Moving Back the Hands of Time

In December 2008, I wrote about different treatment options to improve the appearance of aging hands. As you age, the fat under the skin in the hands begins to diminish, making the veins prominent-looking. A family friend named Pat recently underwent one of the procedures I profiled, and it was televised on the local news channel. She had filler (something similar to Restylane) injected under her skin in an effort to plump up the area and minimize some prominent veins. I think the results are quite impressive and Pat is very satisfied with the improvement. Click HERE to watch the video. Read More

First Semester Ruminations

It has been several months since my last post, and many apologies for the delay. I started school in September and needed all that time to adjust to my new schedule. The first semester was a great success and I truly love the field of nutrition. It's an interesting, relevant subject matter and for future posts, I will try to write about how it relates to skin health.

So, what did I learn from my first semester? What are the keys to true physical health and general well-being?

#1: Compromised health = compromised you. Be selfish about your health and realize that it's a priority. Without it, you can never really be 100% present for yourself and your loved ones. If I can't sell you on that argument, think about it like this: it's cheaper to be healthier in the long-term.

#2: Eat whole foods. What are whole foods? Foods that are in their most natural state, foods that came straight from the farm to the grocery store shelves. If your diet mostly consists of food that doesn't come out of a box or can, your body will thank you and reward you in time.

#3: Eat a variety of whole foods. That means eating fruits and veggies that are different colors and textures, and also eating different meats. To make sure I get this variety, I employ a simple rotation diet. For dinner on day 1 on the "diet", I'll prepare 1.25 lbs of grass-fed ground beef with 1 red pepper, 1 tomato, 1/2 an onion, 2 cloves of garlic and various spices, and I'll pair it with a simple green salad or sauteed spinach with minced garlic, onion and red pepper flakes. It's simple, fast, delicious. This is enough food for my boyfriend and me to have dinner, breakfast and lunch the next day. The following day I will make some roasted chicken, the next will be pork chops or lean sausage and the fourth day will be some sort of fish. Depending on availability at the store, I will make sauteed kale, sweet potatoes, spinach or salad on those nights. At first, it is a little strange to eat leftovers for breakfast and lunch, but after a week or so, it becomes very routine, satisfying and extremely cost-effective! Even if you can't commit to this type of eating, eat different foods everyday whenever you can!

#4: Eat organic when possible, and even if you can't, keep eat non-organic foods anyways! We all know the studies---organic foods have less chemical residue than non-organic foods. Sometimes the organic varieties are unavailable or too expensive. Don't stop eating healthy fruits and vegetables just because they're not organic! If you have to prioritize, try and spend your money on antibiotic/hormone-free, free-range meats and dairy products since these foods are higher on the food chain and toxins tend to accumulate in the fats of animals. For non-organic fruits and vegetables, wash them thoroughly to remove as many chemicals off the surface as possible.

#5: Cut back on sugar and think about cutting out wheat. Aside from instant gratification and immediate energy, sugar really has no benefit for the body. Don't totally deprive yourself, but if you cut back on it, your body will respond by dropping weight and craving it less. You might also derive the same benefit from cutting out wheat from the diet. The few people who I have put on wheat-free diets (and this means no bread, pasta, cookies, cakes---unless you get the gluten-free kinds) have experienced weight loss, energy boosts and being freed of their wheat cravings. This may not happen with all people, but it's worth a shot if you're trying to get rid of your belly paunch. Yes, these foods are comforting, but they're extremely addictive. Why let these comfort food cause so much discomfort by eating them regularly? Make them a special treat instead of a daily habit.

#6: Drink plenty of water. Water is vital for strong, healthy blood circulation and is even associated with a reduced risk of kidney and bladder cancer.

#7: Exercise regularly and however you can. Even if it means parking far away from a store entrance or taking the stairs instead of the elevator, don't forget to exercise. The human body moved to evolve and evolved to move! Movement supports bone and muscle strength, which helps your body stay younger longer and gives you energy. It also favors development of muscle, a tissue that is more active and burns more energy (i.e., calories) than fat tissue.

