Few things to know about your eyes

We know very few people who are satisfied with condition of skin around their eye area. As we get older, fine lines, crow’s feet, dark circles and eye bags become more prominent. Indeed we would like to get rid of all those, and quick. But is it possible? Let’s first take a look at the various factors causing the problems that plague our eye area.

1. Thinner skin

The skin around our eyes is said to be seven to ten times thinner and more delicate than the skin on the rest of our face. This is why it is always said that our eye area is more sensitive and we should treat it delicately and not rub our eyes as that action can contribute to wrinkles. Maybe the worst fact is that as we age, the skin around our eyes get even thinner due to a loss of collagen and elastin.

2. Hereditary factor

Hence, because the skin under you eye becomes thinner over time, dark circles become more apparent due to the dense capillary network beneath and when the blood that passes through the large veins close to the surface of the skin produce a bluish tint. So if you’ve inherited a thinner and more transparent skin, chances are, your dark circles can be very apparent.

3. Leaky capillaries

And as these are not enough, with age or illness, the tiny capillaries in our skin can get weakened and thus leaky. The fluid from these leaky capillaries along with the hemoglobin slowly accumulates below the eyes, thereby forming the look of dark circles. Hemoglobin is the main ingredient in red blood cells and contains a heme group whose iron atoms bind to oxygen molecules. When oxygen molecules are detached and hemoglobin becomes oxidized, red blood cells turn bluish in color. That is what happens with dark eye circles.

4. Sebaceous glands

The skin around our eye area is highly prone to dryness because it has few sebaceous glands unlike skin around other parts of our face. So on a whole, it has a poor lipid barrier, and more prone to lines forming.

5. Skeletal framework

If you have prominent cheekbones and a pair of deep-set eyes, chances are, you’ll get these deep hollow contours below the eyes. As such, it would seem like your dark circles are very pronounced although it could be an illusion caused by the shadow.

6. Toxins in your organs

Dark skin under the eyes may mean sleep problems or toxins in the kidney and or the liver. Accordng to TCM, the top of the eye and directly below the eyes is the kidney zone. Puffiness and fluid retention in this area is a sign the body is holding on to too much fluid (watery and swollen with a blue tinge) or is mucus congested (fatty and swollen with a yellow tinge). Blue circles or white under the eyes indicates tiredness or even exhaustion. A yellow tinge shows the liver and gallbladder are working too hard.

If your gall bladder is not functioning well enough to process and break down fats in your body, this may contribute to milia (milia seeds) around the eye area for some people.

7. Frequent eye movements

The skin around the eyes is affected by the number of times you blink, and your facial expressions. Often called expression lines, these unfortunately calls attention to your eye area for the wrong reason.

8. Shape of eyebrows

Don’t underestimate your eyebrows as the shape of your brow can make your eyes look larger and brighter. So a better arched eyebrow can make you look more awake and enhance your overall appearance.

So if you’re troubled by your eye area like most of us, the best help you can get is get enough rest and sleep, drink plenty of water, reduce consumption of salt and foods rich in sodium and... don't squint too much..

To compliment all your efforts we can suggest using newest on the market I*Light Organic Advanced Brightening & Line Smoothing Eye Treatment, designed to help you achieve the best eyes ever. It offers quadruple action. Unique blend of natural oils and plant extracts instantly smooth out fine lines and wrinkles, de-congests and lightens the eye area, instantly minimizing visible under eye shadowing and puffiness. After 4 weeks it visibly reduces fine lines and wrinkles, dark circles and puffiness. More information.

NEW! Introducing Lumi*Essence Organic Advanced Brightening Repair Treatment with Kojic Acid, Arbutin & Vitamin C

Lumi*Essence Treatment is an Anti-Dark Spot Concentrate recommended for:

* Dark spots / Sun spots / Age spots
* Uneven skin, Melazma
* Skin discolorations

Lumi*Essence visibly corrects dark spots and helps even skin tone with a breakthrough formula that delivers professional-grade results. Contains Kojic Acid (helps lighten and reduce the appearance of dark spots), Alpha-Arbutin (derived from the leaves of cranberry, blueberry and bearberry shrubs. Skin lightening agent that prevents conversion of pigment-forming enzymes) Papaya and Pineapple extract (provides intense exfoliation to help reduce the size and color intensity of dark spots and help even skin tone). Niacinamide has an inhibitory effect on the transfer of melanosomes to skin cells, thus it can interrupt the process that causes irregular pigmentation to form. Milk thistle (sometimes called Silymarine) There are many studies that show it to be effective as an anti-oxidant, an anti-inflammatory, and for UV protection and repair. It has also been shown to reduce the spread of skin cancer.

