I'm not an alarmist and I did careful research research before I even considered writing the above headline. But if your sunscreen or sunblock contains Oxybenzone the answer to the question posed is a resounding yes.
In 2009, The Environmental Working Group, a public nonprofit health and environmental research and advocacy organization based in Washington DC, studied almost 1000 brand name sunscreens Three in five did not adequately protect skin from the sun or contained harmful chemicals Among the most harmful is Oxybenzone. It absorbs ultraviolet light but can also be absorbed through the skin. Oxybenzone is allowed in sunscreens but recent research has linked it to allergies, hormone disruption and cell damage that can lead to skin cancer. The Centers For Disease Control and Prevention that did the study in 2008 showed that 97% of the American it tested were contaminated with Oxybenzone.
So why is it still in use? Unfortunately the Federal Drug and Food Administration which regulates sunscreen safety has not updated mandatory sunscreen standards in more that 30 years.
The news sent me scurrying to my stockpile of sunscreens. Sure enough there it was listed as the fifth ingredient on Coppertone Ultra Guard. Then on a whim I checked my favorite moisturizer, which I've been using regularly for the past three years, Clinique superdefense Spf 25. Oxybenzone was there too, only this time it headed the list. I also found it in Chanel Precision Hydramax active teinte.
I have four small dry red spots on my cheek. I've had them for months and no matter what I try nothing works on them . Now I'm wondering if they could be the result of Oxybenzone. I've made an appointment with my dermatologist
Stay tuned.
Cheers,
Barb
Showing posts with label anti aging. Show all posts
Showing posts with label anti aging. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Sunday, November 02, 2008
Barb's Best Lipstick Buys
There's good news for those of us looking for ways to tighten our economic seatbelt. When it comes to slashing your beauty budget there's no need to look further than your drugstore or mass market retailer.(read Walmart)
In recent years the quality gap between department store brands and those of the mass marketers has narrowed considerably. Where you will find a major difference is in packaging and the the absence of the over eager and pushy beauty consultant. While it's nice to flash a fancy lipstick case or pressed powder compact it's even better to save upwards of $15. As for the beauty consultant, I've already done the leg work.
When I need a quick beauty fix I've long headed for the drug store cosmetic aisle. Those of you who follow my blog know that I've found plenty of bargains there among them two lipsticks that have my Repeat Purchase Seal Of Approval.
Revlon RenewestLipcolor is one . Its Pro-Collagen Moisture Care claims to instantly boost moisture by 80% while reducing the appearance of fine lines. It glides on, stays on longer than most and leaves your lips noticeably moist and smooth with just a hint of gloss. It also contains an SPF 0f 15 and comes in 24 shades. I love Raspberry Rush so much that I've just purchased my third tube. It's only downside is the case which is clear plastic and would never be mistaken for a high end brand. At under $9, just let your gorgeous lips speak for themselves.
Rimmel London also has a winner in their Lasting Finish Intense Wear Lipstick, The colors here, 30 of them, are more intense but they too are soft, smooth and feel good on your lips. They claim the color is locked in for up to 8 hours. I'd say a bit less but it did pass my two hour ballet class litmus test. At under $5 it's a beauty bargain! The color selection is great and the case passable!
Cheers,
Barb
In recent years the quality gap between department store brands and those of the mass marketers has narrowed considerably. Where you will find a major difference is in packaging and the the absence of the over eager and pushy beauty consultant. While it's nice to flash a fancy lipstick case or pressed powder compact it's even better to save upwards of $15. As for the beauty consultant, I've already done the leg work.
When I need a quick beauty fix I've long headed for the drug store cosmetic aisle. Those of you who follow my blog know that I've found plenty of bargains there among them two lipsticks that have my Repeat Purchase Seal Of Approval.
Revlon RenewestLipcolor is one . Its Pro-Collagen Moisture Care claims to instantly boost moisture by 80% while reducing the appearance of fine lines. It glides on, stays on longer than most and leaves your lips noticeably moist and smooth with just a hint of gloss. It also contains an SPF 0f 15 and comes in 24 shades. I love Raspberry Rush so much that I've just purchased my third tube. It's only downside is the case which is clear plastic and would never be mistaken for a high end brand. At under $9, just let your gorgeous lips speak for themselves.