#8: Get to bed early, by 11 at the latest. It makes a difference.

#9: Manage your stress. Everyone has it, but how do you respond to it? Do you lash out at loved ones? Experience crying fits? Feel you have no control over your life? Unfortunately, our bodies haven't evolved to successfully manage chronic stress, so we need to help it by finding an activity or exercise to relieve it. Letting chronic stress rule your life can result in a bevy of ailments---why don't you conquer your stress instead of letting it conquer you?

#10: Get some perspective. Why are we always finding something wrong in our lives? Why does it usually take some sort of tragedy to remind us of what's important? When you die, you're not taking anything tangible with you. The people you leave behind are your true legacy and the true measure of your success, so why not spend your energy cultivating relationships that matter instead of worrying about things you don't or can't have? Participate in activities that make you feel valued, productive and alive, and remember that our time on this earth is limited. Spend it loving and being loved.

This post is related to a previous post, but the lessons here only reinforce what I've said in the past. If you care about your inside, your outside will reflect that investment.
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Tan People Get Skin Cancer, Too

Did you know Bob Marley died of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer? You may find this surprising because of his darker skin color. Don't only Caucasians get skin cancer? The answer is no.

I'm a proud Mexican-American who has taken care of her skin since age 12, partly out of vanity and partly out of concern for cancer. My non-Hispanic friends have always asked, "Why are you worried skin cancer? Your skin type can handle the sun." While it is true that my olive skin can usually handle limited sun exposure, I've been a victim of sunburn twice in my life (see previous post) and have several freckles and some small sunspots on my face as a result of sun damage (even after years of using sunscreen!). Clearly, I'm not immune to the sun's damaging rays, despite my tan skin. And we all know that just five sunburns can double your risk of skin cancer, which means I've raised my risk for the disease substantially with just those two burns!

According to an article by the Skin Cancer Foundation, many ethnic people and dermatologists often overlook the skin cancer risk in this group of people. While skin cancers rates are quite low among ethnic people, the rates are rising each year, especially in sunny areas. Also, non-Caucasians have disproportionately higher mortality rates because of delayed cancer screenings and treatments due to the perceived notion that it is a Caucasian phenomenon. Considering that by 2050 the US Census Bureau predicts that 50% of the US population will be Asian, African-American or Hispanic, it is especially critical to raise skin cancer awareness among non-Caucasians and have these groups adopt better skin practices.

I advise ALL PEOPLE to follow a healthy skin regimen that includes sunscreen, sunglasses, protective clothing/accessories, a nutritious diet and lots of hydration.

Consult the table below to see where certain skin cancers tend to appear among ethnic people. Click on this link for the full Skin Cancer Foundation article.

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Badger to the Test

While on a recent 5-day trip to a beach location, I got my first chance to really put the all-natural Badger SPF 30 sunscreen to the test. On the first morning of my trip, I slathered on the cream and ended up looking a little like a Casper-version of myself until the sunscreen absorbed after 15 minutes or so. At the beach, I spent about 20 minutes in the water before coming out and covering myself with my sun hat and Linda parasol. I made the mistake of not reapplying because I was covered up by my hat and parasol, and it was starting to look like rain and we were going to leave. I also figured there was still some juice left in the sunscreen, which promises 40 minutes of safe wear in the water (I had only been in the water for half that time). I'm usually a fervent re-applier, but I was lazy with the Badger because it took a considerable time to apply it and you definitely need a second person to help you out your back. I have unusually long arms and with normal, spreadable sunscreen, I can get to the difficult spots on my back with some effort. With Badger, the cream was so thick it would travel only a few inches before proving unyielding to anymore spreading. The end result of my first day of use: a moderate sunburn on my shoulders. I've burned only one other time in my life (at a practice for high school graduation) and to repeat it again on a vacation was not pleasant. I can't completely blame the burn on my sunscreen because I should have reapplied, but had it been an easier cream to spread, I would have been more likely to do this.

