The skin care and cosmetic industry is a multi billion dollar industry. Women spend more on skin care products than any other single item in the western world.
Companies compete with each other by using beautiful young models to entice women to think they too could look like a Barbie doll if they buy their products.
But here is the problem. Companies are more interested in producing a buck than in the health and safety of skin. That and most women are not Barbie dolls, thank God!

Skin, the largest organ in the body is being destroyed not only by UV rays but by products that are actually responsible for aging the skin instead of anti-aging as many advertise. How? By soaps, creams, lotions, potions, serums, perfume, after shave, dirt, bacteria, fungus etc.

By the use of preservatives.
Preservatives in skin care, which all modern skin care companies’ use, cannot penetrate the skin and stays on the surface of the skin, and when you go out in sunlight, the UV rays reacts with the preservatives and accelerates the aging process of your skin!
Companies are betting that you do not understand chemical reactions. They package it up to look appealing, hype the name and laugh all the way to the bank!

Water should be the main ingredient in all skin care lines and needs to be more than just clean.
It needs to prevent the formation of bacteria and fungus. It needs to be bacteriostatic.
It needs to be enhanced. I know of only one company that has mastered this process using a patented system.

The skin care product should be preservative free. This is very difficult to produce unless you can prevent the growth of bacteria and fungus. Skin care products need to be preservative free, colourant free, fragrance free, non-comedogenic (will not cause or aggravate acne), allergy tested, and suitable for all skin types. This will remove most of even the best companies out of contention. The line should be paraben free. Parabens are synthetic preservatives that have been shown to increase the likelyhood of various cancers. Last but not least, a good, high quality skin care line should not have to be stored in the refrigerator to keep it fresh! You are not stored there so why should something you put on your face have to be preserved by cold? So it stays fresh?

Testing the line needs to be accomplished not by the parent company but by a reputable company that is independent of the manufacturer. Results need to be published.
But the real proof in the pudding needs to be results. Not hype. Not based on the creative imagination of some New York, 5th Ave. advertising company.

Probably the second most important thing to consider when purchasing a line of skin care is the listing of all ingredients. Typically you will see inactive and active ingredients omitted because companies do not want you to know what is in them.

By the way, the fastest growing segment in the skin care industry is in men’s skin care products.

To learn more about preservative free skin care go to: drtomt.goldenkeys.net/goland4

Dr. Thomas L. Taliaferro is a Doctor of Chiropractic and 2 Star Executive Director with the 5th best small business in America, (Forbes Magazine Oct. 2006.) Dr. Taliaferro is a member of Mannatech Inc. Health Care Professional Speaker’s Bureau. Dr. Taliaferro is a wellness and nutrition expert and is a lifestyle adjusting coach, having helped thousands with their health or wealth challenges.

Contact Dr. Taliaferro directly at mailto:drtomt@verizon.net drtomt@verizon.net To schedule a seminar in your area please contact Mannatech Inc.

Tags: acne, anti-aging

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Tags: acne, anti-aging

When it comes to evaluating an anti wrinkle cream some types have more credibility than others. This is because these anti wrinkle formulations have been proven to produce a change that can be visually noticed after using them over a period of time. In order for an anti aging skin cream to be effective make sure the label contains at least one of the following ingredients described in fuller detail below.

Antioxidants are more than just the latest trend when it comes to the ideal anti wrinkle cream. These nutrients are substances derived from natural food sources that defend our body against the ravages of free radicals. Free radicals mutate skin cells and are the result of natural aging, smoking, too much sunlight or a bad diet.

The most common antioxidants that you will find in anti wrinkle creams are Vitamin C and E. Vitamin C encourages healing and stimulates the growth of new collagen. Several studies have shown that in high enough concentrations (20%) can reduce the signs of wrinkles, especially when combined with vitamin E. However Vitamin C is not easily absorbed topically so look for fat-soluble derivatives such as ascorbate tetrapalmitate, which help the healing Vitamin C penetrate to the deeper layers of the skin more efficiently.

