WHEN THE SEA AND SCIENCE COLLIDE
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The oceans cover roughly 70 percent of the Earth and with a such a diverse array of plant and animal life, these waters are a veritable treasure trove of ingredients and extracts that can potentially benefit our skin and bodies as a whole. From an overabundance of UV light on the surface to complete darkness at the oceans’ deepest depths and extreme temperatures (both hot and cold), sea life is excellent at adapting to its environment, and science is paying close attention to the compounds that enhance these organisms’ resilience and resistance to harsh conditions. Seaweed, kelp (which is actually a type of large seaweed), algae and plankton are likely just the tip of the skin- and healt
SUPERFOODS FOR YOUR SKIN
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Superfoods are like the “It Bag” of the nutrition world. As soon as one is deemed “in,” it’s no sooner declared “out” and replaced with an even better source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. “What you eat is a very important part of overall health, and superfoods are a wonderful source of antioxidants that protect our cells from damage that impairs their function,” explains Beverly Hills dermatologist, Zein Obagi, MD.
Once a fruit, vegetable or grain achieves “superfood” status, it’s only a matter of time before it gets included in a skincare product—but can these nutrient-dense foods benefit the health and appearance of our skin when applied topically?
WHY YOU SHOULD EXFOLIATE WITH ENZYMES
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When it comes to exfoliation, chemical (i.e. hydroxy acids) and physical (scrubs, cleansing brushes, etc.) methods get most of the attention. But there’s a third option—enzyme-based exfoliation—that has a slew of advantages over its skin-smoothing siblings. According to dermatologist Dr. Jessie Cheung of Willowbrook, Illinois, “Enzymes work by accelerating the chemical reactions necessary to renew the skin. Often derived from papaya, pumpkin or pineapples, they target the keratin protein in the top layer of dead skin cells to reveal fresh, glowing skin.”
Found in just about every type of product, ranging from cleansers and moisturizers to masks and peels, it’s easy to add an e
GO PINK IN OCTOBER FOR BREAST CANCER AWARENESS
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With the increasing use of every day chemicals, GMO-laden foods, and other potentially harmful substances, the average woman has a lot to be aware of. Breast cancer is by no means an easy issue to grapple with, and while treatment, detection, and survival rates improve regularly, it is still an issue that will affect most women sometimes in their life.
The American Cancer Society estimates that 232,340 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women in 2013 (compared to 230,480 in 2011). While studies have shown that the number of breast cancer cases have decreased since 2000, the statistics are nevertheless alarming: breast cancer is still the second leading cause for canc
