L’Oreal Used Banned Chemicals in Foreign Sales
July 17, 2008
From ABC News
By Scott Michels
Cosmetics giant L’Oreal USA sold products overseas containing potentially carcinogenic chemicals, falsely advertised products containing animal-derived ingredients as “100 percent vegan,” and failed to comply with regulatory laws, according to a lawsuit filed by the company’s former regulatory affairs director.
Jerome Chevallier claims he was fired after he complained to his superiors about allegedly unlawful activities. He says the company sold Maybelline products in South America that contain carcinogenic chemicals, and that company management deleted formulae — for products allegedly containing illegal levels of a preservative — from internal computers, to avoid scrutiny from company regulators.
Make Your Feet Look Fab
June 18, 2008
From Yahoo Health
One of the best things about summer: My boots go to the back of my closet, and my sandals come front and center. The only tiny snag: That means I need regular pedicures. The idea of having my feet pampered for an hour is lovely, I admit. But let’s be serious, finding an extra hour every weekend can be tough.
Luckily, I’ve learned a couple of ways to stretch the time between salon visits:
1. Exfoliate regularly.
The thickest skin on your body is on your heels, which is why lightweight body lotions sit on top of your callused soles rather than sink in. You have to exfoliate to remove that tough, none-too-pretty skin. I find that glycolic peel pads and serums (yes, the same ones made for your face) work really well. Afterward, apply moisturizer—the thick-as-frosting kind, not the light-as-air kind.
Warm Weather, Smarter Shaving
June 10, 2008
From Yahoo Health
It’s baaack: shorts season. And if, like most people I know (OK, me), you’ve been kind of lax about keeping your legs hair-free while you’ve been covered up in clothes, warm weather means getting reacquainted with your razor. And maybe learning a few new tips, too, like:
1) Exfoliating first keeps you stubble-free longer. Dead skin cells can build up around your hair follicles, so your razor spends more time shaving away skin than it does hair. Keep a loofah or a scrub in the shower to give your legs a quick once-over.
2) Shaving shouldn’t be your first shower chore. Wait three minutes (no more) so the warm water can slightly dilate the hair follicles. That way the blade cuts the hairs farther down the shaft, for a smoother feel.
10 ways to be kind to your skin in the spring
June 5, 2008
From MSNBC News
By Laurel Naversen Geraghty
May, not April, could actually be the cruelest month: The first glimpse of ashen skin, blue veins, callused feet, and unexpected hairs can make you feel as though the body is thoroughly unprepared. “May is really the month of self-discovery,” says Ranella Hirsch, a dermatologist at Boston University Medical Center.
What’s more, the change of season can prompt a whole new set of issues. “It may be instantly hot and humid, so on top of all your dry skin, you’re suddenly having oiliness and acne, or even an allergy that starts in the spring with the first burst of sun exposure,” says Audrey Kunin, associate clinical instructor of dermatology at the University of Kansas School of Medicine.
Fortunately, skin responds well to kindness. The right treatments are new sources of hope — something that spring manages to inspire even in the wasteland.
6 things your dermatologist never told you
June 5, 2008
From MSNBC News
By Dr. Debra Wattenberg
Think chocolate is causing your acne? Do you let a cut “dry out” so it will heal faster? Be prepared to be surprised as Dr. Debra Wattenberg reveals six things your dermatologist may not have told you … but should have.
Chocolate doesn’t cause acne, but milk might
There are very few studies showing the association between food and acne. People think that the greasy foods — like chocolate, pizza and fried foods — somehow clog their pores and the oils get secreted onto their skin. In fact, acne is caused by the gland getting clogged by skin cells and bacteria. Recent studies have shown the possible link between milk and other dairy products with the development of acne. It is thought that hormones and other bioactive molecules may stimulate the glands causing acne. I usually recommend limiting but not eliminating dairy.
Lots of water ‘is little benefit’
May 20, 2008
From BBC News
UK experts say research which finds drinking lots of water does little to improve health should not discourage people from topping up regularly.
A scientific review by the University of Pennsylvania said some people, such as athletes, may need to drink a lot.
