Archive for July, 2008

Bathe Away the Pounds

Let’s say you’re in one of those bloated moods – and who isn’t right this very minute? Maybe you’ve just eaten half a pizza or a whole bag of theater popcorn. And then it dawns on you that you’d planned to wear your tightest Seven jeans tomorrow. Here’s a fast and cheap fix: take a bath in some Epsom salts. You can actually bathe away some of your bloat because the magnesium sulfate in the salts will draw the fluids out of your body. Don’t dump the entire Epsom salts in your tub! Just mix two cups into the water until they’re completely dissolved and then soak for 20 minutes. Don’t’ forget to rinse off the salt and moisturize: a salt bath dries out your skin.

What are the effects of too much sugar on the skin?

Sugar, particularly white, refined sugar, affects the skin in many ways. In general, excess sugar causes greater levels of specific hormones to be released into the bloodstream causing the skin to produce excessive amounts of sebum. This oil builds up and can cause blackheads and whiteheads, or even cystic acne. Several other factors must be present for the breakouts to occur, though: a genetic predisposition to acne, poor shedding of skin cells (exfoliate!), absent hair from the individual follicle, and excess bacteria present in the skin tissues.

With respect to aging, sugar causes the release of stress hormones such as MSH (melanin-stimulating hormone), as well as histamine. When those hormones are released into the bloodstream, they increase circulation and accelerate the aging factor by breaking down the cell walls and releasing their contents, which causes cell death (the arachidonic acid cascade).

What are the effects of carbonated beverages on the skin, especially diet soda products or artificial sweeteners?
Several ingredients must be considered when looking at the way soda consumption affects the skin. Sugar (see above) and caramel coloring can act as toxins to skin, building up and causing breakouts, irritation (which sp process), and dehydration. Caffeine and artificial sweeteners dehydrate and cause irritation and inflammation within the skin tissues.

What are the effects of fried foods on the skin? Fast foods?

Fried and fatty foods will have many of the same effects as will diets high in refined sugars. Excess saturated fats will cause irritation and breakouts in the skin and (worst-case scenario) cholesterol deposits, which will cause lesion-like breakouts, particularly on the forehead and around the eyes.

Any special skin care regimens for those trying to lose weight?

Individuals who follow strict diets should include a skin care regimen that provides specific cellular nutrients such as omega-3 and -6 complexes, topically applied vitamins (A, C, B5, E, P, K), and hydrating emollients such as ceramides and shea butter. For those who may be increasing their exercise routines, cleansing routines and exfoliation will be important due to the rapid or unusual detoxification that occurs with exercise. If fat consumption is drastically reduced, skin must be fed topically with essential fatty acids, proteins, and protective antioxidants.

What specific foods do you think are good for healthy, vibrant skin?

Dark or brightly colored fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and water are best for healthy, beautiful skin. Increased water consumption, specifically, will speed detoxification of skin tissues and help to plump and hydrate the skin from within.

Ms. Potato Trick
We don’t advocate eating too many potatoes, but you can certainly work out with them. Here’s a nifty way to use those carbs to lose weight:

TOP PICKS: 10 Common Brands

READING THE LABELS

BUY
• SPF 30 or higher for best protection.
• At least 7% zinc oxide or titanium dioxide for broad spectrum protection.

AVOID

• Oxybenzone or benzophenone-3: skin absorption, allergies, hormone problems
• Spray and powder sunscreens: inhaling sunscreens can pose extra risks
• Fragrance: allergies, reproductive problems
• Sunscreen with added bug repellent: you can get too much of the pesticide in your body
• Coppertone, Neutrogena and Banana Boat: fewer than 5% of their products are recommended as safe and effective

WHY SUNSCREEN MATTERS

More than 1 million people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with skin cancer this year. This number has steadily increased over the past 10 years. Sunscreen is more important than ever.

IS YOUR SUNSCREEN SAFE?

Sunscreen Investigation found that of nearly 1,000 namebrand sunscreens, only 1 of 5 provided adequate protection from both UVA & UVB radiation with few ingredients linked to known or
suspected health hazards.

FDA IS FAILING

After 30 years of delay, the government has failed to set mandatory, comprehensive sunscreen safety standards to protect consumers’ health. In August 2007 FDA proposed first-ever UVA standards for sunscreen, but the rules are not yet final. In the meantime, companies are making misleading claims about product quality, and ineffective products crowd store shelves.

TOP 6 SUNSCREEN TIPS