Vitamin E helps the skin repair itself, protects it from harmful bacteria and also creates a moisture barrier so that the epidermis is less likely to dry out. Try to find an anti wrinkle cream with both.

Vitamin A is in a category all of its own. When combined with vitamins C and E in an anti-wrinkle cream it packs a triple punch of antioxidant action. In anti-aging creams, various other types of vitamin A are also employed - retinol (pure vitamin A), retinyl palmitate (also called pro-retinol A or pro-vitamin A), retinyl acetate and retinyl linoleate. Opinions vary about the effectiveness of each type. Some say retinol has much stronger. These forms of Vitamin A make the skin stronger as well as inspire the growth of new collagen.

Green Tea is one of the latest antioxidants to be added to skin care formulations and it has value as a free radical fighter as well as diuretic. It helps speeds toxins from the surface of the skin to the kidneys where they are eliminated.

Also look for creams that contain either alpha-hydroxy or beta-hydroxy acids. These mild acids help dead skin cells slough off more easily. In high enough concentrations they also act in the dermis by stimulating the production of new collagen and elastin fibers and glycosaminoglycans (moisture-attracting molecules). This enables the skin to retain more water. These acids are thought to be especially effective when it comes to anti-aging. However keep in mind, that like Retinol A, AHAs are known to ‘irritate’ the skin, which triggers a healing response and cell renewal. Some cells are thought to have only limited potential for renewal, and overuse of products containing AHA could do more harm than good in the long-term. So like all good things use anti wrinkle creams like this in moderation.

Some ingredients in anti-wrinkle creams have special purposes. For instance if your wrinkling skin is due to dryness then choose one that has biotin in it as that helps keep dry skin hydrated. Ceramides, derived from cow’s brains or pig’s brains can also help lubricate the surface of the skin. Glycerin, which is a by-product of soap manufacturing, can help attract moisture to the skin and retain it there so it looks more dewy. The same is true of Hyaluronic acid, which is made from rooster’s combs. Hyaluronic acid is a natural moisturizer that also helps attract moisture to the skin surface.

Other ingredients are also sometimes added to anti wrinkle ingredients to increase the efficiency of the main ingredients. Collagen and elastin may be added to a cream in the hopes that the skin will absorb it. Liposomes are a fatty substance that helps carry supplemental collagen elastin beneath the first layer of the skin where it can do some good.

For skin that looks dull or grey as the result of aging look for an anti wrinkle cream that contains provitamin B 5 or Vita Niacin. Both of these supplements have anti-inflammatory properties, encourage the growth of new skin cells and help to bring nutrient rich blood to the face to give it a fresher, pinker glow.

For more information on best-anti-wrinkle-creams.com/article051A.htm anti wrinkle cream, visit best-anti-wrinkle-creams.com Best Anti Wrinkle Creams.

Tags: anti-aging, antioxidant, diet, glycosaminoglycans, smoking, vitamin c

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Tags: anti-aging, antioxidant, diet, glycosaminoglycans, smoking, vitamin c

The effect of seasonal weather changes, especially during the winter months, can take a significant toll on your skin. Facial skin ravaged by exposure to the elements can exhibit symptoms of dryness, flaking, itching and even sore, scaly patches. Taking a proactive approach to caring for your skin during these months will help you avoid the worst impact that winter can have on your skin.

First and foremost, your best defense for winter skin care is protection! Even during the winter months, you absolutely need to continue to apply SPF 15 or greater sunscreen when outside. Even though you might think the sun’s effects are diminished during the winter months, nothing could be farther from the truth. The reflection of the sun off snow and ice can be particularly damaging. Wearing a scarf that can be easily pulled up to protect the cheeks and bottom portion of your face is also a helpful preventative measure to limit the skin’s exposure to the elements.