I would also like to note that I DO NOT recommend this sunscreen for use on your face. One of the ingredients in it is olive oil and that this doesn't strike me as non-commodogenic. I did put a little sunscreen on my forehead to test it out, and while I'm not sure if it was a coincidence or the fault of the sunscreen, three tiny pimples sprouted on my forehead. I will stick to my EltaMD for my face.

So, what is the verdict on the Badger sunscreen? It's fine for everyday use on your chest, arms and legs, but it wouldn't be my first choice for the beach or any other situation that requires complete reapplication. Perhaps the cream would spread more easily if you leave it in a warm place to soften, but I'll go back to using some Neutrogena sunscreens (especially the sprays!) in conjunction with the Badger for future beach use.

On a positive note, I did try Badger's sunscreen lip balm and loved it. I wouldn't use it as my everyday lip balm because it leaves a noticeable white layer on your lips, but for the beach or the water, it was great. It had a pleasant taste and eventually absorbed, leaving it only slightly noticeable.

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The Fight Over Vitamin D: AIM vs. SCF

There has been lots of controversy surrounding vitamin D in the medical world. This nutrient is necessary for the absorption of calcium (needed for healthy bones and teeth), and for maintaining normal blood levels of the minerals calcium and phosphorus. Without vitamin D, your bones can weaken, thus leading to possible fractures and even osteoporosis.

A recent study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine (AIM) found that 3 out of 4 Americans suffer from Vitamin D deficiencies, and a 2008 AIM study showed that participants with the lowest levels of Vitamin D had double the risk of dying from heart disease. Vitamin D may also help prevent certain cancers, such as colon, breast and prostate cancer.

How much vitamin D is necessary? The government recommends 200 International Units (IUs) of vitamin D per day up to age 50, 400 IUs to age 70, and 600 IUs over 70. Many experts think these amounts are too low and they recommend exposure to short-term sunlight in the summer, in addition too "supplementation in the winter of about 2,000 IUs [of vitamin D] per day."

According to the 2008 AIM study, during the winter "it's impossible to produce vitamin D from the sun if you live north of Atlanta because the sun never gets high enough in the sky for its ultraviolet B rays to penetrate the atmosphere." However, it is possible to accumulate enough vitamin D in the summer months, which will last you throughout the winter. If you are light-skinned, experts recommend 10 minutes of outdoor sun exposure in shorts and a tank top with no sunscreen, which will yield about 10,000 IUs of vitamin D. People with darker skin and the elderly produce less vitamin D, which may mean you need more sun exposure and/or additional vitamin supplementation from sources like fortified milk* (if your body can handle it!) and fatty fish.

This is where the controversy begins. Clearly the Skin Cancer Foundation (SCF) is in the business of promoting limited exposure to the sun for fear you may develop skin cancer. Despite the studies' results, the Skin Cancer Foundation maintains its firm stance against all unprotected sun exposure. The SCF feels the studies supporting claims that some unprotected sun exposure is needed for sufficient vitamin D production "cannot directly correlate disease with individual sun exposure, and 'cannot establish that solar exposure decreases incidence or mortality from these cancers.'" The SCF claims that "when you wear sunscreen, some UV reaches the skin, and this may be plenty, at least for fair-skinned individuals." This type of "incidental protected exposure…to minimal UVB radiation three times weekly generates adequate vitamin D levels by classic criteria. Greater exposure adds nothing to vitamin D stores, while increasing DNA damage", thus increasing your chances for skin cancer. (Click HERE for the SCF's rebuttal.)