But they found little evidence that flushing out toxins through drinking copious amounts improved health.
However, the Food Standards Agency is sticking to its recommendation to drink six to eight glasses of fluid a day.
How to Look Beautiful on Your Big Day
May 20, 2008
From foxnews.com
By Jessica Ryen Doyle
In 2005, actress Laura Linney described her Oscar-readying process as simply putting on her J. Mendel gown when it arrived.
It might be safe to assume that Linney, who is up for lead actress in Sunday’s Academy Awards, does a little more primping in preparation for Hollywood’s most glamorous night.
But you don’t have to be famous to be red-carpet ready for your big event, according to health and beauty experts.
“The most important thing to do is to make a plan and stick with it,” said Dr. Rhoda Narins, a celebrity dermasurgeon and past president of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery.
Warning over illegal skin bleach
May 20, 2008
From foxnews.com
The patient, aged 28, put on almost two stone (13kg) in three years, could not conceive and had severe stretch marks.
In the Lancet, medics from west London’s Hammersmith Hospital said people were unaware they were harmful.
Dermatologists said such extreme reactions were rare, but minor skin effects were more common.
Illegal skin-lightening creams are used by some black people and, to a lesser extent, some Asian people.
They can cause harm in two ways.
The creams usually contain hydroxyquinone, a skin-bleaching chemical, as well as high doses of steroids.
Prevent and Remove Stretch Marks
May 4, 2008
From Foxnews.com
By Karlie Pouliot
Dena Ragusa has worked hard to get her body into shape. About 12 years ago she lost 50 pounds by exercising and eating healthy — but she still wasn’t completely happy with the results.
“Even though I feel really good I have these terrible stretch marks,” Ragusa said.
“So, I’m kind of limited to the clothing and bathing suits I can wear.”
She’s not alone. For millions of women and men, stretch marks are an unfortunate part of life.
“These tears occur during periods of considerable fluctuation in weight including pregnancy, bodybuilding, yo-yo dieting and adolescent growth spurts,” said Ariel Ostad, a cosmetic and dermatologic surgeon in New York City.
Get Your Skin Ready For The Summer
May 2, 2008
By cbsnews.com
Long gone are the days when we broke out the baby oil at the first sign of summer vacation. Now that the long-term damage caused by the sun has become well-known, most sun worshippers try to use some kind of sunblock. But what’s the best kind? How often do you need to apply it? What are the rules when you stay in the sun?
There’s no way to tan without damaging your skin “to one degree or another,” says Dr. Mallika Marshall, a frequent Early Show guest. “Whether you spend a week on the beach turning yourself into a lobster or spend years steadily bronzing in the sun or in tanning booths, you are causing damage that is difficult to undo and could well result in cancer.”
And even if you are conscientious about using a sunblock, you could still suffer skin damage if you’re not using it correctly. “Apply it to all exposed areas of the skin, including the scalp,” Marshall says. “And use goo-gobs of it … the more the better. Don’t forget to reapply it every two hours — sooner if you’ve been sweating or swimming.”
Feel Great About Your Neck
May 1, 2008
By Shannan Rouss
Tired of hiding your age underneath a turtleneck? Thank the hierarchy of skin care. Most of us have spent decades pampering our faces, only to have the wear and tear on our necks give us away. (Who knew the skin on your neck is the thinnest on the body, making it more susceptible to damage?) As it turns out, some of the very anti-aging products you use on your face can help your neck look younger, too. We’ve also uncovered the newest in-office treatments that, although expensive, are proven to give your face a prettier pedestal. Follow this guide and say good-bye turtlenecks, hello V-necks!
No expensive skin creams for great skin
May 1, 2008
By Karen Springen
Save your money. Dermatologists generally agree that price isn’t an indication of how effective a skin-care product is.
The Four Worst Wrinkle Fighters
May 1, 2008
Few of us embrace the signs of aging skin–those fine lines and creases that creep up after 30. Eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep and using a moisturizing sunscreen will help preserve complexions, but they won’t make a 50-year-old look 35.
