Continue reading »]]> Board Certified Dermatologist Dr. Gene Rubinstein of the Dermatology & Laser Centre of Studio City has launched an entertaining series of cleverly designed webisodes that are teamed with Manny on the Streetz in order to find real people with real questions about their skin. These webisodes are available to everyone via YouTube and are a way for Gene Rubinstein, M.D., F.A.A.D to answer questions that many people have concerning their skin.

In the first episode of Reel Skin, Dr. Gene Rubinstein confirms all false acne fallacies, and suggests real solutions that can change your life. Dr. Rubinstein clears up not only acne, but some of the most common misconceptions about skin in general. Most recently, the second webisode features a quick, two minute “Dry Skin Owner’s Manual” that solely shares tips on how to avoid dry skin.

What many people don’t know is that lotion actually creates dry skin! In this “Reel Skin” webisode, Dr. Rubinstein explains to viewers that lotion is 80% water and 20% oil, allowing evaporation which actually depletes the moisture from the skin. Dr. Rubinstein also surprises viewers when he reveals that dryness is even determined by the temperature of one’s shower! The hotter the better? Think again!

“Reel Skin” is designed with the viewer in mind, allowing real people to finally get answers to the questions they’ve always had but were too afraid to ask. With a comprehensive list of topics from acne, Botox and dry skin, to skin exams, scars and laser hair removal – Dr. Rubinstein is making sure no question goes unanswered. Dr. Rubinstein’s knowledge will also help save viewers’ time, money, and effort – allowing them to channel their energy into trying proven treatments in a correct way. Addressing a new topic every month, stay tuned to http://www.youtube.com/reelskin and set your skin misconceptions straight!

Continue reading »]]> Skin expert Salcura announces the launch of Zeoderm, a sensitively formulated skin repair product containing ZeomaZ, a new active super-antioxidant for advanced skin relief leading to the regeneration of healthy skin cells.

ZeomaZ delivers intense detoxification by hunting down nasty toxins, free radicals and other impurities in the skin, binding and eliminating them from the dermis¹. Reducing these impurities soothes, rebalances and gently calms the skin^2/3. Removing the nasties enables the skin to provide a more controlled immune response to a skin problem like eczema, therefore avoiding excessive itching and skin aggravation. In the case of psoriasis, ZeomaZ reduces the increased skin cell production by correcting the skin’s faulty immune signaling which causes the excess skin cells.

Zeoderm is perfect for anyone living in the city and exposed to pollution or chemicals, or for those with skin affected with eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis or itchy inflammation wanting more active relief for their symptoms.

Complementing the active antioxidant affect of ZeomaZ, Salcura Zeoderm^TM contains a gentle yet effective blend of all natural ingredients such as urea, borage, geranium and rose oil which help to soften skin (see ‘Data sheet’ below for list of other ingredients and their benefits).

Zeoderm is totally free from any steroids, cortisones, parabens, alcohol and other nasties. Not tested on animals. Priced £8.99 for 50ml and available from Boots, leading pharmacies and via www.salcuraskincare.com.

Continue reading »]]> If you have problem skin, your probably know how to complement your skin care routine with a bit of exercise, fresh air, plenty of water & a healthy diet. But there are some foods that aren’t just healthy – they actively help your skin to recover. And some of them do this whether you eat them or mash them up & smear them on your face.

This list includes the foods that both benefit your skin & happen to be available in your local supermarket. It’s all very well harping on about the legendary benefits of some mystic vegetable when it only grows in tiny quantities up an environmentally sensitive mountain in deepest Borneo. What we need is fresh, easily grown produce that we can eat (& daub on our skin) all the time, without bankrupting ourselves or the planet.

Avocado: mostly grown in Mexico & California, avocados are an excellent source of vitamin E, which helps your skin – and the tissues supporting it – heal. This is especially valuable if you already have scarring from acne. They’re also a good source of B vitamins, which are great all-rounders & help prevent various skin conditions. You can mash avocados up & use them on your face, but they’re quite oily (& expensive) so you might be better off just eating them instead.

Broccoli: usually grown locally, & already a celebrity in the superfood world, broccoli is so crammed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants & anti-cancer substances that you need a really good excuse not to eat it. Boiling broccoli does remove some of its goodness, so steam, stir-fry or microwave it instead, to retain the maximum. It’s not bad eaten raw, either, once you get used to it – dry dipping in houmous – but it doesn’t make a great face-mask.