Benefits

* The appearance of dark spots and discoloration is visibly diminished
* Skin radiance is increased
* Skin complexion is more uniform
* Lightweight, fast absorbing essence leaves skin fresh
* Artificial Fragrance free
* Non comedogenic
* Hydroquinone-free
* Safe for sensitive skin

Ingredients: Purified Water, Organic Barbadensis Leaf Juice (Aloe), Organic Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower Oil), Glyceryl Stearate, Kosher Vegetable Glycerin, Octyl Palmitate, Organic Cocos Nucifera (Coconut Oil), Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa Butter), Cetyl Alcohol, Potassium Stearate, Organic Beeswax, Organic Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba Oil), Hyaluronic Acid, Alpha-Arbutin, Organic Centella Asiatica (Kojic Acid), Rosa Damascena (Rose) Essential Oil, Calophyllum Tacamahaca (Tamanu Oil), Organic Borago Officinalis (Borage Oil), Organic Linum Usitatissimum (Flax Seed Oil), Organic Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose Oil), Organic Rosa Canina (Rose Hip Oil), Panthenol (Vitamin B5), Organic Lycium Barbarium (Goji Berry) Fruit Extract, CoQ10, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C), Organic Ganoderma Lucidum (Reishi), Caviar Extract, Organic Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea), Punica Granatum (Pomegranate), Silk Protein Amino Acid Blend (Sodium L-Pyrrolidone Carboxylate, Sodium Lactate, L-Arginine, L-Aspartic Acid, L-Pyrrolidonecarboxylic Acid, Glycine, L-Alanine, L-Serine, L-Valine, L-Proline, L-threonine, L-Isoleucine, L-Histidine, L-Phenylalanine), Organic Silybum Marianum (Milk Thistle), Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Seed Oil, Organic Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry), Organic Myrica Cerifera (Bayberry), Santalum Album (Sandalwood) Essential Oil, Helichrysum Italicum (Helichrysum Essential Oil), Hippophae Rhamnoides (Seabuckthorn Oil), Carica Papaya (Papaya), Ananas Sativus (Pineapple) Fruit Extract, Niacinamide, Pearl Powder, Citrus Limon (Lemon Essential Oil), Organic Aspalathus linearis (Rooibos Tea) Extract, Silica, Allantoin, Organic Arnica Montana (Arnica), Organic Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender), Organic Calendula Officinalis (Calendula), Organic Anthemis Nobilis (Chamomile), Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Macadamia Integrifolia (Macadamia Nut Oil), Sodium Carbomer, Phenoxyethanol, Ethyl Hexyl Glycerin.

Buy it here.

The great-skin diet

All sorts of supplements, special eating plans and complexion drinks promise glowing skin from the inside out. But not everything that is being dished out is based on science. We digested the research and polled experts to determine which foods to add to your diet to truly benefit skin, which may be worth an occasional munch and which to pass up. Get ready to eat, drink and be beautiful!

Proven complexion perfecters

Pile these on your plate. All pack nutrients essential for healthy skin.

Strawberries, citrus fruits, red peppers, broccoli

Beauty benefit: a smooth texture

Eat-right evidence: Vitamin C, plentiful in this produce, is vital for the production and formation of collagen, skin's support structure, says Toby Amidor, R.D., director of nutrition for DietTV.com in New York City. And a strong support layer helps smooth what's on top and prevent wrinkles, she says. Aim for: two 1-cup servings of fruit and 1 cup of red peppers and/or broccoli a day

Sunflower seeds and almonds

Beauty benefit: sun protection

Eat-right evidence: These seeds and nuts are loaded with vitamin E. Collectively, antioxidants act like an army, protecting skin from UV-spawned free radicals. But E is on the front lines; skin's top layers contain high levels that guard cells' outer membrane so cells stay healthy. Plus, strong membranes hold water in, keeping skin hydrated. Aim for: 2 tablespoons hulled seeds or 23 almonds daily

Dark orange, leafy green and red veggies

Beauty benefit: a fresh complexion

Eat-right evidence: Squash, sweet potatoes and spinach are full of the antioxidant beta-carotene. Your body converts it to vitamin A, which regulates cell production and turnover so skin's surface is smooth, says Valori Treloar, M.D., coauthor of The Clear Skin Diet (Cumberland House Publishing). Carotenoids may also decrease skin's sensitivity to sun. Aim for: three 1-cup servings a day

