Beauty News: New Ingestible Ingredient Brings Relief to Sensitive Skin

With the launch of a new ingestible ingredient developed by P.L.Thomas, people suffering from skin irritation, itchy, flaky skin may expect release of a new supplement to resolve these skin problems from within.

The ingredient is a protein filtrate from sweet whey and will be available in an oral form to relieve mild-to-moderate skin irritations. This ingredient was tested in clinical trials on psoriasis patients and showed certain improvement in 31 to 38 percent of patients (which doesn’t strike me as a significant improvement rate).

P.L.Thomas’ head of cosmeceuticals Alda Brandao is sure demand for edible beauty is set to grow and her own motto is “cosmetics so natural you can eat them”.

In my opinion there is a definite need for a supplement that would relieve problems associated with sensitive skin. So I welcome this new development and hope for improvements in its effectiveness rate!

Source: Cosmeticsdesign.com


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Beauty Review: Verite line by Estee Lauder

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Sensitive Skin Care

Feel like shopping? You can buy sensitive skin products online.

Beauty News: Injectable Peptide Stimulates Growth of Fat Under Skin

Fat is not always our enemy. We are better off without it on our hips but when it starts to disappear from our faces it causes additional age-related sagging and loss of fullness. In this situation, injectable fillers come to our rescue and help to fix those nasolabial folds and deep lines. However fillers have some downsides: they don’t last long and results can look very unnatural. Recent developments in peptides research give us hope for a better solution for age-related fat loss.

Photo by Andreas Ruedaa at Flickr.com

According to researchers from the Lawrence Berkely National Labaratory, an injectable peptide has been discovered that can help stimulate the growth of fat under the skin and plump it up.

Here comes a bit of science – brace yourself! The peptide under discussion modulates behavior of the RHAMM protein (Receptor for Hyaluronan Madiated Motility). RHAMM in its turn can influence creation of lipocytes (fat cells) and this way may help replace those cells lost due to aging.(we are done now!)

Currently scientists are in the process of testing this peptide and are trying to find a way to fully control its effects. At the same they are exploring alternative ways to deliver peptides into the skin, except from injections. It may also be available as a topical cream! But don’t expect these product to be on the market for at least 3-6 years from now.

Related Posts:
Beauty News: Appetite Suppressing Lip Gloss
Beauty News: Tanning Drug

Copyright: by Skin Care and Beauty Blog

Beauty News: Appetite Suppressing Lipgloss?

We always want more from our beauty products so in response to demand more and more products-multitaskers hit the market. The most recent one combines lipgloss and appetite suppressing extract of hoodia in one!

Photo by Jimmie xx at flickr.com
Huge Lips Skinny Hips lip gloss to be launched in Europe (UK) and in the US in March was developed by the brand called Purple Lab. Vitamin B3 contained in the gloss helps to create fuller pout by stimulating blood flow to the lips. The gloss is formulated with meadow foam for moisture and lemon peel oil to cool the lips when you get that burning sensation from the plumper. Even though Huge Lips Skinny Hips contains appetite suppressing hoodia, Purple Lab doesn’t claim it will definitely help you slim down. So you cannot rely only on the gloss to control your appetite, but it may serve as a nice glossy reminder to watch what and how much you eat.

As Karen Robinovitz, founder of the brand and creator of the lip gloss, says: “When I wear it, it keeps my intention on being healthy and I call it my secret weapon because when I go to an event where I could be tempted to overeat, this gloss on my lips helps me feel more able to resist. And what woman doesn't want an extra little something, even if it's just in her mind?”

Karen Robinovitz is not the first to attempt to help women to control their appetite with a lip product. Joey New York lipFIT Lipsticks promise to curb your appetite with a blend of peppermint, grapefruit, and spearmint fragrances.

Beauty News: Tanning Drug Approved for Clinical Trial

Photo by Angeluzzo at Flickr.com
Did you hear about a drug that makes you tanned?

A drug that stimulates melanin production and turns skin caramel for up to two months has received U.S. government approval to begin clinical trials.

A man made hormone called afamelanotide is injected into the skin to stimulate tanning. The drug is being developed as a treatment for patients whose health due to rare genetic disorders is endangered by sun's rays.

Even though it has not yet been approved for tanning, a similar unlicensed product under a very descriptive name Melanotan II based on a similar compound, has become available from online retailers and is gaining popularity. American and British officials are concerned that use of this drug can cause serious short-term and long-term health problems. For example, a recent research has proved that injecting this compound into skin can cause a change in size and shape of moles which could be precursor to skin cancer.