Oats: if you’ve been bombarding your skin with harsh “spot-banishing” products, it may well be feeling sensitive, maybe even dry in between the spots & oily patches. This is a painful situation to be in, but you can rebalance it quickly. Stop using any harsh ingredients like sodium laureth sulfate or salicylic acid, & start taking baths in porridge. Well – almost. It’s actually best to put a handful of oats in a sock or fabric bag to stop them floating around sticking to everything – but oats are excellent at moisturising & soothing sensitive, inflamed skin without making it too oily or introducing even more chemicals. They make an excellent facemask, too, either with water, or oghurt, banana & honey.

Yoghurt: can sometimes cause spots if you eat it, so if you have a dairy intolerance you may have to give this one a miss. However, natural live yoghurt (ie, still has live cultures in, & no sugar or fruit) is antibacterial & packed with nutrients. As a facemask yoghurt can reduce pore size, moisturise & clear spots. Mix it up with some oats or banana if you want something a bit sturdier than simply sloshing yoghurt on your face.

Suzie Saw is a writer who loves nature, animals, making clothes, dressing up in them & waiting like a preying mantis for “50% off!” emails from online skincare shops to land in her inbox.

Continue reading »]]> Get the essential duo for fresh, clear winter skin:  Vita Min Fix £14.95 (50ml)  and   Blemish Banish £6.50 (10ml)

Blemish Banish is formulated by organic pioneers Green People, whose simple mission is ‘to re-balance and restore optimal skin health.’ Suitable for everyday use, by sensitive or acne prone skin types and anyone that gets the odd spot, this clever cosmetic has carefully evolved to mend and heal while it also covers up. Don’t let a busy lifestyle get in the way of fresh, clear skin. Blemish Banish is ideal for the winter time, so carry your own secret weapon and combat those bad skin days with natural TLC.

• Heals Acne prone skin, and minimises spot scarring
• Conceals and mends with anti inflammatory Green Tea
• 89% certified organic ingredients

Key organic actives in Blemish Banish; organic spot salvation explained:

Chamomile extract soothes and calms inflammations

Bentonite (pure clay) draws out toxins and tames Blackheads

Green Tea is a known anti oxidant, with additional anti inflammatory properties

Witch Hazel distillate acts as a mild astringent to minimise pores, and tones the skin

Hemp Seed Oil is very rich in Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids (essential tor skin health and integrity)

Tea Tree is a concentrated extract with anti microbial properties that help to control the bacteria leading to spots

Zinc Oxide, Rosehip, Bromelain (from Pineapple) and Vitamin E to minimise scarring and promote fast tissue regeneration

–

Blemish Banish ‘works as a light active foundation when mixed with moisturiser’, say The Daily Mail*

It can quickly be mixed by hand with a skin suporting moisturiser, to work as a less concentrated overall facial protection just like a tinted moisturiser or foundation cover. If you are allergic to essential oils, we suggest a No Scent product, or if you love the scent of rose geranium, try a blend with our best selling ‘hero’ moisturiser, called Vita Min Fix.

Vit Fix is for daily use, and contains powerful nutrients to revitalise normal, dry and mature skin types.  The formulation is based on Jojoba oil which mimics sebum – the body’s own natural skin lubricant. Avocado then delivers a rich source of skin essential vitamins, including A,C,D and E (hence the name!). Evening Primrose Oil, and Marshmallow help the skin to regenerate,  while actives like Bladderwrack Seaweed are included to promote the production of new cells, and also lend a rich source of trace minerals that support the face. ‘Vit Fix’ is delicately scented with fairly traded Rose Geranium.

Presenter and Broadcaster, Janey Lee Grace is a naturals fan when it comes to colour cosmetics, and she is also an advocate for going organic with your skin regime. Janey says ‘I have used lots of the Green People skin care products for my family over the years. Blemish Banish is a great idea for spot prevention (and I also like to use Gentle Cleanse regularly too).’

Everything at Green People is made without Synthetic Fragrance, Colourants, Petrochemicals or Parabens. Blemish Banish contains the latest in high performance natural actives to deliver the fastest help for a winter complexion that  nature can offer.

Get spot on with the essential clear skin duo. Vita Min Fix is £3.60 (10ml travel size) or £14.95 (50ml size) & Blemish Banish is  concentrated in a 10ml tube at £6.50.

The products are availble from Green People – click here .

Continue reading »]]> New research by innovative 100% natural food supplement company Works with Water Nutraceuticals, undertaken to gain a better understanding of how acne affects its sufferers, reveals some shocking results.

Across all ages, it appears that a staggering 75% sometimes or often feel depressed because of their acne, with a further 17% saying their acne ‘always’ makes them feel depressed. Worryingly, 14% of participants also say that their acne – or the drugs that they have taken to treat it – has made them feel suicidal.