Fortified cereal, lean meat, pork, poultry, oysters

Beauty benefit: a youthful glow

Eat-right evidence: You'll get zinc and iron, minerals key to skin functioning. Zinc contributes to cell production, plus natural cell sloughing, which keeps dullness at bay. Red blood cells need iron to carry oxygen to skin, helping give you a glow, says David Bank, M.D., a derm in Mount Kisco, New York. Aim for: 1 serving of cereal (a cup), 1 palm-sized serving of meat or poultry or 3 oysters per day

Water

Beauty benefit: dewy skin

Eat-right evidence: Skin cells contain mostly water, and if you're dehydrated, skin will look and feel parched, too. But you needn't chug 8 cups a day; University of Pennsylvania researchers found no studies to back up the recommendation. Simply ward off dehydration—and dryness—by drinking when you're thirsty. Aim for: 6 cups a day. It's a good starting point, says Keri Gans, R.D., of NYC.

Smart skin suggestions

New research hints at these foods' beauty power, but effects aren't totally proven yet. No need to wait, though; the goodies are part of a healthy diet.

Wild salmon, Atlantic mackerel, walnuts

Beauty benefit: fewer wrinkles

Eat-right evidence: These fish and nuts, plus fortified eggs, are bursting with omega-3 fatty acids, which fight inflammation in the body caused by sun and stress. "Inflammation produces free radicals, and free radicals contribute to aging by attacking collagen," says Susan Taylor, M.D., a dermatologist in Philadelphia. But research still needs to connect the dots definitively and show that the anti-inflammatory abilities of omega-3s translate to younger-looking skin, she says. One study did find that older people who consumed more fish and veggies over their life had fewer wrinkles than those who ate more meat, the Journal of the American College of Nutrition reports. The research didn't focus solely on fish, however; vegetables' antioxidants, for example, may have been a factor. Aim for: two 5-ounce servings of fish per week; on other days, 1 oz of walnuts or 2 omega-3 eggs

Whole wheat and grains

Beauty benefit: clearer skin

Eat-right evidence: In the past, derms have maintained that unless you wipe greasy fingers on your face, food doesn't cause zits. But some are rethinking the party line: Australian researchers found that a low-glycemic diet (more whole grains, protein and produce versus refined carbs such as white bread) may reduce acne. One explanation: Low-glycemic foods keep insulin steady, and refined carbs and sugar spike it. The surges may boost production of androgens, hormones that, when elevated, can cause zits. After 12 weeks of a low-glycemic diet, subjects' pimple counts dropped 20 percent, a study in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition notes. More studies are needed to prove the link, but no doctor will discourage you from eating whole grains and veggies! Aim for: 3 servings a day (one serving equals a slice of bread or 1/2 cup cooked grains)

Today's special: gorgeous skin If your complexion could choose everything you ate for the day, here's what would be on the menu, says Keri Gans, R.D., who put together this plan.

Breakfast

• 1 cup whole-grain, fortified cereal such as Total
• 1 cup skim milk
• 1 cup sliced strawberries or 1 medium grapefruit
• 1 cup green tea

Lunch

• Grilled chicken sandwich
• 5 oz chicken breast
• 2 slices whole-grain bread
• 2 slices tomato
• 1 leaf lettuce
• 1/8 of avocado
• 1 tsp mustard
• 1 medium apple

Dinner

• 5 oz wild salmon
• Spinach salad
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1/2 cup sliced red bell pepper
• 1/2 cup chopped tomato
• 1/2 cup broccoli
• Toss with 1 tbsp each olive oil and balsamic vinegar
• 1 medium baked sweet potato

Snacks/dessert

• 8 oz nonfat plain yogurt or 1 part-skim string cheese
• 1 oz sunflower seeds
• 1 small orange or 1 cup baby carrots
• 1 oz dark chocolate or 1 glass red wine

Beauty treat or trouble?

Guess if the following foods are good or bad for your skin—and find out the reasons why.

Sweets

Trouble Chowing candy and other sugary snacks may make you feel like a kid, but it's likely aging you. The rush of glucose into your bloodstream sets off a process known as glycation, in which sugars attach to proteins and form advanced glycation end products (AGEs). These molecules naturally build up in skin as you get older, but the more sugar you eat, the more AGEs you have. Bad news: They cross-link with collagen and elastin fibers, making the normally resilient tissues weak or inflexible, Dr. Bank says. And skin that doesn't bounce back easily leads to wrinkles and sagging. In fact, the study showing fish lovers had fewer wrinkles revealed the opposite for those with a sweet tooth.