What makes Melanotan II even more popular is that in addition to tanning, it also appears to produce aphrodisiac and erectile function effects.

Sources:
BBC NEWS UK
Wired.com
Pressrelease at mhra.gov.uk
CNN
Bmj.com

Copyright: by Skin Care and Beauty Blog

Beauty News: Drug for Growing Eyelashes Approved by FDA

Rejoice! Now there is an official drug that can help you grow long thick beautiful eyelashes!

Photo: ABC News
FDA has approved the first and only science-based treatment for growing eyelashes. LATISSE was developed by Allergan, the company behind Botox.

Latisse is a prescription treatment that has to be applied daily on a continued basis. As a result of regular continued use, the length, thickness and colour of eyelashes are visibly improved. Side effects of Latisse can include eye redness and itchiness. More serious but less common side-effects could be darkening of the eye iris or of the eyelid skin and, according to some reports, even permanent darkening of the whites of the eyes.

Photo: ABC News
Latisse is based on a chemical called prostaglandin, which is used to treat glaucoma. It was the side effect observed in the patients treated for glucoma with prostaglandin that inspired developemtn of this eyelash enhancement treatment.

Latisse will be available early next year and a month supply is expected to cost you over a hundren dollars. Which makes it quite an expense over a year.


Sources:
Telegraph.co.uk
Medical News Today
ABC News Report at video.yahoo.com

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Read more about long eyelashes:
Tips for Long and Beautiful Eyelashes

Weird Fragrances and Curious Developments in Perfume Industry in 2008

You may be amazed what kind of fragrances are out there! Cosmeticsdesign-Europe ran an article where they mention several “weird and wonderful” scents of 2008.

Photo: by Food in Mouth at Flickr.com
For those who think burgers smell seductive Burger Kind released men's perfume called “Flame”.
It has a hint of flame broiled meat and captures the “essence of love” America has for its favourite sandwich Whopper.

Another curious scent was developed by Sports Interactive. This fragrance aims to inspire consumer’s winning spirit. And what can inspire that spirit if not the various scents found in the dressing rooms of successful teams. I wonder what this perfume smells like… sweaty T-Shirt?

Want to know how confidence and efficiency smell? Then try the fragrance launched by the Catalan Socialist Party back in January this year. Actually, as Albert Majós, explained it is neither a "perfume nor air-freshener" but the aromatic representation of socialism's values.

Photo: by Fool-on-the Hill at Flickr.com
Finally, let’s not forget Christopher Brosius’ ‘I Hate Perfume’ range. Here are a couple examples of his fragrances: Fir Tree – fir trees in the forest with a touch of frozen ground. Ocean/Eternal Return - the scent of sailing to the shore. Blend of fresh ocean air, wooden ship and a faint hint of cypress trees growing on the cliff above the water. I have never tested any of Christopher Brosius’ perfumes but I found his idea of expressing himself and his artistic vision in the perfume quite captivating.

Perfume industry seems to be full of new developments and nice surprises for consumers. 2008 saw the launch of an anti-aging perfume Ageless Fantasy by Harvey Prince. Recently a Mood-enhancing fragrance compound derived from sea coral has been approved for a patent.

Photo: by Tywak at Flickr.com
Only listen what it can do to your psychological state: “Just inhaling very small quantities resulted in enhanced feelings of confidence, relaxation, affection, warmth, satisfaction and sensuality, in both men and women,” a spokesman for the Human Pheremone Sciences said. I am looking forward to new discoveries and launches!

Beauty News: Size Restriction on Carry-on Liquids to be Dropped

Photo by Msmail at Flickr.com
Good news! Soon you'll have no more headaches packing your precious creams and shampoos when travelling by plane. Starting Fall 2009 US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will remove size restrictions on personal care products to be carried on the plane. This change will be possible due to introduction of new advanced X-ray equipment which will allow to differentiate between safe and dangerous liquids. However, liquids will still need to be placed into a separate plastic bag. This will be temporary as US TSA plans to upgrade X-ray software by the End of 2010 to make it possible to spot dangerous liquids even if they are hidden in a carry-on suitcase.
I do hope this very welcome change will happen in Europe as well without any delays.