The survey completed by 100 acne sufferers highlights that acne is not only a teenage problem as more than a third of acne sufferers turns out to be older than 25. Just over three quarters of the respondents (77%) have suffered from acne for more than three years, causing them long-term grief. And a quarter of acne suffers are convinced they will never be acne free during their lifetime.

Eight out of ten of the acne sufferers say that their acne has a negative effect on their daily lives, while 58% state it sometimes or often lowers their confidence levels and a further 38% reveal their confidence levels are always lowered because of their acne.

Almost two thirds of surveyed people (62%) admit they have declined offers to go out because of their acne and 68% feel their acne has affected their chances of getting a boyfriend or girlfriend. Furthermore, acne has been the cause of bullying for 37% of respondents.

Jules Birch, Founder and CEO of Works with Water Nutraceuticals, who commissioned the research says: “These survey results prove that acne is more than just a skin condition and causes emotional and psychological side effects, including low confidence levels and feeling depressed. It appears 58% of acne sufferers surveyed have tried prescription drugs to treat their acne, but often these products didn’t cure the problem. Acne is difficult to treat, but with the right health supplements and skincare regime, we know great results can be achieved!”

Continue reading »]]> From BC to 2010, chemical peels have come a long way. Cleopatra used food acids during her reign spanning 51-30BC while the 1900’s European and American women underwent non-medical peels in salons using ‘secret formulae’. The 1950’s saw the arrival of the phenol peel, a fierce deep peel that could remove years of wrinkles but also gave peeling its currently misrepresented reputation of complications; pigmentation, de-pigmentation, scarring and even abnormal heart rhythms due to absorption of the chemicals.

Chemical peels have been used for centuries to remove the outer layers of the skin which helps erase sunspots, rough scaly patches, irregular pigmentation, and reduce freckles and fine wrinkles. But if you are a peel virgin, then ‘peel’ does nothing to reassure you that in order to achieve great results, you won’t have to go through the pain and shame that Ab Fab’s Patsy (aka: Joanna Lumley) endured after attempting to remove years of smoking and wild living with a chemical peel!

Now there is no need to worry with the new age peels such as Innerpeel® available from the skin specialist, sk:n clinics. The clinics nationwide offer a range of peels to suit the individual. After a consultation with a medically qualified skin expert, you can be sure sk:n will help define a peel solution tailor-made just for you.

People that have superficial scars, radiation keratosis, acne, acne scarring, plantar warts, or sebaceous hyperplasia may well benefit from a peel. Innerpeel® SA is suitable as an acne treatment and delivers exfoliating salicylic acid to the skin plus two key active ingredients: ethylinoleate and ethylcitrate, which, in clinical studies, have been shown to reduce oil production by 58% within three weeks by reducing the activity of the hormone which produces sebum. sk:n clinics currently offer a single treatment for £480 and £1,595 for four treatments.

In addition, Innerpeel® Modified Jessner’s is the deepest peel in the range, which must be supervised by a doctor. This is an excellent stand alone acne treatment that also works well as an anti-ageing exfoliator, containing lactic, salicyclic and pyruvic acids plus the anti-ageing ingredient resorsinal. Price: £480 for one treatment and £835 for two.

To find the right skin peel solution for your skin, visit www.sknclinics.co.uk for more information.

Continue reading »]]> An increasing number of people, particularly women, regard their skin as sensitive to some extent, but what is meant by ‘sensitive’?

According to Nina Goad of the British Skin Foundation: “The term ‘sensitive skin’ covers a vast range of skin issues, from mild redness to persistent stinging.”

A recent study of 400 women conducted by dermatologists in France found that 70% of women with sensitive skin on their faces also suffered symptoms on their bodies.

The same study found that the most common triggers reported by women with sensitive skin include the weather, stress, soaps, cosmetics, sun exposure and pollution.

For most people, sensitive skin is actually a reaction to something that the skin is in contact with. The reaction can be one of two types – irritant or allergic.

Nina explains: “Irritant reactions (the most likely) occur when a substance damages your skin’s natural protective barrier by stripping away its natural oils, allowing the irritants to penetrate into the skin”

So, what can you do to protect your skin from these irritants?

GIVE YOUR SKIN THE GENTLEST POSSIBLE CARE

One product that could help is Sanex Dermo Hypo Allergenic which is soap free, colourant free and perfume neutral, to reduce the risk of irritation whilst gently cleansing and caring for delicate skin. It stimulates your skin’s own protective barrier alleviating dryness to leave your skin feeling naturally protected, healthy and free from irritation.