Although it may seem contradictory, dry skin benefits tremendously from exfoliation to help eliminate the flaking skin cells, to smooth the skin’s surface and promote cell rejuvenation. Whether you choose to use a chemical exfoliant such as an AHA product like glycolic acid or a mechanical means such as a facial scrub, incorporating a means of exfoliation into your routine at least a few times a week can dramatically improve dry skin. And for heavens sakes, don’t use any type of astringents or soap. They will only dry out the skin more. Instead, try using a super rich cleanser such as one with a soy or oatmeal ingredient to give your skin a conditioning treatment as you cleanse.

Maintaining the skin’s moisture content during the winter months is also critical. The skin is typically well hydrated after a warm shower or steaming facial. Immediately seal in the moisture with a skin cream rich in emollients. Moisturizers keep the skin conditioned while offering protection against the harsh effects of the cold. The drier the skin becomes, the more frequently a moisturizer should be applied.

To treat any of those very dry, scaly patches that might develop, use a petroleum based product on the affected areas before bed. Believe it or not, plain old Vaseline works wonders on stubborn dry, cracked, and flaking skin. Unfortunately, most people cringe at the idea of using Vaseline on their face, thinking that it will clog pores and, in general, have a negative effect on the skin. In a word- untrue! Vaseline and similar petroleum based products provide a protective, insulating barrier for the skin on those frigid, windy days when applied as a light coat to the face and lips.

Finally, for those irritating patches of skin that persistently plague you despite your best efforts, an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment has significant healing effects on skin that is cracked and sore. For the extremely dry, flaking and itchy spots an OTC hydrocortisone cream can provide both relief from the itching and diminish the dry, flaking symptoms. Please bear in mind that if your condition persists, it is best to consult with a Physician to find the best remedy for your particular skin condition.

Sue Dolan is a researcher and instructor for the skincareresourcecenter.com skincareresourcecenter.com which is a Skin Care e-Learning and Resource Center that provides education on anti-aging skin care while focusing on skin rejuvenation strategies, techniques, treatment options and resources for aging skin care issues.

Tags: anti-aging

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Tags: anti-aging

Whether you are 20, 30, 40 or 50-something, staying youthful into your 70s, 80s and 90s requires incorporating some of the exciting nutritional information that has come to light in the last few years. There are no short cuts that will ensure longevity, but researchers have determined that changes in diet, lifestyle and the addition of some special supplemental anti-aging nutrients can eliminate or significantly delay the diseases that prematurely claim the lives of 80% of Americans.

“Foods” You Can Live Longer Without

Your dietary strategy for a long, healthy life begins by recognizing, then reducing or eliminating foods that steal your youth.

Eat Less Sugar. The average American consumes 60 teaspoons of sugar every day, an amazing 155 pounds a year. Your pancreas must produce a tremendous amount of insulin to transport all that sugar into your body. The more sugar you eat, the more insulin you must produce. Once considered to be age-related, life-shortening conditions such as atherosclerosis, high cholesterol and triglycerides, high blood pressure and adult-onset diabetes now appear avoidable by, among other things, lowering your insulin levels. An occasional sweet won’t kill you, but if you want to live to be 102 make sugary foods the exception rather than the rule.

Watch Out for “Bad” Fats. Rather than restricting all fats in your diet, cut out the fats that can make you grow old. Trans-fat, also known as hydrogenated fat, is found in margarine and many processed foods and may be the most dangerous fat of all. This man-made non-food is unrecognizable to the body and triggers a torrent of free radical activity. Free radicals are destructive, unbalanced molecules that are now thought to be responsible for many degenerative diseases and premature aging in general. Add years to your life by replacing bad fats with the fats that keep you young; olive oil, flaxseed oil, canola oil and fish oil.

Be Careful of How You Cook Meats. Depending on the type of meat and how you prepare it, meat can promote health or accelerate the aging process. Recently discovered heterocyclic amines (HCAs), created during the browning process, can put you at risk for developing both heart disease and cancer. Research studies have shown HCAs to be powerful free radical activators that damage our cells’ DNA and cause colon, breast, pancreatic, liver and bladder cancer. They also attack heart cell mitochondria, the cell’s energy factory, and can cause heart attacks.