So, what is the average person supposed to make of all this information? Do we have to choose between risking skin cancer or risking heart and bone disease? I recommend MODERATION and a proper diet. A friend in medical school once told me that all you need to do is expose the back of your hand (with no sunscreen) to the sun for 5 minutes, and that will give you enough Vitamin D for about six months. I'm no expert, but it seems to me that everyone needs a little sunshine here and there, not only for some vitamin D, but getting out and taking in some fresh air is good for the soul. While this certainly isn't a license to go out and bake under the sun, I think most of us (not all) can handle a little bit of sunshine without risking too much. I still recommend using sunscreen all over your body and covering up at least your face, neck and shoulders. Unless you are head-to-toe in UV shielding armor, there is no way to 100% avoid UV rays. Incidentally, you will get some vitamin D production, perhaps not the recommended daily dosage, but that's where a proper diet comes in.**

Consult the table below for food sources providing vitamin D.


Table from the National Health Institute: Selected Food Sources of Vitamin D

Food	IUs per serving	Percent Daily Value
Cod liver oil, 1 tablespoon	1,360	340
Salmon, cooked, 3.5 ounces	360	90
Mackerel, cooked, 3.5 ounces	345	90
Tuna fish, canned in oil, 3 ounces	200	50
Sardines, canned in oil, drained, 1.75 ounces	250	70
Milk, nonfat, reduced fat, and whole, vitamin D-fortified, 1 cup	98	25
Margarine, fortified, 1 tablespoon	60	15
Ready-to-eat cereal, fortified with 10% of the DV for vitamin D, 0.75-1 cup (more heavily fortified cereals might provide more of the DV)	40	10
Egg, 1 whole (vitamin D is found in yolk)	20	6
Liver, beef, cooked, 3.5 ounces	15	4
Cheese, Swiss, 1 ounce	12	4

*More from the National Institute of Health: "In supplements and fortified foods, vitamin D is available in two forms, D2...and D3. The two forms have traditionally been regarded as equivalent based on their ability to cure rickets, but evidence has been offered that they are metabolized differently. Vitamin D3 could be more than three times as effective as vitamin D2 in raising serum 25(OH)D concentrations and maintaining those levels for a longer time, and its metabolites have superior affinity for vitamin D-binding proteins in plasma [6,32,33]. [Further] research is needed on the comparative physiological effects of both forms. Many supplements are being reformulated to contain vitamin D3 instead of vitamin D2 [33]. Both forms (as well as vitamin D in foods and from [sun exposure]) effectively raise serum 25(OH)D levels [6].

**From the National Institute of Health: "Sunscreens with a sun protection factor of 8 or more appear to block vitamin D-producing UV rays, although in practice people generally do not apply sufficient amounts, cover all sun-exposed skin, or reapply sunscreen regularly [31]. Skin likely synthesizes some vitamin D even when it is protected by sunscreen as typically applied."

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Badger me, please!

I gave a short review of Badger Balm Face & Body Sunblock in my first post, but felt it deserved a separate and complete review. I discovered this sunscreen after spending a day last October researching various sunscreens and their effectiveness.

Let's start with the economics. Badger Balm Face & Body Sunblock in SPF 30 comes in a 2.9 ounce tube that will cost you around $16. This is quite expensive for such a small amount of sunscreen, which isn't a cost effective option for daily, all-over use. I keep Badger in my purse and use it on my hands, arms and chest. If you are planning to use this sunscreen everyday and on your whole body, be prepared to pay a pretty penny for the replenishment of this product. I would recommend using the sunscreen for extended sun exposure at the beach or pool because Badger really does deliver reliable, long-lasting protection. I have yet to find a daily, all-over sunscreen that is all-natural and cost effective, although I have been meaning to try Mexitan sunblock (5.4 oz, $19), which seems to have all these traits.

The first thing you notice with the Badger sunscreen is the rather strong lavender scent. This does not bother me, but I can see it being a bother to some. One Amazon reviewer called the scent "medicinal." It just smells like strong lavender to me.

The main active ingredient in Badger sunscreen is 20.5% micronized zinc oxide, a mineral that provides safe and effective protection against UVA and UVB rays. This high concentration of zinc oxide makes for a serious UV shield on your skin. The problem with zinc oxide is it tends to leave behind a white residue if you're not careful to sufficiently rub in the sunscreen. This will happen with Badger, so make sure to rub, rub, rub! You still might be left with a very faint, whitish tint, which I certainly don't mind. It also takes some time for the cream to absorb, depending on the amount that you use. Even if it doesn't fully absorb, you get the feeling that you are extremely protected from those harmful UV rays. This sunscreen will also keep you protected in the water and while you sweat for 40 minutes!