Sanex Dermo Hypo Allergenic needn’t be just for sensitive skins. Even if you don’t have sensitive skin it still deserves the gentlest possible care.

Try following the above tips and see if your skin improves. If your reactions persist, your doctor may refer you to a dermatologist, who can perform patch tests that will show you which ingredients are suitable for your skin and which are best avoided.

NINA GOAD’S SIX STEPS TO CARE FOR SENSITIVE SKIN:

1. Avoid products containing alcohol, which can be harsh on sensitive skin. You could also try opting for products that don’t contain fragrances, preservatives or colourants as these are the cause of reactions for some people
2. Traditional soaps can disturb skin’s natural pH balance so look for products that are pH balanced or pH neutral
3. Swap regular washing products for a pH-balanced, soap-free one labelled ‘hypoallergenic’. ‘Hypoallergenic’ can mean it has a reduced potential to cause allergic reactions
4. Hot water may irritate your skin, as could rubbing with a towel, so use only warm water and pat dry
5. Exfoliation should always be gentle so do not vigorously scrub your skin if it is sensitive. Over-exfoliating can damage your skin’s protective barrier function, making it more prone to irritants and exposing new skin to the elements
6. After washing, apply a very plain moisturiser to help to protect the barrier function of your skin

Continue reading »]]> OXY Emergency Zit Blitz Gel doesn’t just work fast to reduce the size of those embarrassing spots – it also reduces redness and cools and soothes inflamed skin.

That’s the verdict of more than 45 young male spot sufferers.

The group, aged 12-24 were asked to blind test the gel for a week, applying it to their spots morning and night – and they were so impressed that they were clamouring to know what it was and where they could buy it!

OXY brand manager Jill Stuart said: “Spots are not something that boys and young men in the 12-24 age group discuss among themselves, but this test proves that if something really works it will get them talking.

“OXY Emergency Zit Blitz Gel is dermatologically tested and paraben-free. It is designed to start to reduce the size and redness of spots in just four hours and the shine-free, cooling gel can be applied through the day.

“We were delighted, not just with the results that our testing panel reported, but also the comments they made. They really were enthusiastic about the gel, which, like the whole OXY range, is specially formulated for the needs of thicker, oilier male skin. More than 80% told us it was effective or very effective in tackling their spots, with the same number saying they felt it was suitable for sensitive skin.”

Skin-friendly and shine free

The research, carried out by Ayton Moon asked the triallists to rate the performance of the gel and all the respondents found it convenient or very convenient to use, with 87% saying they would use it again.

Nearly 90% found it friendly to skin and almost 70% liked the fact that it left skin shine-free.

Overall, 17.4% saw an improvement in their spots in just four hours and 26.1% within eight hours, while almost 90% said their spots had improved within 48 hours.

When it came to reducing the redness of spots, more than 15% noticed a difference in just two hours, with almost one-third saying redness was reduced in four hours. The size of spots was also reduced with more than three-quarters of the respondents reporting that spots were smaller within 24 hours and 11% within four hours.

More than 70% said OXY Emergency Zit Blitz Gel was effective or very effective at cooling and soothing the inflamed areas.

‘The best I’ve tried’
Triallists were also asked to comment on the product and among the responses were:

“This was probably the best spot treatment gel I have tried. I have very bad spots on my face and the next morning I could notice a big difference… I only wish I knew the brand so I could buy it.”

“Great product.”

“Great product. What was it? I want some more.”

“Really liked it – would buy it if I knew what it was.”

“I thought this product was really good. I would like to know what it is so I can buy it in the future. It’s better than the one I have been using.”

“…It was nice that it didn’t dry skin and make it feel tight.”

“The tube was a good size to carry around.”

“Good packaging and easy to use, tackles problem skin fast and without any problems or stinging.”

Jill Stuart said: “How often can you get a teenage boy to utter more than a couple of words? Yet they were keen to write whole sentences about this product. But of course they won’t be going out and buying it themselves, so mums had better make sure they add it to their shopping list. You never know, their boys might even thank them!”

OXY Emergency Zit Blitz Gel is part of the new OXY range* of spot prevention and treatment products from The Mentholatum Company.

