Organic or not organic: this is not the only question

Organic food began as a small movement with farmers rejecting the use of conventional farming practices. They are environmentally and politically correct, they taste better and have more nutrients - they are better for you. The term Organic reached our produce at the supermarket and menu at the restaurant and now we see it in our cosmetics and in the natural material for our clothes.

Whatever the meaning is, the term has a connotation that if it’s organic, it’s good. It might cost a little more, but the results are beyond the fact that you have a great tasting tomato.

Term
Organic in reference of food and agriculture, is a farming system that does not use pesticides, hormones, antibiotics and vaccines among other criteria. Pesticides are chemicals used to control pests, such as insects, weeds, birds, mammals, fungi, etc. They are usually, but not always, poisons.

Organic food is not irradiated, does not contain additives and cannot be genetically modified. It reinforces the integration of a profitable farming while supporting sustainable development harvesting.

Cost
Organic products typically cost more than similar conventionally produced products and might not be affordable to persons on a lower income. Many big companies are changing conventional methods of farming to organic standards and what originally had small farms and smaller scale. Prices may be higher because organic produce involves extra labor and is produced on a smaller scale.

Identifying organic products
The "certified organic" label is usually the only way we know that the product is "organic".
The NOP - National Organic Program (run by the USDA) is responsible for the legal definition of organic in the United States and organic certification.
The USDA Organic Seal is given to products that were grown/manufactured/handled in a manner that adheres to standards set by the NOP standards with at least 95% organic ingredients.

Organic and cosmetics
In October 21, 2003 organic standards in the US were only for Agriculture/Food Organics.

In August 2005 NOP's memo - to “clarify NOP’s position” on products that meet NOP's program standards for organic products based on content, independent of the end use of the product. The label was than extended to all “consumable” products that contain certified ingredients and wish to make the organic label claim. Private and voluntary International associations provide such certification for organic cosmetics, each with its own standards and certifications.

US Organic cosmetics content percentages and labeling requirements
Case 1: 100% certified Organic ingredients - can use the USDA seal. Important, water cannot be counted as an organic ingredient but if present, it has to be declared.
Case 2: 95% certified Organic + 5% allowed non organic ingredients - can use the USDA seal
Case 3: 70% certified Organic + 30% allowed non organic ingredients – cannot use the USDA seal

Keep in the perspective
There are many reasons why we should use organic products – it’s not only good for you but it’s great for the environment.

Be good and be healthy.

Vanessa

Cellulite - Part IV - Final

The skin is an ever-changing organ that contains live structures and it need constant maintainance. Whatever you do today to improve the skin has to be done tomorrow to keep its health.

Cellulite possible causes

• Gender & Genetics
• Life style

Gender and Genetics
Estrogen and other female hormones play an important role in the deposit and distribution of the body fat.

We also know that cellulite happens almost exclusively in women, appointing female hormones as a very important factor in its development.

More factors
If your mother has cellulite, you most probably will have it. Also, women with big hips tend to have more tendencies to develop cellulite.

Still related to the hereditary factor, body fluids circulation plays a very important role – the importance of circulation is related to the cell nutrition and elimination of toxins. Women with varicose veins and spider veins tend to have poor circulation, thus more tendencies to cellulite.

Life style Stress, alcoholic beverages in excess, tobacco, processed food, excessive fat, sugar and salt consumption are closely related to the development of circulatory problems and cellulite.

Prevention and Treatment
Good habits go a long way to prevent or minimize cellulite and many other conditions.

Avoid the use of tight clothes and high heeled shoes to aid in keeping a good circulation.
Chill out: Minimize excessive stress by balancing life and work.
Good night sleep: Another good way to keep stress level down is to create a good environment prior going to sleep – by avoiding stimulants, such as caffeine intake at night.

Excesses: If you cannot stop completely, at least avoid excesses of alcoholic beverages, tobacco, processed food, excessive fat, sugar and salt consumption.

Work out: exercises that include muscle building and aerobic activities tend to have a positive result in the unaesthetic appearance of cellulite ‘orange peel’.

Massage: localized to promote fluid circulation in the affected areas to increase the elimination of toxins. One of the most popular massage for this purpose is the Lymphatic drainage, which will promote better circulation of the fluids in the lymphatic vessels.

Products: include active ingredients that act on the micro circulation and fatty cells. They are more effective if applied with massage for better absorption and improved local circulation.