Dark chocolate

Treat Although there might be some truth to the claims that sugar-laden chocolate contributes to acne (and wrinkles), the high-quality, dark variety—70 percent or more cocoa—may actually be good for your skin. Preliminary studies found that cocoa's flavonols (a potent type of antioxidant) can help increase blood flow, supply skin with oxygen, improve skin hydration and reduce sun sensitivity. But dark chocolate is high in calories, so treat yourself to only 1 oz a day.

Milk

Trouble Got acne? Milk may not be doing your skin good. Three new studies have found a connection between teens' milk intake and pimples. This could potentially translate to adults; however, it's not been proven. More research is under way, but the probable explanation is hormone-related. Androgens naturally found in milk (even organic versions without added hormones) may add to a drinker's own level of androgens, which are associated with oily skin and acne. Milk also raises insulin levels and contains growth factors that act like insulin, Dr. Treloar says. Both may lower the production of molecules that bind to and deactivate hormones—meaning there may be more free-roaming androgens able to cause pimples. It's too early to prescribe a dairy ban for anyone zit-plagued. But it may be worth experimenting with a milk-free diet if you have excessive, stubborn breakouts, Dr. Treloar says. (Be sure, however, to take a calcium supplement with vitamin D.)

Spicy foods

Trouble Rosacea sufferers know to avoid five-alarm meals. But if you have fair, sun-damaged skin, hot-and-spicy foods may lead to the condition or to a red, blotchy complexion. "UV exposure weakens blood vessel walls. If your skin then repeatedly flushes, which swells vessels, they may not be able to shrink back down," Dr. Treloar says.

Wine

Treat Reds are rich in polyphenols, antioxidants that help fight skin-damaging free radicals. But sip no more than one glass a day, says Katherine Brooking, R.D., of NYC. Excessive alcohol halts your body's release of its antidiuretic hormone. As a result, you make extra visits to the ladies' room and end up not only feeling dehydrated, but having skin that looks dry, with a dull tone and more visible wrinkles. So enjoy wine in moderation—and make a toast to great skin! Cheers!...

Importance of exfoliation for younger, clearer and beautiful skin

Over the past decade the popularity in chemical peels, surgery, and chemical based products has greatly increased due to the promise of drastic results and eternal youth. Today however, the trend is beginning to lean more towards natural ingredients and simpler treatments for skin care and health.
Natural ingredients incorporated in exfoliators, scrubs, toners, moisturizers, and face cleansers are proven to be safer and healthier than the popular chemical approaches while delivering just as great results. The antioxidants, proteins, vitamins, enzymes, and other nutrients in these products are becoming more understood as society becomes better educated on their health and well being. Today we want to feel young and look healthy at all ages. Although aging is a natural process that we cannot stop (oh nooooo), we keep ourselves healthy inside and out so the aging process will not be so harsh on us.

You can’t really reverse the process of aging, but you can improve and slow it down by encouraging collagen production, increasing the skin’s moisture content, improve the skin’s ability to protect itself, neutralize skin damaging free radicals, and stimulate the skin cell renewal and repair. Over time, the skins ability to accomplish these processes lessens. Skin needs proper care and nourishment inside and out in order to protect itself and prevent further damage as well as encourage the repair and rejuvenation process.

In addition to regular cleansing and moisturizing, exfoliating is a must to reveal the most healthy and ageless complexion. During the aging process, visible changes in tone and complexion occur as circulation slows providing less of the needed nutrients. As these changes occur, skin can begin to sag, become dry and start to lose its elasticity. The internet provides a great deal of information regarding exfoliation, often conflicting for consumers. Most of us are aware of the general benefits of exfoliation; softer, smoother, less aged complexion. However, the science behind why we need to exfoliate is a mystery to most and likely not thought of enough to know the importance of exfoliating properly.

Exfoliation occurs naturally every day, the technical term “Desquamation” means the shedding of the outer layers of the skin. For example, the skin sheds dead skin as it heals from a wound. This process however is faster for some more so than others. Aging causes the cells in the skin to become thickened, resulting in a buildup of skin cells atop the skin causing a less toned complexion and thicker appearance, preventing absorbency of any skin treatment applied to it. Once this process begins to slow, the natural exfoliation process slows and becomes more difficult to exfoliate.

Environment influences can cause slowing of the natural exfoliation process, influenced by the actual physical environment, hormones (estrogen, androgens, and epidermal growth factor), vitamin deficiencies, and let’s not forget smoking. Aside from smoking, these factors sometimes happen whether we like them to or not, making exfoliation vital to the health of your skin. Eliminating the dead skin cells (known as stratum corneum) allows for new skin cells to rejuvenate, resulting in an improved appearance, tone, and feel. The two most widely used approaches for exfoliation are chemical and physical exfoliation.

