Caffeine makes you skin cancer-free?

The Journal of Investigative Dermatology recently published a study that believes caffeine intake may be linked to a decrease in skin cancer. The Skin Cancer Foundation (SCF) contests this study, stating there is "no definitive link between the two"---yet.

"While this is an interesting concept that has been explored before, it will take years of extensive testing to determine whether this will be a worthwhile prevention method," said Dr. Albert Lefkovits, a spokesman for the SCF.

According to Lefkovits, the study does not address how much caffeine intake is needed to prevent skin cancer, and there are many people who drink large amounts of coffee and still get skin cancer. The only way to avoid it is the old-fashioned way---protective measures and yearly skin examinations by your dermatologist.

Click here for the SCF's official statement. Read More

NYU, here I come!

I've kept this a little under wraps, but I wanted to be the first to tell you all: I got into NYU's graduate program for Nutrition and Dietetics! Yes, I am going back to school. I never thought I would be saying this, but I'm excited to return to the classroom, meet new friends, learn new material, and late night cram. Okay, maybe I'm not thrilled about the cramming part and it certainly won't be late night because I've learned I need to be in bed by 10:30 PM.

How did I come to apply to this program? I've always been interested in helping others live a healthier lifestyle, and it first started with Carasol. After encountering my own health problems and immersing myself in the world of food and health, I realized that nutrition was one of my callings (Carasol and photography being the others), and I wanted to help others feel as good as I do through diet and lifestyle changes. I did a search for graduate programs and found one in my area at NYU. I applied on February 1 and heard back this past Thursday, March 19. The acceptance came in a SMALL envelope, and my heart dropped for a second before I noticed that the envelope was rather plump. I ripped the envelope open, and looked for one word and there it was: congratulations. It was a great feeling to get an acceptance letter and it brought back those warm, fuzzy feelings I got during high school school whenever I received a college acceptance. Hard work really does pay off and I can't wait for classes to start in the fall. Read More

Say it ain't so, Coco!

Two of my previous posts were dedicated to decrying the tan as a harmful and worthless trend. It's no secret that I am passionately against tanning, and most of my posts usually hint at this point of view. Continuing on my anti-tan campaign, I've decided to recount a short tale of Coco Chanel, crediting with bringing the suntan craze to world in 1923.

According to the legend, on a voyage from Paris to Cannes aboard the yacht the Duke of Wellington, Coco accidently fell asleep on the deck of the ship. She acquired a sunburn, which developed into a tan, and after returning to Paris, flaunted her new look at the fashion shows. The world quickly took notice and women in Paris and beyond began adopting a new skin color. Coco, so highly regarded for her pioneering skills and staying power in the world of fashion, had inadvertently started a craze, which was encouraged by the looser clothing styles of the time. Gone were the days that pale skin was revered in the West. Tanned skin replaced this standard and became the ultimate symbol of leisure and wealth, with novels like F. Scott Fitzgerald's Tender is the Night illustrating the upper class embrace of the trend.

While many still perceive the tan as attractive and desirable, there is a growing number of people that realize tanned skin is not worth the momentary gratification. There are some undeniable health benefits to limited sun exposure, namely the production of vitamin D, but this is no license to sit out and bake for hours. So, here's to smart sun exposure, natural skin color and staying cancer-free! Read More

Embrace Your Outer Pale, Oscar Edition

A couple of weeks ago, I posted an entry that discussed the Death of Tanned Skin in the fashion world. Go With Your Own Glow, the Skin Cancer Foundation's new public awareness campaign, and Simon Doonan, creative director at Barney's, partnered together and chose 5 standout celebrities who strutted down the red carpet looking lovely with their untanned skin:

1) Freida Pinto
2) Kate Winslet
3) Amy Adams
4) Teraji Henson
5) Anne Hathaway

These ladies are commendable for promoting healthy, glowing skin and showing the world that natural skin color is attractive and Oscar-worthy. As Doonan says, "[tanned] skin is very 80s porno star," and while beauty standards are always evolving, let's hope the tanned skin ideal is never revived.

Click HERE for pictures of the 5 red carpet (untanned) beauties. Read More

Embrace Your Outer Pale

The Skin Cancer Foundation has a great video highlighting the fact that tan skin has become less desirable. The video features interviews with various beauty editors at some top magazines, all of whom claim that tan skin has lots its appeal in the high fashion world. These editors are setting an example by choosing models whose outer glow is natural, healthy and attractive. Click HERE for this inspirational video.

