"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! :-)

Treat yourself for a beautiful clear skin. The Papaya home-made masque.

This is not a secret that we love and promote fresh, bright and clear skin, here at Sweetsation. So it is not a surprise that we have Papaya incorporated almost in every facial product of our beauty line. But here we would like to share something you can do yourself, to treat your precious skin for the freshest look it deserves. This brightening mask exfoliates and stimulates circulation, resulting in a warm, rosy glow.

Here's how it works: Unripe papaya contains natural alpha-hydroxy acids and high levels of papain, an enzyme that helps dissolve dead skin cells. Yogurt adds lactic acid (another alpha-hydroxy) and gives the mask a creamy texture, and honey helps skin retain moisture. When left on, the mask should tingle slightly; if you have sensitive skin or prefer a gentler exfoliation, use ripe papaya, which has less papain.

Gather up for Green-Papaya Brightening Mask:
1/2 cup unripe papaya, diced
1 teaspoon plain yogurt
1 teaspoon honey

Blend ingredients in a food processor until smooth and creamy. Apply to clean skin using fingers; leave on for 8 to 10 minutes. Rinse off using cool water and pat dry. Finish by applying a gentle moisturizer. That is it. Pretty simple and it works.

Enjoy!