Rimmel London also has a winner in their Lasting Finish Intense Wear Lipstick, The colors here, 30 of them, are more intense but they too are soft, smooth and feel good on your lips. They claim the color is locked in for up to 8 hours. I'd say a bit less but it did pass my two hour ballet class litmus test. At under $5 it's a beauty bargain! The color selection is great and the case passable!
Cheers,
Barb
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
THE BEST PROVEN WRINKLE TREATMENT
I eagerly devour the countless beauty catalogues lugged to the door by my hard working mailman. Their delivery causes me to stop mid task, propelled by my search for that magical skin care treatment that may just be lurking inside those glossy pages . However lately I've been struck by the skyrocketing price of many high end products.
One in particular by LaMer tops out at $650. Who buys these creams and more importantly do they offer proven results? Most often it's a hung jury. The tests they site are usually self reported by a small sample of women. Occasionally you'll find one recommended by a dermotoligist . However a close investigation may uncover the fact that he has some connection to the manufacturer.
However there is one product that you won't find at any cosmetic counter but that is universally endorsed by dermatologists as a wrinkle treatment. It's Renova, a Vitamin A derivative. Think a kinder gentler Retin A. The generic name is Tretinoin Cream
I started using it before my recent face rejuvenation and in one month I saw a distinct improvement in my skin. My cheeks were less wrinkled, though not enough for me to even consider cancelling my appointment. When I told my surgeon, Scott Wells M.D. I was using it he said he would have prescribed it prior to the surgery if I wasn't. It improves skin quality by helping boost collagen production as does the ACTIVE FX Lazer that he would be using as part of my rejuvenation
So from now on I'll be skipping those pages of face treatment products and their dubious promises. Its RENOVA for me as I strive to preserve my new and much improved face. But never fear; I'll still comb those catalogues for products to enhance it
Cheers,
Barb
One in particular by LaMer tops out at $650. Who buys these creams and more importantly do they offer proven results? Most often it's a hung jury. The tests they site are usually self reported by a small sample of women. Occasionally you'll find one recommended by a dermotoligist . However a close investigation may uncover the fact that he has some connection to the manufacturer.
However there is one product that you won't find at any cosmetic counter but that is universally endorsed by dermatologists as a wrinkle treatment. It's Renova, a Vitamin A derivative. Think a kinder gentler Retin A. The generic name is Tretinoin Cream
I started using it before my recent face rejuvenation and in one month I saw a distinct improvement in my skin. My cheeks were less wrinkled, though not enough for me to even consider cancelling my appointment. When I told my surgeon, Scott Wells M.D. I was using it he said he would have prescribed it prior to the surgery if I wasn't. It improves skin quality by helping boost collagen production as does the ACTIVE FX Lazer that he would be using as part of my rejuvenation
So from now on I'll be skipping those pages of face treatment products and their dubious promises. Its RENOVA for me as I strive to preserve my new and much improved face. But never fear; I'll still comb those catalogues for products to enhance it
Cheers,
Barb
Monday, September 10, 2007
Sure Cure for Dry Skin
I know you're skeptical. I was too when I first heard this solution to alleviate dry and scaly skin. My new dermatologist was peering closely at every inch of my body searching for suspicious looking growths. "There's nothing, she said snapping off her gloves," but your skin is very dry." Well that wasn't news. I've been battling that dryness with an arsenal of lotions and creams,from drug store staples like Vaseline Intensive Care to high end products like Jo Malone, for ages. On the advice of my last dermatologist I shortened my time in the shower and I rubbed my body with safflower oil instead of lotion on the advice of another. This was an OK, not too mention extremely economic solution,until I got a whiff of what smelled suspiciously like a fast food restaurant wafting from my closet.
My new dermatologist had yet another solution. "Use oil on your body and then rub on lotion after. Give the oil a few minute to penetrate before you do." Sounded simple enough but I dislike any two step process. Still I detested even more the vertical lines that dryness was etching on my arms.
Off I went in search of body oil. There were whole sections of bath oil but the pickings were slim when it came to body oil. Finally I found one by Neutrogena (light sesame scented oil)
I followed the dermatologist directions waiting a few, albeit impatient, minutes before I applied the lotion. I then felt like a major oil slick and had to put off getting dressed for another five minutes . It was turning in to the kind of beauty fix that I really dislike; both labor and time intensive.
