the skin, as well as chemical sunscreens (octinoxate 7.5%, octisalate 5%, and oxybenzone 5%) to prevent contacted UV rays from damaging the skin. Unfortunately, the idebenone in Priori Radical Defense is not as potent an antioxidant as the coffee berry in Revale Skin SPF 30 with CoffeeBerry, and some individuals (myself included) also experience sensitivity after idebenone use.
With that said, the following is the way I see it: If you are looking for potent antioxidant-sunscreen protection, and your skin is NOT sensitive, I say go with Priori Radical Defense, for the best sunscreen. However, if your skin IS sensitive, I say go with Revale Skin SPF 30 with CoffeeBerry. And because different antioxidants neutralize free radicals in different ways, it’s always a great idea to mix up the antioxidants you use. Try Priori Radical Defense during the day and Revale Skin Night Cream at night, OR Revale Skin SPF 30 with CoffeeBerry during the day and Priori Night Cream at night. No matter how you go, it’s a win-win!
Product rating: 9.5/10 (High concentration of effective ingredients: 3/3. Novel technology: 3/3. Value for the money: 2,5/3. Sunscreen: 1/1).
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July 18th, 2008
Posted by
futurederm |
Anti-Aging Treatments, Antioxidant Treatments, Best Products, Best Products, Product Reviews, sunscreen |
one comment
Although shorter women can’t be runway supermodels, they may have one advantage: women who stand below 5 foot 6 inches tall are 30 percent less likely to develop skin melanoma than their taller counterparts, according to research from the Queensland Institute of Medical Research in Brisbane, Australia, reported in the August 2008 issue of Self. There are several reasons why taller women may be more susceptible to skin cancer. The first is that height may be linked with the production of higher levels of hormones that increase skin cancer risk. The second is that height may cause for taller women to absorb greater levels of damaging UV rays. Although shorter women receive more indirect UV light reflection from the ground, taller women have greater contact with UV rays. The third and final possibility is that taller women may just spend more time in the sun. (And really now, if you have legs like Gabrielle Reece, who wouldn’t live on the beach, lol).
Interesting study, indeed. :-) No matter what your height, avoid the sun between peak hours of 10 A.M. and 4 P.M. (except for 15 minutes/week, to avoid vitamin D deficiency); wear an SPF of at least 30 every day; and wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses when you must be in the sun.
Come back tomorrow for a review of Priori Radical Defense!
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July 17th, 2008
Posted by
futurederm |
Controversy |
4 comments
Recently, I was surprised to find a line that gives whole new meaning to the word “cosmeceutical”: Exederm Ultra Sensitive Skin Care. Exederm is a line formulated for sensitive skin that contains no colors, parabens, lanolin, fragrance, sodium lauryl sulfate or formaldehyde. But what really surprised me about Exederm products was relatively high non-prescription concentration of hydrocortisone in the Flare Control Cream - 1%.
Hydrocortisone is a synthetic form of the stress hormone, cortisol, that used to be known as Compound E. Hydrocortisone was developed in order to treat allergic reactions and inflammation, and is used in concentrations of 0.5-1% (as in Exederm products) to treat sensitive skin symptoms. To treat sensitive skin and mild rashes, Exederm should be applied 2-3 times a week until symptoms cease.
Because hydrocortisone is absorbed in the bloodstream, it is well-known that prescription strength hydrocortisone can cause a variety of undesirable side effects (excess hair growth, burning, redness) with repeated use over time. For this reason, I personally use Exederm whenever I have contact dermatitis from trying a new product, and keep it in my medicine cabinet for those emergency cases. I wouldn’t personally use the Flare Control Cream for longer than two weeks at a time, to prevent side effects from occurring.
Exederm Cleansing Wash goes on without a lot of bubbles, which makes sense, with the low concentration of surfactants. Still, it leaves skin feeling clean without feeling dry or tight. The fact that the facial wash is completely free of oil, sodium lauryl sulfate, color, parabens, fragrance, formaldehyde and hydrocortisone makes it perfect for daily use.