Over the past decade, dermatological peels costing consumers thousands of dollars have become popular. On the milder side, toners and scrubs containing ingredients that assist in exfoliating (natural ingredients used by Sweetsation are: Papaya, pineapple, vitamin C) have become popular as well as people tend to turn to natural remedies these days. Chemical exfoliation treatments contain a variety of hydroxy acids, enzymes, and retinols (not limited to) and have been most commonly used. The ideal physical exfoliants contain natural ingredients that are massaged gently on top of the skin.

The idea behind exfoliating is to normalize cell turnover in the epidermis; stimulating the formation of healthy skin, ridding dead skin cells and dry scales, and stimulation of new cells, reviling the new beautiful you. It is important to note that exfoliating on irritated skin can slow the healing of that skin and should be avoided. Further, sun protection is a must as you rid the out layer of dead cells and your body produces new cells your skin is left exposed. Studies recommend between SPF15 and SPF30, however, we recommend nothing less than SPF30 for maximum protection.

Consistent exfoliation can benefit and enhance your skin. The process prevents clogged pores, acne, ingrown hairs, some types of infection, prevent small scarring from blemishes and reduces the appearance of present scars. In addition, exfoliation unblocks pores through the increases of blood circulation in your skin, the cleanser and moisturizer you use will work better to clean and protect your “healthy” skin as the dead cells clear away.

"Doctor Recommended” and “Award Winning" Claims. Do you believe them?

Or let's say, do the claims like this help to shape your decision to buy the product or not.

Life has become focused on quick fixes, if the results don’t prove fast enough, we look elsewhere searching for that supposed “doctor recommended” and “award winning product" that offers, yet another, a proven quick fix. These products are purchased with the idea that immediate results will occur because of what the label says, or the commercial with the celebrity and the TV show marketing a product. However, unless you’re going to have some type of invasive surgery, that only provides short term results, there is no quick fix. The fact is, there are just endless amounts of money being wasted on proven ineffective products with the health risks and problems they pose. What is disconcerting is that anyone and any company can make the claim, “Dr. Recommended” and/or “Award Winning.” The reason being is that as long as no name is attached and no award is attached to the claim, a company can say this all day long. The only time you have to actually cite or reference is if you specifically reference someone words, award, or name. We all feel our best when we look our best, that certain confidence we get when our face looks fresh and healthy we become comfortable in our own skin. Billions of dollars each year is spent on products that promise to deliver results that will make us “feel good.” And just as many millions are paid to celebrities to announce to us from our TV screens that they themselves use this and that miracle product, and that's why they look so good..... yeah right.... Does anyone still buy it? Unfortunately, most of the time the hundred dollar miracle product does nothing, but a short term glow on the face, with chemicals, making the appearance shine to a new health so the customer feels like a new person and buys more. However, people find that in the long run with such product, even after the first few weeks of use, no miracle occurs; in fact that initial feeling that sold the product to begin with, fades. This mind game companies play with consumers stealing in a sense, but the problem is that as long as we are willing to spend the money, companies will still produce “miracle” products that do nothing more than potentially harm. Major corporations use celebrities to market their products, making the product more appealing to purchase. What consumers don’t realize is that it’s not the product that has the star looking like she or he does, it is the makeup done by a professional makeup artist and in many cases some type of botox and/or surgery. Oh, and how could I forget Photoshop, the true miracle of this century. This pressure society puts on us to conform to an idealized appearance can shape our every move. The common belief that the more attractive an individual tends to be the better that person is in relationships, at work or school, and even court. Today’s media places great importance on celebrities, typically young, slim, attractive and healthy looking (Sainsbury, 2010). Cultures center on physically attractive people performing more successfully in many aspects of life, and others are more willing to please them (Sainsbury, 2010). The way we look and feel can vary with age, mood, or clothing and is almost how we picture ourselves in our own minds. Our ideal body is how we want to appear and how we will change in accordance to our age and emotional feeling. In general, the media, society, and culture have influence on appearances beginning in early adulthood. Studies prove that body image is related to but differs from self-image, self-esteem, and self-concept. Our faces are the main point of focus during social interaction, providing conscious and unconscious expressions. Approximately two-thirds of communication is nonverbal, mediated principally by facial expression. For all these reasons discussed, companies and the media have great influence over society, almost leaving some powerless in their path of selling the “miracle” product.

US women opt for flawless skin over color cosmetics. This is study and survey. Your thoughts?

Source: Cosmeticsdesign

A national survey has suggested that American women expect their cosmetics to deliver flawless skin and sun protection, over fashion-forward colors.