It appears that subjecting meat and poultry to very high temperatures during frying, broiling, grilling and barbecuing generates an especially high amount of HCAs. Roasting or baking meats produce less HCAs, and stewing creates almost none. To preserve your youth, eliminate bacon, which is the worst offender, and limit your intake of red meat.

What type of animal protein is good for you? Fish is thought to be extremely beneficial and should be eaten 2-3 times a week. Sardines, mackerel, salmon, tuna and herring are all high in protective Omega-3 fatty acids.

Lower your animal protein intake in general by replacing some of it with vegetable proteins like raw nuts and seeds, sprouts, peas and beans such as garbanzo, kidney, pinto, black, white, northern and lentils. Soybean foods, high in antioxidant protection, are especially good.

Eat for The Long Haul

The amount of food you eat has a tremendous effect on the number of years you live. In laboratory studies, researchers found that animals fed less calories lived longer than control groups. If these findings hold true for humans, and scientists see no reason why they would not, the average American could live to be 102 years old by lowering his or her caloric intake 30%.

Of course, the quality of these calories matters a great deal. Foods should be eaten in their natural state whenever possible. Avoid processed and refined grains, which have been stripped of many nutrients and actually rob your body of vital elements you need to stay young. Don’t buy packaged foods that use the word “enriched” in their list of ingredients. These foods are marketed for profit, not health. They are nutritionally challenged and will not sustain you.

For optimum health and longevity, eat a moderate amount of whole grains and rotate them in your diet. Some good choices include wild or brown rice, millet, buckwheat, barley, corn, oats, amaranth, and quinoa. We Americans eat way too much wheat. To decrease the amount of wheat you eat, eliminate your bread, pasta and cereal made from wheat for a week. Then have wheat no more than once or twice a week. No grain should be eaten more often than that or you run the risk of developing a sensitivity to it.

Increase vegetables and fruits to 40-45% of your total food intake and buy organic produce when possible to avoid the chemical pesticides and fertilizers used to grow commercial produce. The antioxidant protection of fruits and vegetables is an absolute necessity to avoid the degenerative diseases that shorten life. Some amazing fruits and vegetables are the avocados, berries, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, citrus fruit, grapes, onions, spinach and tomatoes.

Get Sleep

If you want to live an extra long life, sleep is a MUST! For millions of years, before the light bulb was invented, we humans were asleep or at rest during the dark hours. The body is genetically designed to take advantage of that down time to do its repair work. Optimum regeneration and rejuvenation of cells and recharging of the immune system can only take place when you are asleep, allowing the body to channel its energy inward. Without sufficient sleep (most people need 6-8 hours), you wake up each morning a little older than you would with adequate rest.

Use Sunscreen (Active – SPF is great)

10 Ways to Live to Be 100

*Exercise regularly.
*Eat frugally and emphasize high-fiber foods. Reduce salt, fat, fried foods and refined sugars and avoid artificial preservatives and food coloring.
*Drink pure water with a high mineral content.
*Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.
*Avoid loneliness.
*Cultivate positive, mutually supportive relationships with family and friends.
*Emphasize homeopathic and herbal medicines to prevent disease and treat conditions.
*Enjoy regular sex–even into old age.
*Rarely drink alcohol or smoke.
*Put more emphasis on enjoying life rather than pursuing wealth.

Bratis Peralta (Co-written with Helena Pae, Co-Founder of Active Skin Formulas)

Brat is a Master Esthetician, Workout Fanatic and Co-Founder of Active Skin Formulas, activeskinformulas.com www.activeskinformulas.com

Originally from sunny Mexico, Bratis now lives in Park City Utah, and developed Active Skin Formulas for the Active Baby Boomer population because it’s:

1. Light on the frills, heavy on the results

2. A price point that the masses can readily afford

3. An easy system that is sustainable for long term results… especially for Active Skin!!

Tags: anti-aging, antioxidant, cholesterol, diet, Heart, mineral, sleep

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Tags: anti-aging, antioxidant, cholesterol, diet, Heart, mineral, sleep