Pharmacological agents:
1. Aminophylline, theophylline and caffeine belong to a chemical group known as methylxanthines. This group of substances can help the lypolysis (fat breakdown) – therefore they are present in many anti-cellulite products.
2. Pentoxifylline, which improves micro-circulation
3. Isoproterenol and adrenaline; yohimbine, piperoxan, phentolamine and dihydrohergotamine
4. Coenzyme A and L-carnitine (methylxantine enhancers)
5. Asiaticoside (present in the Asiatic centella) and Sillicium derivatives (micro vessels protection) 6. Rutin (present in the Indian chestnut) and Ginkgo biloba (action on micro circulation)

The challenge with any topical active ingredient is to have enough absorption in the site of action - in this case, the subcutaneous tissue.

Special products that target cellulite can be used topically, systemically, or transdermally. The appearance of ‘orange peel’ will most likely return when the treatment is ceased.

Chill out and combine methods for an overall response and a healthier life. Results can be seen in the very first Month and lasting results depend on frequency and discipline.

Be good and be healthy!

Vanessa

Cellulite - Part III

Anatomy of the Skin
The skin is the largest organ in the body. It is an ever-changing and complex organ that contains many specialized cells and structures each with a well determined function.

The main function of the skin is protection from the environment, and is also involved in maintaining the proper temperature for the body.

The skin is composed by 3 layers: epidermis, dermis and the subcutaneous tissue, this last being the main focus on the discussion about cellulite.

Epidermis
Epidermis is the outermost layer of skin.

Dermis
Dermis is the next layer under the epidermis, which contains many specialized cells and structures, such as hair follicles, sebaceous (oil) glands, eccrine (sweat) glands, blood vessels, connective tissue, and nerves receptors and specialized nerve cells, responsible to transmit sensations, such as pain, temperature, touch, pressure.

The connective tissue provides the framework and insulation of the dermis layer. It offers a necessary insulation and stability between the various structures, permitting their proficient function.

It is composed primarily of collagen providing the tensile strength, ground substance, and elastic tissue, which as the name suggests, gives the skin its elasticity.

Subcutaneous tissue
The next layer of tissue is the subcutaneous tissue. This is a layer of fat and connective tissue that contains larger blood vessels and nerves.

This layer is important for the regulation of temperature of the skin and the body. The size of this layer varies throughout the body part, based on gender and genetics of each person.

The subcutaneous tissue contains “fat-cell chambers” separated by connective tissue. From these fat-cell chambers, small projections of fat cells reach the dermis. This unevenness and irregularity of the subcutaneous fat gives the skin the "orange peel" appearance of cellulite.

In the next postings we will be discussing about the possible causes of cellulite and treatments.

Meanwhile, be healthy and be good!

Vanessa

Cellulite - Part II

The cause of cellulite is more complex than saying that the orange peel skin is caused by an extra fat underneath the skin.

Cellulite is a unique and distinctive layer of subcutaneous body fat related to the fluid circulation between cells and vessels.

It is particularly common to females due to various factors, including hormones, family history, and age. Typically, women that have less body fat seem to have less cellulite.

Turning orange into peach peel

Incorporating a diet with less calories and salt, associated with aerobic exercise and sessions of lymphatic drainage and massage with products specific for cellulite tend to bring positive results.

Lasting results depend on discipline and keeping good habits.

Be healthy and be good.

Vanessa

Cellulite - Part I

It can happen to you specially if you are a woman, after puberty, and not necessarily overweight.

Cellulite is a skin alteration often described as an unaesthetic appearance of ‘orange peel’ that occurs mostly in women, after puberty, and can show on the thighs, buttocks, lower abdomen, and in other unexpected places.

In this and the next posting we will be discussing about cellulite – its cause, what we can do to minimize its visibility, and answer a list of Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ.

The lesson we will learn is that treatments to minimize cellulite will eventually take you to a healthier life.

See ya,

Vanessa

Bath - a Healing Experience

Bathing is a popular activity enjoyed by people around the world. Various types of baths provide many benefits, such as relaxation, healing, purification of the body and soul.

History shows that the art of bathing is a science practiced by the Romans, the Greeks, the Egyptians and other ancient civilizations. Its indications went beyond the cleansing activity and it was also used for therapeutic purposes.

The Roman Bath was the most popular social activity for the ancient Romans. As an example, the essential oil of lavender (from the Latim word “lavare”, to wash), was used by the Romans that time. Lavender is known for its many uses as a therapeutic product, indicated for insomnia, relaxation, depression, as a pain killer, among other uses. Other ingredients, such as rose, ginger, olive oil, lemon were used and because of their properties, they remain popular even today.

Plan a weekend to go to a spa or bring the pampering and soothing feeling of a bath at home by adding some ingredients to the bath water. The market offers a number of options so you can have your own traditional bath. Bath salts, fizzy or not, with essential oils, bubble bath, among others. Twenty minutes should be the time you allocate for home baths and the water temperature should not be too hot.

You can fancy it up by arranging some candles and soft music, throwing some rose petals and use a nice body scrub with essential oils to exfoliate your skin and to make it glow.