Exederm Flare Control Cream contains 1% hydrocortisone, making it extremely effective but not suitable for long-term use. However, it is very effective against red, irritated, and itchy skin; in fact, I would venture to say that this is the next best thing to a prescription, since a doctor would give you 2-4% hydrocortisone, whereas this is 1%. I used it on a patch of poison ivy for the past 2 days (I just got a dog, and I chased her through a park…not a good idea, haha), and it really alleviated the itch. Ahhh….
Exederm Intensive Moisture Cream goes on light, but once on, you can tell that the second ingredient is super hydrator petrolatum. It is very hydrating and feels cooling on a rash. It doesn’t contain anti-aging ingredients or sunscreen, but it is a solid moisturizer that is suitable for anyone with sensitive skin.
Overall, I’m very impressed with the Exederm Ultra Sensitive Skin Care line. I especially love the Exederm Cleansing Wash for everyday and the Flare Control Cream for itchy redness for two week intervals. Overall, I give this line a solid 9/10. (High concentration of well-proven ingredients: 3/3. Unique formulation: 3/3. Value for the money: 3/3. Sunscreen: 0/1).
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July 15th, 2008
Posted by
futurederm |
Best Products, Best Products, Dry Skin Treatments, How to Get Rid of..., Product Reviews, Spotlight On..., eczema treatments |
one comment
I apologize for not posting for a few days. I got promoted at work and got a puppy, so I have been very busy!
With that said, I was ecstatic to recently try NARS Balancing Foaming Cleanser and Hydrating Moisture Cream. Designed to be both luxurious and effective, the duo claims to be packed with Active Phytoseed Complex and antioxidants to reivtalize the skin.
NARS Balancing Foaming Cleanser contains mostly water, stearic acid, PEG-8, myristic acid, and glycerin. Stearic acid (octadecanoic acid for you organic chemistry lovers) is used to create a pearlized effect in the cleanser, PEG-8 is a surfactant, myristic acid is used to assist the absorption of quality ingredients through the skin as far as possible, and glycerin is used for hydration. The overall effect of these major ingredients is a sudsy, foamy, yet softening and hydrating, cleanser.
NARS Balancing Foaming Cleanser also contains soothing jojoba oil, aloe vera, and green tea. Jojoba oil has been documented in Pharmacological Research in 2005 to have soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, though the concentrations used in these studies are seemingly higher than in NARS Balancing Foaming Cleanser. Aloe vera has been documented as a soothing and hydrating source in many contexts, but a 1999 review in British Journal of General Practice sums its properties up well. Finally, green tea is a potent antioxidant that is able to reduce inflammation, soothe skin, prevent certain forms of cancer, and prevent the hardened aged state of collagen, glucosepane.
Once applied, NARS Balancing Foaming Cleanser goes on with lots of bubbles (which I happened to like). With the quantity of soothing ingredients, it left my normal-sensitive skin feeling mildly hydrated, not dry, like many other cleansers. I would recommend NARS Balancing Foaming Cleanser to anyone with normal-to-dry skin (not oily).
NARS Hydrating Moisture Cream contains a high concentration of six hydrators: aqua (Water), squalane, pentaethythrityl tetraoctanoate, butylene glycol, glycerin, and dimethicone. Beyond the high level of hydration, NARS Hydrating Moisture Cream contains retinyl acetate, which has been documented in The Journal of Investigative Dermatology to have anti-aging effects, despite the effect that it is more gentle for the skin than retinol or tretinoin. NARS Hydrating Moisture Cream also contains vitamin C as orange oil and ascorbyl glucoside (a stable form of vitamin C).
Once on the skin, NARS Hydrating Moisture Cream has a medium texture (not thin like a serum, but not thick like a heavy cream, either). Although the anti-aging ingredients (retinyl acetate and vitamin C) are not in very high concentration, the cream is hydrating enough for it to still be considered beneficial, particularly for those with sensitive skin.