"As a professional makeup artist I'm pleased to learn that American women are tuned into what so many professionals already know – beautiful skin is essential to any look," said Amy Oreasman, makeup artist to Neutrogena Cosmetics Brand Ambassador Hayden Panettiere. "It's the canvas women work with everyday and when it looks great so will everything else."

The cosmetics company teamed up with Harris Interactive, who executed the survey, to explore the complex relationship American women have with cosmetics.

The survey found the key benefits women want from their cosmetic products and makeup are directly related to beautifying their skin's appearance.

‘Flawless’ skin and minimizing wrinkles the top consumer desires

‘Flawless skin tone’ was the leading response for all women (58 percent), whilst half of women over 55 report the key benefit they want is to minimize the look of fine lines and wrinkles.

However, regardless of age, these skin-related benefits were chosen ahead of more traditional cosmetic benefits including elongated lashes, 8 percent, full-looking lips, 3 percent, and defined cheekbones, 2 percent.

“While color cosmetics add drama, we're thrilled to see women embracing their own beauty and choosing products that work harder to help deliver a perfect complexion,"

Recognition of the dangers of UV rays

The dangers of UV rays were also highlighted in the survey, with women turning to their cosmetics products to help prevent future skin damage.

Fifty-six percent of American women wear cosmetics and makeup with SPF to provide protection from harmful UV rays with older women more likely to wear SPF cosmetic products and makeup all year round.

Despite the increased popularity of the ‘natural look’, the study found makeup application still remains an integral part of many women's morning routines.

Forty-two percent of women said if they had to choose between makeup and breakfast when pressed for time before work, they would choose to apply makeup.

Nearly half of women, 46 percent, say they view using or wearing cosmetic products and makeup as an extension of their overall skincare routine.

Interesting.... your thoughts?

Spreading of misleading Information on Sunscreens and the EWG

By guest writer Elizabeth Wagner BABA, MSCJ, PhD Criminal Justice Learner (ABD)

The media created by skin care companies increasingly makes the public think their product is capable of achieving a significant and lasting improvement of sun-damaged skin This advertising is misleading and confuses the public into believing skin care products purchased over the counter are capable of miracles. Once applied to the skin, most over the counter products sit at the surface of the skin and do not penetrate deeply where the damage needs are, therefore no effects occur except a waste of money.

What the public needs to know is that the majority of over the counter products do not have associated data and evidence from studies (studies produce knowledge and facts) to prove the effectiveness of their products. Such evidence is available in peer-reviewed articles. As long as society vales a tanned complexion, and the media continues to promote tanning either from the sun or from tanning beds, the effects of skin damage will continue to rise. The public needs valuable information, information that has evidence to the effectiveness of applying sunscreen. What society does not need, is a false reports from websites such as the Environmental Working Group, or EWG.

Latest EWGs claim that sunscreens are ineffective, lack the scientific credibility. The result of such is the negative feedback on companies that are truly working to decrease the incidents of sun cancer and other damage caused by the sun. Companies that are developing sunscreens that not only prevent sun damage, but promote health of people are finding reports that discredit the use of sunscreens. However, there is no scientific evidence that proves such.

The EWG establishes its own scientific and regulatory safety assessment process for sunscreen products and ingredients. Further, a sunscreen product rating system developed by the EWG guides their opinions and experts have proven the data promoted by the EWG as inaccurate and unreliable. Most alarming, is the citing of increasing skin cancer rates and questioning of sunscreen efficacy in preventing cancer by the EWG. The problem is a failure to consider the skin cancer rates as a result of excessive sun exposure from not reading true statistics produced by scholars from actual scientific studies (Bailey, 2010).

Medical research has proven well established data to the consensus that sunscreen use helps to protect against skin cancer. The 2010 EWG sunscreen report claims that sunscreens break down when exposed to sunlight and instantly stop working. However, sunscreen developers take this breaking down into consideration to develop the most effective product. Companies are not going to continue to develop sunscreens if they didn’t support the prevention of cancer and other health problems.

The time, money, and research it takes in developing a sunscreen is the life and blood of the company. Years spent on research as a result of the statistics on cancer and other health problems is what makes the most effective and safe sunscreen. Overall, the EWG lacks the rigor and reliability of formal, expert evaluation, and does not have peer-reviewed data (articles produced by scholar experts) to support their claims, misleading consumers. As a scholar myself, I understand and value the importance of peer-reviewed articles. To be published and presented as fact, articles and claims have to be evaluated and tested rigorously, often taking many months or years to perfect.