Enjoy!

Vanessa

Sustainable Development and Beauty

The rain forest produces a wealth of renewable and sustainable resources, such as unique medicinal plants, nuts, fruits, oils, natural fibers, rubber, chocolate, among others. The Healing Power of Rain forest plants are for long used by the native Indians - scientists and researchers have just begun to uncover the medicinal properties of the rain forest flora.

Industries try to understand the productive process, such as researching, and studying new natural ingredients from the flora of the rain forest that may be explored in a sustainable manner, generating unique material. Inside this cycle, together with the conservation of the environment, the fauna rises as an important factor, promoting the dissemination and the productivity of most flora species – it’s a “win-win” situation.

Above all, the biodiversity has its intrinsic function of stability of the ecosystems, also owning the ecological, social, cultural, economical, and scientific values.

Supporting Sustainable Development Programs
Industries, including cosmetics have the opportunity to identify farms, which have a potential sustainable supply of the desired raw material as the first step to support such programs. Sustainable use of the biodiversity programs educate local producers, establishing a sustainable extraction. The result is the socio-economic inclusion of many families, supporting projects for the conservation of the local biodiversity, and the exercise of citizenship.

Time for Hope
We acknowledge the destruction that still happens in rain forests around the planet – our hope is in effectively providing environmentally safe and economically viable alternatives to the destructive activity.

Sustainable harvesting of rain forest plants is environmentally sound and makes more economic sense. It provides real and viable alternative methods to utilize their resources in sustainable programs, which will enable them to protect their resources for future generations.

Finally, supporting sustainable development programs... it's a beautiful thing.

Vanessa

Hair - Part II

Hair Loss and Health
Hair loss can start at any time and can happen to anyone. It is normal to shed some hair each day as part of the normal cycle of hair growth. However, some people may experience excessive (more than normal) hair loss. Besides the fact that it represents a cosmetic issue, it might also be a health issue, since increased hair loss can be related to an illness.

Logistics – Numbers for Normal Cycle of hair growth
2 to 6: number of years for normal cycle of hair growth
1: number of centimeters each hair grows per month during the hair growth cycle
90: percentage of the hair growing at any one time on the scalp
10: percentage of hair that it is a resting phase at any one time
2 to 3: number of months after the resting phase that the hair falls out
0: starting point after the hair falls out and a new hair starts to grow in its place

Hair loss - Possible causes
Male standard alopecia: is the most common cause of hair loss affecting men after the puberty, since androgen hormones concentration is higher. Although alopecia is more common in men, it can also affect women and children.

Possible causes are as follows: genetics, aging, burns, lesions, poor diet, radiotherapy, conditions involving high fever, some infections, systemic illnesses, such as Lupus and Diabetes, use of some medications, such as Cancer medications, Vitamin A and derivatives, etc.

More causes - improper hair care
Hair style / improper hair care: tight hair rollers, waves - the pull on hair can cause hair loss. If the pulling is stopped before scarring of the scalp develops, the hair will grow back normally.

Chemical burns: perms and straightening may cause chemical burn and inflammation of the hair follicle, which can result in hair loss and even scarring of the scalp.

Hair loss can start at any time and happen to anyone. Talk to a professional and inform your family history, if you are taking medications, including vitamins, if you have any thyroid problems, and your daily diet. For women, also inform your menstrual cycle, use of birth control pills and if you are pregnant. The Doctor will probably take a biopsy and request a blood test to determine possible causes.

Treatments - reality check
There are many treatments available, depending on the cause of the hair loss. The success of the treatment will depend on the diagnosis in an early stage and in many cases, how consistent you use the medication. If it works, it might take about six months to see results. Depending on the cause, there is no cure and the hair loss will happen once you discontinue the treatment.

Treatment - options
1. Hair transplant - suitable for men or women, where the hair follicles are transferred from one part of the body to another
2. Oral medication, such as Finasteride, the generic name for the brand name Propecia – prescription only
3. Minoxidil (topical use) – in few cases Minoxidil shows to be effective to promote hair growth
4. Topical treatment (lotion or shampoo), such as capsaicin, peppermint, Jaborandi inducing hair growth by causing a local and small irritation
5. anti fungal medicines to treat the fungal infection that is causing the hair loss
6. Other treatments involve the use of corticosteroids, for hair loss related to the immune system.

Another cosmetic option is to try different hairstyles, use hairpieces, wigs or even make-up to cover-up the lack of hair in the area.

Check what is suitable for your condition and seek treatment as soon as possible, at least to clear the health issue. Finally, remember that what is inside is more important than what is outside.

Vanessa

Hair - Part I

Oily hair

Oily hair has a damaging effect on a good appearance rule: it looks dull, flat and it also smells. Without engaging in too many details, we can address the problem and possible solutions.