Overall, I like NARS Balancing Foaming Cleanser and Hydrating Moisture Cream. Although the products’ anti-aging ingredients are in relatively low concentration and they are sunscreen-free (grrr), the products are also gentle, hydrating, and ideal for sensitive to normal skin. I give the line a solid 7.5/10 (High concentration of well-established ingredients: 2/3. New or novel formulation: 3/3. Value for the money: 1.5/3. Sunscreen: 0.5/1, with 0.5 because the product may be desirable as a night cream.)
For more information and ordering, please visit www.NarsCosmetics.com.
Ingredients in NARS Balancing Foaming Cleanser
Aqua (Water), Stearic Acid, PEG-8, Myristic Acid, Glycerin, Diproylene Glycol, Potassium Hydroxide, Lauric Acid, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Sorbitol, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, PEG-60, Glyceryl Isostearate, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Citrus Dulcis (Orange Oil), Trisodium EDTA, Buxus Chinensis (Jojoba Oil), Alcohol, Propylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Barbadensis Extract), Camellia Sinensis (Camellia Sinensis Extract), Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber Extract), Tocopherol, Sodium Benzoate, Ethylparaben, Methylparaben, Propylparaben.
Ingredients in NARS Hydrating Moisture Cream
Aqua (Water), Squalane, Pentaethythrityl Tetraoctanoate, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Behenyl Alcohol, Cyclomethicone, Petrolatum, Stearyl Alcohol, Beheneth-20, PPG-12/SMDI Copolymer, Trisodium EDTA, Carbomer, Retinyl Acetate, Alcohol, Citrus Dulcis (Orange Oil), Polyvinyl Alcohol, BHT, Potassium Hydroxide, Vitis Vinifera (Grape Seed Oil), Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Prunus Persica (Peach Kernel Extract), Lilium Candidum (White Lily Extract), Foeniculum Vulgare (Fennel Extract), Rosa Roxburghil (Rosa Roxburghil Extract), Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, CI 77492 (Iron Oxides).
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July 14th, 2008
Posted by
futurederm |
Product Reviews |
2 comments
I’d like to know your skincare regime. What do YOU use in the morning and night? Additional information on why you use your products is appreciated. Thanks -Ben
Dear Ben,
Thank you for your e-mail. Here is my regime:
Morning
- Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser - a basic cleanser that many dermatologists love!
- Skinceuticals Phloretin CF - with the new antioxidant that provides some sun protection, phloretin,
- Skinceuticals CE Ferulic - used over Phloretin CF because Phloretin CF can be drying, and vitamins C and E are one of the most well-researched network antioxidant pairs, providing everything from additional sun protection to hyperpigmentation treatment to hydration
- Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch SPF 85 Sunscreen - the most potent sun protection available
Night
- Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
- Green Cream Level 6 - excellent retinol cream
- Olay Regenerist Night Cream - an excellent source of niacinamide
- Peter Thomas Roth Power K Eye Cream - the best eye cream I know of for my eyes, which are prone to dark circles from late nights studying, blogging, etc.
Hope that this helped!
Please note that I will try to do my best to answer as many e-mails as I can, but as I currently receive between 10-20 each day, I cannot respond to every e-mail I receive. I will try to respond to duplicate concerns on the blog!
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July 9th, 2008
Posted by
futurederm |
Uncategorized |
7 comments
Congratulations to Lauren L. and Hil’Leisha Anderson, winners of the FutureDerm.com and Schick Quattro July giveaway! Lauren L. and Hil’Leisha will each receive a Schick Quattro razor.
Congratulations to sofi76, ruby, Zahra, AliGrace, and Pam, winners of the FutureDerm.com and Spin Lash July giveaway! Each of these five women will receive a Spin Lash mascara.
Congratulations! Stay tuned for the awesome August giveaway, and daily updates starting July 9, 2008!
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July 8th, 2008
Posted by
futurederm |
Offers and Promotions |
one comment
Earlier Posts »
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