New OXY

The new OXY range comprises:

Daily products:

• OXY Daily Face Wash – a refreshing oil-free wash with fine particles to remove dead skin, oil, dirt and spot-causing bacteria

• OXY Maximum Face Scrub – an intensive cleaning and exfoliating scrub with two sizes of exfoliating beads, plus salicylic acid

• OXY Anti-Spot Balm – for use after cleansing to moisturise, control oil and help prevent spots and blackheads

• OXY Daily Face Wipes – for those lazy boys who don’t want to wash in the bathroom, these exfoliating wipes embossed with polyethylene dots remove dead skin cells, dirt and grease and reduce redness

Emergency products:

• OXY Emergency Zit Blitz Pads –Targeted action for problem areas to help clean away dirt, reduce redness and excess oil and kill spot causing bacteria

• OXY Emergency Zit Blitz Gel – shine-free and cooling gel which can be applied through the day and is designed to reduce the size and redness of spots in just four hours

Existing OXY medicines:

• OXY On The Spot – with 2.5% Benzoyl peroxide for mild to moderate spots and pimples

• OXY 10 – maximum strength spot treatment with 10% Benzoyl peroxide, this is a P medicine

OXY 10 and OXY OTS contain Benzoyl peroxide. Always read the label.

*OXY Daily Face Wash, Face Wipes, Maximum Scrub, Anti Spot Balm, Emergency Zit Blitz Gel & Emergency Zit Blitz Pads

Continue reading »]]> Are you one of millions of boys who suffer with spots that cause you no end of embarrassment and distress?  Do your have greasy looking skin that is peppered with blackheads? In the UK alone there are 3.6 million* boys aged between 11-24 who suffer with spots or acne.

Oxy Male Skin Care Range

OXY has launched a totally new advanced skincare range that is just for boys; helping to combat problems associated with adolescent skin.  This is a UK first, a medicated range specially engineered for male skin, providing the total solution for skin prone to spots, blackheads and excess oil.

The New OXY range tackles the root causes of spots: blocked follicles; excess oil and spot causing bacteria which then result in red bumps. The range includes the breakthrough ingredient Phycosaccharide, which is an anti-bacterial ingredient, it also helps to regulate oil glands to keep pores clean and reduce redness.

The new products are Paraben free, designed for sensitive skin and are dermatologically tested.  The textures and ingredients means that the boys can feel the effect of the products often within minutes and the fresh clean, fragrance leaves them smelling great too.  As boys are simple creatures, OXY is easy to use and looks great on the bathroom shelf, reassuring mums that they have made the right choice!

The range was developed in association with expert dermatologists in the UK   – to ensure this new generation of skin care products are just right for young male skin. OXY has a full range of products from daily skincare products through to medicine treatments for stubborn spots.

The new collection contains:

OXY Daily Face wash £4.49

An effective daily product that works by removing dead skin, dirt, oil and grease that has been proven to be effective at tackling spots and blackheads within 48 hours (User Trial)**.  This is an advanced formulation with marine plant extract that helps to keep skin trouble-free.

OXY Anti-Spot Balm £5.99

If he wants to prevent spots and blackheads from recurring then this is the product to use!  Proven in consumer tests to be effective in preventing spots, blackheads & controlling oily skin (User Trial)** OXY Anti-Spot Balm improves the condition and feel of male skin.

OXY Daily Face Wipes £3.99

Do you have a son who hates to cleanse his face?  You are not alone!  OXY Daily Face Wipes are exfoliating cleansing wipes that remove dead

skin, dirt and grease – reducing the redness associated with spots.  A great invention for boys who are too lazy to wash their faces!

OXY Maximum Face Scrub £4.49

Do your spotty boys complain that their skin never feels clean?  The two sizes of exfoliating beads in OXY Maximum Face Scrub work by removing the top layer of dead skin (to clear the congested area, resulting in an intense clean & improved appearance of the skin).

New OXY Emergency Products:

OXY Emergency Zit Blitz Pads £4.49

If he wants to improve spot appearance and target problem areas fast,

these pre-soaked cleansing pads help improve spots within 24 hours (User Trial)** by removing excess oil from the affected area.

OXY Emergency Zit Blitz Gel £4.49

Is your son going out on a date and needs a quick fix solution? OXY Emergency Bliz Gel is a ‘must have’ product for boys eager to blast those angry looking zits fast!  This fast acting gel starts to reduce the size and redness of spots in just four hours making it a perfect solution before a night out on the town

New OXY Medicines

Many teenagers are frustrated that they cannot purchase an ‘off the shelf’ product to work on their stubborn spots or acne.

OXY on the Spot and OXY 10 both contain Benzoyl Peroxide, an anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory ingredient which is highly effective against stubborn spots and acne

Both should be used daily after cleansing skin.  OXY On the Spot RRP £4.99 is for mild to moderate spots and pimples and OXY 10 RRP: £4.99 is a pharmacy only medicine that treats the more stubborn spots and acne.

OXY 10 and OXY OTS contain Benzoyl Peroxide.  Always read the label.