Until people move away from the perception that tan skin is healthy, there will be high rates of skin cancer and premature skin aging. Just remember to stay strong when your friends are making fun of you for parking yourself under an umbrella, hat and sunscreen on the beach. You'll certainly be the one with the last laugh. Read More

Anything But Forgettable

On this memorable day, I would like to pay homage to my newfound obsession. I am in LOVE with Colorescience's Sunforgettable SPF 30 brush. Apparently, it's been around for years, but I'd never heard about it until this past December. The skin counter attendant at my dermatologist's office had me at "it's a powder sunscreen" and I knew I had to try it. It cost a rather steep $50, but the lady reassured me that it would last me nine months. You might ask, how am I going to clean this brush? I can't go NINE MONTHS using the same brush without cleaning it and having water get into the powder. Don't fret! A tissue, some rubbing alcohol and a little wiping will easily solve the germ hazard.

This handy form of sun protection is amazing for a couple reasons. The first---it actually works. My dermatologist reassured me that the ingredients they use are sun stable. The second---it fits into any purse, big or small. The third---you can reapply over your makeup at any time. The fourth---it's water resistant! While I would use cream-based sunscreens if I were spending a lot of time in the water, I could see myself retouching my face, neck and chest or the back of my hands if I were in a hurry and didn't have time for my heavy-duty sunscreen to absorb.

I bought the brush in the color "Perfectly Clear" because of my olive skin tone. The "Almost Clear" was a bit too dark for me, and the "All Clear" was certainly too light for me (think Nicole Kidman skin tone). I take the brush everywhere and midday I usually give myself a touch up (I still use my normal Elta sunscreen under my makeup every morning). The powder is light on your skin and even adds a slight matte effect. You usually have to hit or shake the brush a couple of times to get the powder to fall onto the brush, and make sure the cap protecting the brush is pushed down all the way; powder won't make it's way onto the brush.

This brush has made my outdoor ventures much more enjoyable. With this little brush, I know my skin will get all-day protection because of the convenience of its size and effectiveness of its contents. Hooray! Read More

The Matter at Hand - Are hands the new face?

Sometime in college, I went home to visit my parents in LA. At some point during the trip, I got into the car with my mom to go shopping. As we started the car and settled into the driver's seat, I saw her pulling on these ridiculous gloves that covered the back of her hands, all the way up to her her shoulders. They were a lightweight, beige cotton and had holes at the fingers, allowing the fingers freedom to securely grasp the wheel. I commented how embarrassing the gloves were and I hoped she wouldn't be walking around with them. She just shrugged and said "I don't care."

This encounter occurred B.S.E.---Before Skin Enlightenment---the dark time when I thought sunscreen was the only protective product I needed. Of course, I've evolved and am comfortable enough with myself to say "I don't care what people think about my skin care habits." If I'm in a car, I cover up my hands and arms because windows do a lousy job of protecting you from those damaging UV rays. Even though I've achieved a certain level of comfort with my sun practices, I do sometimes think to myself, "Am I crazy? Am I being fanatical? Is this really worth it?"

Well, I've had official confirmation that my glove wearing is indeed worth the time, effort and strange looks. I stumbled upon the article below, which addresses the increase in anti-aging procedures dealing with the hands:

The Fountain of Youth at Your Fingertips, New York Times

Aside from the face, the other major indicators of age are the throat, chest and hands. It's easy to protect the face, throat and chest with a large hat or parasol, but your poor hands are usually exposed to the sun. The most practical solution is sunscreen. I use sunscreen on my hands as if it were a moisturizer---whenever I wash my hands and I'm going outdoors, I'll apply and reapply it. The more drastic option is using gloves, which I've only employed in the car, although some brave souls may take to wearing them outdoors on a daily basis.

For those women who have already experienced visible damage, there are various options to reverse those signs of aging, some painful and invasive, and others less so.

Option 1: Sclerotherapy
Since the skin on the back of your hands is quite thin, veins become more prominent as you age. Doctors can inject a saline solution into your veins to shrink them. Cost: not given, but a quick Google search says it's about $100-$200 per needle used.

Option 2: Restylane
Restylane adds volume and makes veins and visible tendons less noticeable. Restylane injections, cost around $3,000 and the results can last up to a year.

Option 3: Injecting one's own fat into ones hands (eww)
This is pretty self-explanatory. Developed by Dr. Sydney Coleman of New York, this procedure is done in his office and costs at least $12,000. But the high price tag seems to be worth it---the results last over 10 years.

Option 4: Laser therapy
Used to reduce brown spots and/or stimulate collagen production in the hands for more volume. Cost: not given, but usually depends on the type of laser used and what doctor you are seeing.

Option 5: Anti-aging and/or damage reversal products
Generally painless and much more cost effective, this option takes effort and patience. The results aren't instant, but it's more affordable and infinitely less invasive than the aforementioned options.

If you're like me, you want to do everything possible to avoid medical procedures. I always encourage my customers, friends and family to take as many preventative measures as possible because reversing the signs of aging is both costly and painful. People may find it crazy to use gloves in the car or anywhere else, but if you want to preserve those beautiful hands of yours and save some money in the long run, then you better start slathering on the SPF or putting on some gloves. Read More