Expert Skin Care

Some old views on skin care or beauty products have resulted in inaccurate information in the media, with beauticians or mostly various cosmetics companies which bombard us on a daily basis with advertisements and concealed PR articles, even research which mostly favor the products. We bring you a list of the biggest misconceptions.


Believing that your skin will be the same as our mother`s is somewhat true. Genetics really determine the type of skin we will have, but other factors and our habits have great influence as well. Exposure to the Sun, alcohol intake, smoking, stress, poor diet and lack of sleep significantly affect our skin appearance. According to most medical experts, free radicals mostly cause diseases and aging. Not only do they cause wrinkles to appear, but acne as well, excessive sensitivity of the skin, stains the elderly have and loss of elasticity.

Less sleep, bigger circles under the eyes

Experts say that dark circles under the eyes are a result of the concentration of veins under the eyes, and this area is covered just by a thin layer of skin. Therefore, credits exclusively go to genetics and do not depend on how much you sleep. Even some studies have shown that if you often stay up late, this can cause liquid to build up in bags under your eyes, while the dark circles are slightly swollen.

Always the same skin care products

It is a great challenge to find a suiting cream, especially today when there is a wide range of various beauty products on the market. Even if we manage to find a cream for our skin type, it is necessary to change it with time. Our skin changes just like we do. As technology keeps advancing, perhaps a new product is more efficient. However, we will never discover this if we do not experiment. We will probably make mistakes, but in the long run, the search will surely pay off.

Melanoma

Exposure to the sun is often blamed for malignant melanoma, though it is wrong. A study conducted by the US Navy has found more melanoma in people who spend most time indoors. Least cases were recorded with people who work both indoors and outdoors, Therefore, excessive or insufficient Sun exposure is harmful, but moderate exposure is healthy.

The skin breathes

We often say our skin can finally breathe when we remove layers of powder or cream from it. However, the truth is that oxygen and nutrients come to skin cells through blood, not from the air. Still, the skin eliminates toxins, sweat and oil and absorbs moisture from the air through the outer layer, thus, a thick cream or powder coat can disable normal skin function.

Rejuvenating products

Although any woman would want this, unfortunately, there are no products which can truly make the skin youthful. During the natural aging process, our skin becomes loose and looses fat which is under the surface. The consequence of this process are wrinkles and other visible signs of aging. Even the most expensive creams which are advertised as youth elixirs cannot stop this process. However, some products can temporarily tighten it, make it firmer and moisturised, leaving the skin to look younger.

Acne are a result of poor diet

For a long time, it was believed that eliminating treats like chocolate or fast food would prevent the appearance of acne, but recent studies have shown that there is no link between the two. The main cause of acne is hormones. Acne are caused with excessive production of sebum, which causes the pores to clog up. It is regulated by hormones, not to food we eat. This does not mean that it is best to reduce such a diet for the wellbeing of the entire organism.

Expensive products are better

Expensive creams do not assume greater efficiency than cheaper creams. Established cosmetics companies can increase this perception by emphasising luxurious ingredients of their creams, for example, gold particles or caviar. This does not necessarily guarantee they are more effective.

Therefore, remember, the price is not important for quality, this is all just an issue of prestige and good advertising.

Hydratation slows down the appearance of wrinkles

Unfortunately, hydrating your face only acts on the surface, but there is no evidence that skin hydration affects wrinkles, because they are created deep down. Wrinkles are caused by many factors, which increase with aging. Anyway, faces always look more nourished and healthier after creams.

Hair grows faster after shaving

Hair grown approximately a centimetre per month, regardless of the fact if you shave it or pluck it, and shaving your hairs will not make them thicker, just sharper due to the blade. However, it is true that hairs become thinner and softer after plucking, because their follicles are destroyed in time. Although it is a bit painful, it is worth it in the long run. To each their own.

Amount of water helps to hydrate the skin

Although many women drink too much water to provide additional moisture, this is not connected at all. The skin is hydrated thanks to natural oils which are in its upper layers, not liquid intake. Even though liquid helps better vital organ functions. Instead of intaking vast amounts of liquid, rather spray your face or body with some water in a dispenser.

