by Debi G | Dec 12, 2014
For many years, women believed they could do little or nothing about the state of their skin and the ravages of aging. Today, we now understand that genetics account for just 20% of visible aging changes, and the remaining 80% depends on habits and lifestyle. By becoming an active participant in the quest for healthier, more attractive skin, we all have the opportunity to look and feel as young as we choose.
A cornerstone of any anti-aging routine is exfoliation. When you’re young, skin cells turn over every 28 to 30 days, giving skin that healthy-looking, fresh glow associated with a youthful appearance. Over time, this process of renewal slows, so much so that by the time you’re 40, it could take 50-plus days for the outermost skin to turn over. When dead cells don’t slough off as rapidly, the very top layer of skin gets thicker, appearing almost stale, and the dead cells can pack into your pores, making them look larger. This is why exfoliation is so important—it assists the natural shedding process and reveals the newer, fresh skin cells below.
Exfoliation can take many forms, and we recommend incorporating macro- and micro-exfoliation into your routine for best results. Once-weekly macro-exfoliation sweeps away up to five-million dead skin cells in just five minutes, leaving behind smoother, healthier-looking skin and a more luminous complexion. In addition, our clinical studies show that daily use of a cosmetic, non-invasive micro-exfoliating roller, in conjunction with retinol and peptides, can help you achieve visibly firmer, younger-looking skin. Both processes can be done together, just not on the same day.
Thanks to great strides in skincare science, there’s no reason to fear Father Time.
Do you exfoliate regularly?
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by Debi G | Dec 2, 2014
If you’re planning to glam up your nails this holiday season, you could be putting your health at serious risk.
A new study, “How Safe is Your Nail Salon,” released by the City of New York, reveals a number of alarming findings about the safety and cleanliness of salons, including:
Fifty-six percent of New York salons are in violation of health and safety rules, and customers have been infected with hepatitis and staph infections due to unclean conditions.
There is “little to no regulation on the manufacturing of” UV lamps, used to dry nails, even though they can be as harmful to skin as tanning beds, according to the report.
Toluene, formaldehyde and dibutyl pthalate—known as “the toxic trio”—are found in many nail products, even though they have been linked with reproductive harm, respiratory problems and cancer. Of the 10,000 other chemicals contained in nail products, 89% have not been tested by independent agencies.
The report suggests that cities can help create safer, more sanitary conditions in salons by developing programs similar to San Francisco’s first-in-the-nation Healthy Nail Salon Recognition Program. The program, which started in 2012, recognizes salons that pass health and safety standards with a window sticker to showcase their compliance to customers.
Whether you frequent a corner nail place or an expensive salon, it’s important to take precautions to ensure your manicure doesn’t turn into a mani-curse. Consider bringing your own nail-care kit. For $50 or less, you can purchase the needed tools at your local beauty supply store. This small investment and extra step may save you from contracting a serious infection that could have life-threatening consequences. If you’re treating yourself to a gel manicure, make sure to protect your hands from the UV light used to cure the gel by applying sunscreen before getting your nails painted.
When it comes to pedicures, foot baths may seem like a blissful moment of Zen, but they’re also the perfect breeding ground for infectious bacteria. Stainless steel soaks are ideal, but if the salon only offers plastic, make sure it is thoroughly cleaned with an antibacterial cleanser or covered in a plastic bag before you dip your tootsies in.
When it comes to manis and pedis, you can’t be overly cautious. With a few prudent steps, you can ensure your next visit to the nail salon is enjoyable and safe.
How are you nourishing and protecting your nails? Share by commenting below.