Peer review is essential before results of a study can be accurately interpreted or used to support conclusions. The process of peer-reviewing involves scholars and practitioners spending a conservable amount of time justifying the results of studies and claims. In the end, peer-reviewed articles become the knowledge we know and what our children in the future will be taught. As the highest form of knowledge, peer-reviewed articles set the knowledge base for the world we know.

The EWG report has no peer-reviewed articles or studies to back its findings. The scholarly world does not accept information from websites like the EWG or Wikipedia. The fact of the matter is that if it is not peer reviewed, it is not fact. Endless websites offer information on the value and effectiveness of their products, however, they lack the studies to prove such and the result are consumers who are misled into buying their products, which have no benefits what’s so ever. If you want valuable information seek the right sources, do not believe everything that is on the internet, as most of what you see is posted by every day people like yourself.

Keeping Your Skin Protected

Our skin is what protects us against injury, heat, and light radiation. Our skin allows us to adjust to the various weather conditions. However, we want to make sure that we protect our skin from getting dry and damaged. With dry skin, it can’t be as effective in protecting us from outside factors, nor can we look our best.

Cosmetic products are very important for protecting our skin, as with age our skin becomes depleted and will need extra help. And to prevent premature skin aging we need also to protect it from the early age. An ounce of prevention is better then a pound of cure - is very appropriate saying here. If you’re an outdoor person, sunscreen is your best friend, for it’ll protect you from skin aging and skin cancer. Lotions provide moisture for your skin to keep it hydrated, as well as necessary vitamins and nutrients essential for it's health. Lotions also replenishes moisture lost by the skin itself.

As soon as you feel your skin dry after exposure to the sun, it means your skin ages faster than normal. Most blonde-haired people are not physiologically equipped to withstand the amount of sun they seek in summer. Sunless self tanners would be a great alternative for those without compromising skin's integrity.

Most people mistake the danger of UV rays with warmth. They start wearing sunscreen only at the warmest summer days. The fact is that UV rays posses the same danger in winter as well as summer, regardless of the temperature outside.

One of the ways to support healthy skin is to flash toxins out of the system by making sure you intake the minimum requirement of water. You should drink about 8-10 8 oz. glasses of water on a daily basis. This will help to keep moisture flowing through your skin, and will wash out anything unnecessary that can cause acne to develop.

Follow these tips for keeping your skin moisturized and you’ll be amazed on how your skin will look and feel.

Natural Fruit Acids and Enzymes

Fruit acids, such as Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs), glycolic acid, and enzymes are very helpful in the exfoliation process of dead skin cells, thereby promoting the proliferation of new skin cells and repair sun damage. Both fruit acids and enzymes are naturally occurring substances found in many common fruits and other foods such as pumpkins, cherries, pomegranates, pineapples, papayas and grapes; lactic acid, similar to fruit acid, comes from sour milk. Glycolic acid is naturally derived from sugarcane.
AHAs, enzymes, and glycolic acids work by breaking down the protein bonds making up the superficial layers of the skin. This loosening of the outer layer of the skin leads to a gentle exfoliation of the dead skin cells. As these skin cells are sloughed off, the process of making new skin cells is accelerated, giving the skin a fresher, healthier appearance. However, care must be taken not to overuse these acids and enzymes, so that the integrity of the skin is maintained. Because this exfoliation process thins the outer layer of the skin, always apply sunscreen before you go outdoors.
Fruit acids and enzymes are incorporated in most of Sweetastion products. Discover them today.

Got coffee? Wake-me-up coffee scrub it is. DIY Series.

Nothing rouses you in the morning quite like the smell of fresh brewed coffee, and if it offers skin beautifying benefits, you definitely can't lose, so go ahead -- slather some on. A skin-softening body scrub, that also helps to control cellulite, made from coffee grounds and aromatic plant essences is a traditional treatment that's used in Thai and Balinese spas, and it's a luxurious way to start the day.

This recipe couples a rich, smoky coffee aroma with the sweet scent of peppermint -- known in aromatherapy for its mentally stimulating, energizing properties. Thanks to raw sugar crystals and olive oil, which exfoliate and moisturize, your body gets a pick-me-up, too. It makes enough for two to three applications.

Tools and Materials
1/4 cup olive oil
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup pure turbinado sugar
15 drops peppermint essential oil (Mentha piperita)
1/2 cup used coffee grounds from a freshly brewed pot

Wake-Up Scrub How-To:
1. Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl; using a fork, thoroughly blend. Transfer the scrub to a wide mouthed jar, and store in a cool place until ready to use. The scrub will keep for one to two weeks, longer if refrigerated.

2. While showering, apply handfuls of the coffee scrub to wet skin in circular motions, starting at the feet and working up. The scrub contains oil, so it's best to do this over a rubber mat to avoid slipping. Pay particular attention to rough spots such as heels, ankles, knees, and elbows and cellulite affected areas.