Source: www.tsa.gov/blog/

Beauty News: Anti-Ageing Perfume

Phtoto harveyprince.com

If you care about the way you look and strive to look young - be careful how you smell! Rose is a no-no, grapefruit and apples are the right choice! Cosmeticsdesign-Europe.com reports that fragrance designer Harvey Prince has launched a new scent in the European market that makes other people perceive you as being much younger than you really are.

This new anti-ageing sensation is based on several studies. A study made in 200 showed that that women in their 40s and plus have more than twice increased levels of "2-Nonenal – which is associated with a 'grassy, greasy' odour – as well as higher levels of Omega 7 and lipid peroxides".

Apple photo by Daren Hasten at Flickr.com

Another study conducted by the Smell and Taste Research Foundation in 2005 revealed that "grapefruit-based scent is associated with a younger age group". And finally a study conducted by Rutgers team for Harvey Prince, involving fifteen men in five age groups (starting from 20 to 60 plus) found that "the rose was most associated with older age groups and apple fragrance was most associated with younger age groups"

Harvey Prince says it used the research findings to create a scent that best masks odours associated with older age groups. But of course, the exact formula of the new fragrance is a HUGE and closely guarded secret. All we know is that the perfume combines pink grapefruit, pomegranate, jasmine, mango and soft must... Here you have it - now you can smell younger! The anti-ageing perfume is called "Ageless Fantasy". And the name is true - it is just a fleeting fantasy... remember to keep refreshing it!

I love this video clip from Ellen Degeneres show - beauty recommendations are definitely based on those 2005 studies.... They didn't know then that the rose scent is actually associated with an older age.

Read more about anti-ageing skin care and products or anti-ageing makeup techniques.

Feel like shopping? You can buy Ageless Fantasyonline.

Beauty News: EC Launches an On-Line Database of Cosmetic Ingredients

European Commission has recently launched an online database of cosmetic ingredients called “CosIng” (Cos(metic)Ing(redients)). It is based on several EC directives and includes information starting from as early as 1976.

The present day consumer does care about the ingredients list and the safety of those chemicals we apply on the skin. That is why, I believe, there is a need for an easy to use and understand, clear, informative and reliable search engine for cosmetic ingredients.

I checked out the new EC search trying to understand how convenient and informative it is for me as a usual consumer.

You can search by the name of the ingredient or by its official number. The search result provides a lot of reference numbers like CAS #, EINECS/ELINCS # which do not tell me anything. In addition, it explains functions of the ingredient which IS useful. You also get information about chemical composition of the ingredient you entered.
However, it does not give a clear assessment of the ingredient's safety. If the ingredient was mentioned in one of the EC directives, it will give a reference code(“Restriction/Annex-Part-Ref #”). So you have to open the PDF file of the directive and search for this information. Hmm… Yes, it is complicated and time consuming but, on the other hand, you do know that this information is for sure reliable…

I compared CosIng it to some other databases available online which are really few!

www.cosmeticsdatabase.com – provides a hazard score of a particular ingredient, information about any safety concern, usage. According to cosmeticsdatabase.com, their database is based on “50 databases and sources from government agencies, industry panels, academic institutions, or other credible bodies”. They also provide detailed explanation on how they make their evaluations.

www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/cos-toc.html - FDA (US Food and Drug Administration) does not have a search engine for ingredients but provides some general guidelines. You can read several articles on which ingredients are prohibited or are controversial.

Here are a couple other databases I came across

www.scorecard.org/chemical-profiles - Scorecard provides information about toxic chemicals. This site has a more general search engine - not specifically about cosmetics ingredients.

www.ctfa-online.org – Site by The US Personal Care Products Council that also has a search engine for cosmetics ingredients but registration is required to use it.

Beauty News: Scientists Found a Way to Reverse Ageing

Exciting breakthrough achieved in research of aging.

BBC reports that by blocking a specific protein related to the processes of ageing scientists achieved the effect of age-reversal in mice.

The protein in question is NF-kappa-B. It regulates a number of genes responsible for ageing processes in our body and makes these genes to be more or less active.

Incredible rejuvenating results were achieved by blocking this protein in older mice for two weeks. Their skin became thicker and “more cells appeared to be dividing, much like the skin of a younger mouse.” In addition the skin appeared to have similar genetic characteristics to the skin of newborn mice.