But it was worth it. My limbs were smoother than I'd seen them in years,the vertical lines were no where in sight and even when I awoke the following morning my skin still looked good. So what's an extra five minutes or so. Some things just warrant a little more time.
Cheers,
Barb
I know you're skeptical. I was too when I first heard this solution to alleviate dry and scaly skin. My new dermatologist was peering closely at every inch of my body searching for suspicious looking growths. "There's nothing, she said snapping off her gloves," but your skin is very dry." Well that wasn't news. I've been battling that dryness with an arsenal of lotions and creams,from drug store staples like Vaseline Intensive Care to high end products like Jo Malone, for ages. On the advice of my last dermatologist I shortened my time in the shower and I rubbed my body with safflower oil instead of lotion on the advice of another. This was an OK, not too mention extremely economic solution,until I got a whiff of what smelled suspiciously like a fast food restaurant wafting from my closet.
My new dermatologist had yet another solution. "Use oil on your body and then rub on lotion after. Give the oil a few minute to penetrate before you do." Sounded simple enough but I dislike any two step process. Still I detested even more the vertical lines that dryness was etching on my arms.
Off I went in search of body oil. There were whole sections of bath oil but the pickings were slim when it came to body oil. Finally I found one by Neutrogena (light sesame scented oil)
I followed the dermatologist directions waiting a few, albeit impatient, minutes before I applied the lotion. I then felt like a major oil slick and had to put off getting dressed for another five minutes . It was turning in to the kind of beauty fix that I really dislike; both labor and time intensive.
But it was worth it. My limbs were smoother than I'd seen them in years,the vertical lines were no where in sight and even when I awoke the following morning my skin still looked good. So what's an extra five minutes or so. Some things just warrant a little more time.
Cheers,
Barb
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
Beauty on the Cheap
No I haven't sworn off Sephora or left Saks in the lurch. It's just that I have been enjoying this glorious summer in a place far from any mall or upscale store. The nearest location for me to find my beauty product fix is at Rite Aid. I've come up with some winners and now I've discovered another one, Maybelline's AGE REWIND Double Face Perfector.
This wand like product contains concealer on one end and highlighter on the other. I love the idea of two in one as it lessens the number of products I have to carry in my ballet bag, purse or when traveling.
To tell the truth I've never been a big fan of Maybelline except for their mascaras. I assumed their face products were geared to teens and twenty somethings. Then I caught the Age Rewind label in their concealer ad and reconsidered. I'm glad I did. The product which comes in a good range of shades goes on smoothly; the concealer with a sponge applicator, the highlighter with a brush. Both are virtually invisible when blended well. Don't throw the packaging away. There's a helpful diagram for applying the product on the back. They suggest using the highlighter on under eye circles,something I had avoided doing at the suggestion of one or another makeup consultant, and using the concealer for blemishes or brown spots. I found that a little of both did the best job of camouflaging those circles and that the highlighter alone on the lids was a good substitute for shadow, making AGE REWIND Face Perfector a three in one product for me!
Cheers,
Barb
No I haven't sworn off Sephora or left Saks in the lurch. It's just that I have been enjoying this glorious summer in a place far from any mall or upscale store. The nearest location for me to find my beauty product fix is at Rite Aid. I've come up with some winners and now I've discovered another one, Maybelline's AGE REWIND Double Face Perfector.
This wand like product contains concealer on one end and highlighter on the other. I love the idea of two in one as it lessens the number of products I have to carry in my ballet bag, purse or when traveling.
To tell the truth I've never been a big fan of Maybelline except for their mascaras. I assumed their face products were geared to teens and twenty somethings. Then I caught the Age Rewind label in their concealer ad and reconsidered. I'm glad I did. The product which comes in a good range of shades goes on smoothly; the concealer with a sponge applicator, the highlighter with a brush. Both are virtually invisible when blended well. Don't throw the packaging away. There's a helpful diagram for applying the product on the back. They suggest using the highlighter on under eye circles,something I had avoided doing at the suggestion of one or another makeup consultant, and using the concealer for blemishes or brown spots. I found that a little of both did the best job of camouflaging those circles and that the highlighter alone on the lids was a good substitute for shadow, making AGE REWIND Face Perfector a three in one product for me!
Cheers,
Barb
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