3. After scrubbing, cleanse skin as usual using a mild natural soap or body wash. Pat skin dry with a fluffy towel, and follow with lotion to seal in the moisture.

Pamper yourself and let us know what you think.

Miracle of eggs for your hair. DIY Series.

Eggs' high protein content helps improve hair's resilience, strength and luster. Whisk together 1 egg, 2 tablespoons coconut oil (rich in moisturizing fats), 2 tablespoons sesame oil and 3 drops of Rosemary essential oil. Apply the mixture to dry hair and wrap a hot, moist towel around your head. Relax for five to 10 minutes (you can use one of our masques at the same time to maximize your pampering time). Without wetting hair first, work in a handful of shampoo, and then rinse and condition your hair the usual way.

Miracle of Oranges for your skin. DIY Series.

The fruit acid of Oranges loosens dead skin cells. Cut a fresh orange in half and squeeze the juice of one half into a bowl. Add 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1/4 cup olive oil and then blend into a moisture-rich scrub. Next, rub the exposed side of the other half of the orange over knees, elbows, heels, and any other dry spots. Last, rub in the sugar mixture to slough off dead skin. Rinse with warm water and pat skin dry. Not only it smells upliftingly delicious, but it will give you smooth and beautiful skin.

Beauty wonders in your kitchen.

While spa visits are worthy a splurge sometimes, you don't need a lot of high-tech concoctions to achieve lustrous locks and a clear complexion. Well, with a little effort...

Easy, all-natural solutions abound, and you can find them right at the grocery store. Achieve a quick, affordable glow with these one-ingredient problem solvers.

Sour Cream
Treatment: Moisturizing mask and gentle exfoliant

What it does: Its lactic acid (an alpha-hydroxy acid) helps speed cell turnover, brightening dull complexions. Natural fats restore skin's moisture.

How to use it: Using your fingers, smooth 1 to 2 tablespoons of cool, full-fat sour cream in a thin layer over your clean face and neck, avoiding the eye and lip areas. Wait 7 to 10 minutes, then remove the mask with a wet washcloth. Splash skin with warm water and pat dry.

Chamomile Tea
Treatment: Calming compress

What it does: A natural anti-inflammatory, chamomile reduces redness and puffiness around the eyes. It also soothes irritated complexions.

How to use it: Soak a clean washcloth in cool chamomile tea steeped to a golden yellow and apply to the skin as a compress. (To treat puffy eyes only, roll the washcloth to create an eye pillow.) Rest the compress on your skin for at least 10 minutes before rinsing and drying.

Almond Oil
Treatment: Hand moisturizer

What it does: With a light texture and loads of vitamin E, almond oil quickly penetrates dry skin and protects hands and nails from environmental damage.

How to use it: Rub 1 teaspoon of oil into hands and cuticles. Wrap each hand in a small towel, and allow the oil to penetrate for at least 5 minutes. Wipe the excess oil off hands, but don't rinse them; any remaining oil will be absorbed over the next few minutes. Follow with a rich hand cream.

Pineapple
Treatment: Foot rub

What it does: Bromelain, an enzyme present in pineapple flesh, breaks down protein bonds and facilitates the sloughing of dead skin cells. It's especially good at softening the callused skin on feet.

How to use it: Puree 1 cup of fresh pineapple in a food processor until smooth. Sitting with feet in a washbasin, massage the puree into soles, heels, and between toes (you may feel some tingling). After 7 to 10 minutes, rinse feet with warm water and dry.

Kiwi
Treatment: Facial scrub

What it does: Its high vitamin C levels fight free-radical damage and even out skin texture. When scrubbed on the face, the seeds act as tiny exfoliators, leaving skin smooth.

How to use it: Peel and slice a ripe kiwi, then mash the flesh thoroughly with a fork. With circular motions, work the kiwi paste onto a damp, clean complexion, avoiding the eye and lip areas. After 30 to 60 seconds of scrubbing, rinse skin with warm water and pat dry.

Olive Oil
Treatment: Hair conditioner

What it does: Rich in vitamin E and fatty acids, olive oil is a Mediterranean-inspired favorite for moisturizing brittle and overstyled hair.

How to use it: Before showering, comb several tablespoons of "light" olive oil (it will say so on the label) through hair, working from roots to ends. Cover hair with a shower cap. After showering for 5 to 7 minutes, remove the cap. Shampoo, rinse, and condition as usual. Hair will feel super soft.

Now, go raid your refrigerator and beautify yourself.....

There is more to come! :-)