However don’t get too excited about the opportunity to reverse the aging process and to have skin of a newborn forever. It is extremely complicated to manipulate genes. By controlling certain genes, one can achieve positive results in one aspect but at the same time undermine other important and vital functions in a human body. For example NF-kappa-B “has also been implicated in cancer and regulation of the immune system”. As Dr Chang, lead researcher from the Stanford School of Medicine in California, explains: "You might get a longer lifespan but at the expense of something else." Currently, scientists are intending to use the results of the research to improve healing in older patients and they emphasize that the treatment will be short-term.

Source BBC News

Beauty News: Following seizure of Age Intervention Eyelash by FDA Athena Cosmetics Withdraws RevitaLash from the Market

RevitaLash is a product which according to the manufacturer will help your own natural eyelashes to “look Longer, Thicker, Fuller, and Beautiful!”. However according to a press release published on the company’s official website it discontinued the product till a re-launch mid-December. The reason is that “as part of our continuing process of providing the highest quality product possible” the company has developed a new formulation for Revitalash. However according to some other reports Athena may have withdrawn Revitalash in response to the FDA's seizure of a similar product last week.

According to official FDA site U.S. Marshals have seized 12,682 applicator tubes of Age Intervention Eyelash. Age Intervention Eyelash, sold and distributed by Jan Marini Skin Research, Inc., of San Jose, was promoted as a product stimulating eye lash growth (termed by Jan Marini as “Eyelash Growth Factor”). Age Intervention Eyelash contains bimatoprost, an analog of prostaglandin – hormone-like chemical, used in a prescription drug Lumigan® to treat glaucoma. FDA labeling laws regulate any product marketed as “growth inducing”. Age Intervention Eyelash was not approved by FDA.

According to FDA, use of Age Intervention Eyelash can have such adverse side-effects as “macular edema (swelling of the retina) and uveitis (inflammation in the eye), which may lead to decreased vision.” In addition those who are using a prescription drug with bimatoprost and the Age Intervention Eyelash are under an increased risk of optic nerve damage “because the extra dose of bimatoprost may decrease the prescription drug's effectiveness”. Which can result in blindness.
FDA urges “consumers, dermatologists, and estheticians who may still have Age Intervention Eyelash discontinue using it” and to “discard any remaining product”. FDA also recommends that if you used Age Intervention Eyelash and experience any symptoms that you suspect are related to the product to consult your health care provider.

Jan Marini Skin Research has stopped manufacturing and shipping Age Intervention Eyelash containing bimatoprost last year. The company came out with a new version of the product with a slightly different name Age Intervention Eyelash Conditioner which however according to Jan Marini (as quoted by Elle US Aug 07) is “not really different from the original formula. That contained a prostaglandin analog, and this one also contains a prostaglandin analog. But a different one.”

As far as RevitaLash is concerned, Athena admits that it does contain bimatoprost in a concentration which “is very small and substantially lower than in Lumigan… Athena Cosmetics is confident that RevitaLash® is safe.”

It is not clear from Athena’s website if RevitaLash is FDA-Approved. If not, we can assume this may be one of the reasons behind discontinuation of the product.

PS: Not long after the incident, Athena Cosmetic launched a new version of RevitaLash. New RevitaLashis currently available for purchase on-line.

Sources:
NBC
Athena Cosmetics
FDA
Elle USA August 2007

Beauty News: Kanye West’s Mother Dies After a Cosmetic Surgery procedure

Is this the price for beauty?


According to Yahoo news “West's mother died as a result of complications after surgery at a Los Angeles hospital on Saturday (November 10).”

The surgery on Donda West was performed by DR. JAN ADAMS, a well known plastic surgeon in LA California. Dr. Adams was featured on Oprah, Entertainment Tonight, was a host of Discovery Health Channel’s popular show, “Plastic Surgery: Before and After.” and has his own beauty line “Color Skin Care ”.

It appears that Dr.Jan Adams had a history of malpractice complaints. And despite the media reports of just two malpractice cases, according to the Medical Board of California documents there are actually three malpractice complaints against Dr. Adams, one of which is pending. In September 2001 a complaint of malpractice was filed and later settled for a fine of $217,337. Just a few months later another complaint was filed dated AUGUST, 2001 and later settled for $250,000. One complaint still pending is dated APRIL 10, 2007.

It also appears that despite his fame as a plastic surgeon Dr. Jan Adams is not Board Certified with the American Board of Plastic Surgery according to TMZ.

This is very sad news and perhaps a wake up call for those who see plastic surgery as a routine and safe procedure.