Week after week, Dr. Robert Rey, better known as “Dr. 90210,” hits the floor of the surgery room to nip, tuck, lift and enhance women and men looking to beat the clock. Well, today he's left the knife at home and is sharing seven household beauty secrets that will enhance your looks and help you preserve your youth.

1. Stop the caffeine
   This is a tough one. But according to Dr. Rey, caffeine gives us cellulite and prevents our bodies from absorbing vitamins. "Fifty-two percent of all Americans are addicted to caffeine. Caffeine is like cocaine in the 1920s. Reverse the trend. We don't need crutches." But he offers a suggestion (and it's a fun one): Eat dark chocolate, as close to 100 percent cacao as you can, to help control the urges.
   
2. If it doesn't move, don't eat it
   Forget ice cream, bread and pasta and concentrate on food that once moved on land and water or swayed from a tree: turkey, chicken, fish, apples, corn and other fruits and vegetables.
   
3. Exfoliate with honey
   Put honey (a natural humidifier) and brown sugar into a bowl, microwave it for five seconds and leave it on your face for 10 minutes. It's a clay mask that tightens your face.
   
4. Sleep on two or three pillows
   Dr. Rey says believe it or not, this will make dark circles go away: “If you sleep flat, the vessels in your face will pop.” Rest your shoulders on the pillow as well, so you won't strain the neck.
   
5. Put cucumbers on your eyes and cheeks
   This is an oldie, but these bad boys work as a natural astringent and will penetrate the tissue and break up the pigment to prevent puffiness and get rid of darkness.
   
6. Keep two spoons in the fridge
   This is a quick fix if you have an important meeting and need to get rid of the giant bags under your eyes: Put the refrigerated spoons on your eyes for 10 minutes. Wet tea bags, although slightly more gross, will do the same trick.
   
7. Sleep on your back, not your face
   The pressure will wrinkle your face and your breasts.

1. Tissue: Never know when you’ll need to wipe something away quickly before it dries.
2. Lip Brush: Applying lipstick with a brush is a retro technique that’s gotten lost over time. I say we bring it back.
3. Foundation Brush: For those who want sheer coverage. Plus, it’s like beauty paint-by-numbers. Isn’t that fun?
4. Powder Brush: For those who like to set their look with translucent powder. Also good for brushing away loose eyeshadow that’s fallen onto your cheeks.
5. Eyeshadow Brushes: Three you must have—small (for corners), medium (for the actual lid), and large (for brow bone).
6. Angled Brush: For applying eyeliner with the precision of a seasoned expert, or for adding a flawless tail to shorter brows.
7. Blush Brush: Demurely dot on a little color onto the apples of your cheeks, or go ALL out an apply from temple to nose.
8. Double-Sided Mirror: One side should be a normal view, and the other should magnify—so you can see those larger than life pores!
9. Angled Tweezers: For picking up false lashes and getting rid of errant brows hairs.
10. Eyelash Curler: Nothing opens up your face like big, bright eyes.Curl those lashes up!
11. Small Scissors: For trimming long brows and false lashes.
12. Sponges: For those who want full coverage with liquid foundation. Blemishes and pock marks don’t stand a chance.

13. Cotton Pads: For blotting away excess foundation, or blotting on moisturizer.
14. Hair Clamps: You don’t want your bangs falling in your face while you’re primping, do you?
15. Petroleum Jelly: This multi-tasking product does it all—slicks back flyaway eyebrows, doubles as mascara (which is great for contact wearers)
16. Makeup Remover: Removes stubborn smoky eye makeup, waterproof mascara, and everything else left behind after you’ve washed your face.
17. Baby Wipes: Great for psuedo-washing your face when you’re dead damn drunk. Hey, it gets the important stuff off in one swipe.
18. Moisturizer: Skin should be hydrated and supple for your makeup to look its best.
19. Q-tips: For getting into tight spaces—aka perfecting your cat eye liner.
20. Facial Spray: Perfect for setting foundation, or simply cooling skin after stepping out of a steaming shower.

English model Kelly Brook, who has been known to be a favourite with the British public, has in an interview revealed the secrets of her beauty.

Brook, who launched her own fragrance called Vivacious this week, revealed what her fragrance is all about, and how it reflects her personality.