The lotion itself is a bit thick and has a grainy texture. The graininess disappears once you rub in the cream. Badger doesn't spread easily once you have it more or less rubbed in, so before you start rubbing in the sunscreen, make sure to dab sunscreen in different parts of the area you are trying to cover, then rub.

The sunscreen also serves as a moisturizer, and to this end, the company has added olive oil, beeswax, jojoba oil, cocoa butter, and Wild African Shea Butter, all certified organic ingredients. Safe, effective AND hydrating!

If you don't mind the relative high cost and potential white residue issues, then I highly recommend this sunscreen, at least for use on your hands, arms and chest. Click HERE to read reviews on Amazon. Most complaints are about the cost and white residue. Read More

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

Skin Cancer Vaccine!!!!

Here are some of the highlights from the article:

"Professor Ian Frazer, of the University of Queensland, said tests of the vaccine had proven successful on animals and that human trials could begin next year.

Mr Frazer, who delivered his findings to the Australian Health and Medical Research Congress, said a vaccine for children aged 10 to 12 could be available in 5 to 10 years.

The jab would protect against squamous cell carcinoma, the second most common skin cancer, but not the more deadly melanomas.

Professor Frazer warned there was still no substitute for staying out of the sun.

'In the future, just as the cervical cancer vaccine will complement the cervical cancer screening program, I hope that a skin cancer vaccine will be available to help in the prevention of skin cancer, but we'll still need to stay out of the sun.'"

While this is a potentially HUGE breakthrough, you'll still have to slather on the SPF and shelter yourself under parasols and hats. There is no 100% guarantee that you won't get skin cancer, but you can certainly do your part by covering up and staying healthy!

Click HERE for the full article.

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Sunscreen is unsafe?! And most aren't effective?!

According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), 4 out of 5 sunscreens provide insufficient coverage or contain too many hazardous materials. If their results are true, this could be an enormous blow to the sunscreen industry, and a shock to me, the girl who is addicted to slathering and spraying on a UV shield.

I'm not sure how accurate the EWG findings are, and I need to do a little more research on the EWG to see what sort of organization they are and what sort of testing methods they've used. But their results have surely shaken up the cosmetics world and lots of people are talking about the findings. It should be noted that there are some doctors who have challenged the validity of EWG's results.

According to the EWG's results, my trusty EltaMD UV Shield and UV Physical got good scores for protection and low toxicity. One surprise loser was my Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunblock in SPF 70. Not only did it have a high rating for potential health hazards, but its effectiveness has been called into question. Click HERE to find out the results of your sunscreen. (Disclaimer: I'm not sure how accurate these findings are!)

Even if my Neutrogena is okay to use, I've begun to introduce more and more natural products into my daily beauty regimen. Because it's very cold in New York and I've taken shelter under thick layers of clothing, I haven't had to use any sunscreen on my body (except on my face!). I bought #5 on the EWG's list, Badger All-Natural Sunscreen in SPF 30 ($16 for 2.9 oz), and tried it on my hands. I'm pretty happy with my purchase. It is mostly natural, water resistant, and has a rather strong lavender scent, which I like (though others may not). It is quite thick, a little oily and leaves a thin, white film on the skin until it gets absorbed because of its 20% zinc oxide content. The white film is a bit annoying and it takes a good deal of rubbing to get it to mostly disappear, but I'm willing to put up with this if it means that I'm using an effective, safe form of sun protection. I could see myself using this on my arms and chest in the summer, but it's too expensive to use it all over my body everyday.

I'll eventually try Mexitan SPF 50, #21 on the EWG's list. The results say it's as effective as the Badger, but for $20 you get 5.4 oz. I will get back to you with my review of this sunscreen when I buy it. Read More