It’’s fun, sexy, demure and sophisticated. I like to think I can be those things when I wear it, the Sun quoted her as saying.

She also revealed that her secret to instant glamour was red lipstick, nails and a dress, and that her style icon is Sophia Loren.

Brook also revealed that her favourite nail polish was Fishnet stockings by Essie or Malaga Wine by OPI, when asked, and that she maintains her luscious locks by using vegetable treatments at Daniel Galvin.

Regarding her weight she stated that she has never ever checked to see how much she weighs.

On the beauty products that she uses, she revealed that Soap And Glory scrubs are great and that on a date she always wears Chanel lipgloss.

With the accessories to make her beautiful, Brook revealed that the one thing that makes her feel sexy is her boyfriend.

Brooks ”Vivacious”, 100ml, for 24.95 pounds is available now at Boots, New Look and larger independent pharmacies.

Leonardo Dicaprio is busy promoting his movie Body of Lies in the UK.

The Ridley Scott film has already shown here, but during press interviews in England he shared his beauty secrets.

“Drink formaldehyde everyday,” states Dicaprio.

Later he goes on to admit that his youthful appearance is largely achieved with makeup.

Makeup or not, the film did not live up to expectations in the US.

It made only $23 million on its opening weekend and was beaten by Beverley Hills Chihuahua.

1) Great-looking skin is where everything starts. “Don’t overdo it, though,” says Venoit, who recently appeared on the Rachael Ray show to help transform a viewer from everyday blah to Nicole Richie hot. “Let your skin show through. Apply a little concealer and foundation and, for extra holiday glam, use a large natural bristle powder brush to set with light mineral powder.”

2) “My favourite holiday party looks always involve a bit of glimmer,” says Baker. “Gold or silver on the eyes, a beautiful shimmer on the lips — and don’t forget the body.” Baker likes a dusting of glow powder on arms, back, legs and décolleté. “It’s absolutely sexy.”

3) “Highlight the tops of the cheekbones, the brow bones, the inner corners of the eyes and the bow of your lips,” says Venoit. “Reflect that evening light!”

4) Baker’s smoky eye tip is ultra-quick; keep it in mind when you have to zoom from work to drinks, dinner or the office party. “Use an eyeliner brush to smudge black or navy shadow over your existing liner,” she advises.

5) Give dark smokey eye makeup a twist with an unexpected colour hit. “Line inner rims with an eyeliner shade that pops —- turquoise, teal, violet or green,” suggests Venoit. Or go for coloured shadow and line rims with black.

6) Winged liner is another hot look. Venoit recommends using black liquid liner pen, then adding intensity with a wet angle brush and black eye shadow. “Use short strokes to line across the base of the upper lashes, and exaggerate a bit at the end with a little flick up at the outer corner of your eyes,” he says.

7) Support bold eyes with rosy nude or gold gloss for subtle sexiness on your lips. If you’re rocking gold or silver eye makeup, ramp up the focus on your lips with rich, red gloss or a sophisticated deep red or berry lipstick.

Myth: The thicker the cream,the more moisturizing it is.

Fact: Thick doesn’t equal moisture. The heaviness of a cream is often due to the lipids and emulsifiers in the formula, and sometimes heavyweight creams can leave skin looking dull while trapping dead cells and affecting skin function. Layering fluids and moisturizers is often the best remedy.

Myth: You don’t have to apply sunscreen as obsessively in the winter as you do in the summer.

Fact: Winter, spring, summer or fall: if there is daylight, you’re still
exposed to UV light and free radical damage. And if sunscreen helps prevent the signs of aging, why wouldn’t you want to wear it every day? A minimum of SPF15 is suggested for everyday use, and skin showing the signs of aging should wear an SPF30.

Myth: Skip exfoliation so you don’t dry everything out.

Fact: Quite the opposite! Exfoliation causes a burst in cell renewal, moving newer, moisture-rich cells to the surface. Exfoliation also removes old dead cells and dry skin, providing a smoother, brighter surface while enabling effective penetration of hydrating ingredients into the skin.

Myth: Hot, steamy showers are great for skin.

Fact: No – especially in winter! Hot water causes a stripping effect to delicate barrier lipids in-between the cells; when the lipids are removed, essential moisture below evaporates out. Combine hot showers with irritation caused by winter wardrobe made of synthetic fabrics like nylon and polyester and you’ve got an itchy, irritated skin situation! Warm water is best for skin when used together with a soap-free body wash such as Conditioning Body Wash. Bar soap or high foam-producing, artificially-perfumed shower gels will dry out the skin.

Myth: For dry lips, just apply more lip balm.

Fact: Some lip balms can create more bad than good. Mineral oil (petroleum jelly) creates an artificial film on the lips, and this gives the skin the illusion that it doesn’t need to produce lipids. These ingredients together with artificial flavors, colors, and fragrances can dry out the skin. Use lip healthy alternatives containing Shea Butter, Silicones, Cocoa Seed Butter, Avocado Oil, and Wheat Germ.

Myth: Let your skin hibernate and cut back on treatments.

Fact: Winter is actually the best time to take care of your skin with professional treatments. Skin may need more help, especially dry, sensitive/sensitized, and rosacea prone skins. Professional oatmeal masques are wonderful during the winter season!

As legs, underarms, and bikini aren’t as exposed, this is also a great time to start a hair removal routine.

Avoiding dry skin in the colder months can help you save face year-round. Still, the National Health Interview Survey found that at least 81 million Americans experience dry, itchy or scaly skin when temperatures drop.

Try these tips for protecting skin:

• Total Care--Used daily, a noncomedogenic, hypoallergenic, fragrance-free product such as Theraplex HydroLotion can help keep skin hydrated. The product line is even formulated to address the drying, damaging effects of winter.
  
  
• Total Protection--Theraplex Emollient can help heal and protect skin from intense dryness resulting in dry, cracked hands, feet, lips, elbows and knees. The company's ClearLotion helps to replace essential oils when applied to wet skin.
  
  
• Total Healing--Look for products such as Theraplex FT Exfoliating Emollient, which contains a beta hydroxy acid. It can improve problem areas such as feet and elbows by sloughing off dead skin cells and deeply moisturizing.

Matthew Bruntel has opened Frederick Skin Care, an office specializing in medical dermatology.

The office is located at the Centerpark Professional Center, 604 Solarex Court, Suite 205.

A graduate of Cornell University and Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, he completed training at Heart of Lancaster Medical Center and Wellington Regional Medical Center.

His practice is devoted to adult and adolescent dermatology. He can help patients with problems of the skin, hair and nails. He accepts all local insurance and can usually see new patients within a few days.

The practice is new to the area, but Bruntel has looked forward to moving to Frederick for a long time. As a child, his family came through Frederick every summer to visit family members in the area.

"Ever since I was a kid on those trips I've had it in the back of my mind that Frederick was where I wanted to end up. I'm really excited to be here and be able to help Frederick community with their dermatology needs," he said.

His wife is a nurse at Frederick Memorial Healthcare.

Scottsdale police said they arrested two women Wednesday and recovered about $250,000 in laser skin care equipment that had been stolen from a downtown Scottsdale business earlier in the week.

Police arrested Bonnie Khamis of Mesa and Michelle Pandolfe of Cave Creek and recovered all but a few hundred dollars in petty cash. Khamis was on felony probation for forgery and remained in custody.

Ultimate Skin and Laser Institute, 6900 E. Indian School Road, had been burglarized twice between Monday and Tuesday, according to police.

Liv Tyler has that pale skin and fluctuating body weight which indicates that she's often not considered a typical Hollywood bombshell, yet I regard her as an ethereal beauty. Speaking to the Glamour magazine about her beauty secrets, she gave her top tips for beautiful skin: 

Be disciplined: "I've had a skincare routine from early on. No matter how tired I am, I will always wash my face and moisturise before bed. I love face masks, I do them all the time."

Avoid the sun: "I never sit in direct sunlight and I always put on an SPF50 when I'm on the beach."

Work with your skin tone: "When people try to make me look tanned it can look a bit silly. Pale suits me best."

Keep it fresh: "My favourite look is a bit of glow on cheeks and a see-through lip colour."

Show off your skin: "I like makeup that lets your skin show through. It looks fresher."