Facts
-Oil or sebum is produced by a couple of glands, the sebaceous glands, located at the base of each hair.
-More hair, more glands, and more oil production.
-The oil production is genetic - if you mother or father has oily hair, you most probably will have it.
-Heat and humidity make you sweat and carry the oil along the hair more easily. With that in mind, it’s easy to understand how hair seems to be oilier in the summer.
-Hormones can affect the oil production by activating the sebaceous glands. Anything that affect hormones levels may also affect the production of oil, such as stress, use of birth control pills, and pregnancy.
-Touching and brushing the hair will carry the oil along the hair length, from the scalp to the ends.
-The texture of the hair also helps to show the oil – the finer the hair, the easier to have the oil distributed to the hair’s extension, and the appearance of oily hair is more visible.

Final thoughts
The sebaceous glands produce oil all the time; if you want to get rid of the oil, shampoo/wash your hair.

Choosing a Shampoo
The simpler the better – clear shampoos just clean the hair and tend to have less ingredients that will build-up. Also, specialists advice to change the brand of the shampoo periodically to avoid build-up.

Shampooing Tips
-Mix a little water with the shampoo on your hands to facilitate the shampooing
-Apply on hair and scalp for few minutes
-Repeat the process washing the hair 2-3 times and rinse it all off, prior applying the conditioner. The use of a hair conditioner is optional, since the oil would act preventing the hair static. Suggestion: try to apply the conditioner only on the hair ends. Conditioner and products that contain silicons are so closely attached to the hair that washing the hair more times might be necessary to get rid of the build-up.
- A good home-made recipe for making oily hair shinny is rinsing it at the very end with 1 teaspoon lemon concentrate or vinegar diluted in 2 cups of water. Use when possible mineral-free water, since minerals can promote build-up.
-Massaging the scalp should be done only during shower, gently, with the fingertips. It is recommended to increase circulation and to promote blood flow in the scalp.

A great hair cut will get rid of the damaged hair and would help to keep the body up and make your hair look healthy.

Trust a good professional to help you to find a new hair style for a change.

Vanessa

Beauty tips for travellers

We work hard all year long - with all the planning for your well deserved trip, there is one detail to remember: the airplane trip!

Respecting the volume allowed for your carry-on is not easy, but we do our best... A good idea is to go to the travel supplies at the drugstore and buy those small containers of your favorite products or even the actual container to fill them out at home.

Carry-on must have:

• hand sanitizer
• moisturizer
• lip gloss, lipstick or chap stick
• skin toner
• ear plugs and mask
• Mouth wash, tooth brush, tooth paste and floss
• Gum
• Hair gel
• Deodorant
• Perfume

More tips:
Hydration: it improves the body fluids circulation. It's good for the body, it's great for the skin! Have orange juice, cranberry juice, apple juice, water and other drinks with little or no sugar and caffeine-free. Alcohol, sugar and caffeine dehydrate the body.
Exercise: Walk around, stretch while on your chair - it's very important for your circulation and helps to prevent or minimize swelling.
Moisturizer: Many times, depending how long the flight takes, the skin gets too dry. Clean your hands with a hand sanitizer and apply a good moisturizer. Avoid touching the face if the hand is not clean - in an airplane it's rather hard to desinfect your hands, touching your face can bring dirt from the environment to your skin and might promote the development of pimples.
Rest: Wear ear plugs and mask - it helps you to rest and feel a little more refreshed.

Final touch: make sure you have your deodorant on, apply a little gel on your hair, perfum, lipstick, sunglasses for the final effect and...

... look fabulous when leaving the airplane!

Vanessa

Sunburn - Quick fix

"Summertime...And the livin' is easy"
Gershwin, 1935

It's Summer - time for bikinis, sand castles, beach volleyball, sandals, shorts, and the outdoors. More outdoor activities mean more sun exposure. Hand in hand with sun exposure comes the risk of sunburns.

Sunburn

It comes suddenly, resulting from over exposure to the sun rays without sunscreen protection. Sunburns are ugly, painful and dangerous -with an increased risk of skin cancer. It can happen to any skin type and white skin is more susceptible.

The purpose of today's discussion is to give tips on how to manage it in case it happens. Skin redness, pain, sometimes with blisters - these tips will help you to relieve the pain and get rid of the heat. For extreme sunburns, you should also seek out professional help.

Sunburn - Quick Fix tips

While the skin has to have its own time to heal, the following treatments will relieve the pain and help to protect the skin throughout the healing process.

Aloe Vera - Used externally to treat skin irritations for its antiseptic properties. Aloe is used to treat sunburns and also poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumak, and eczema.

Chamomile - known for its natural anti-inflammatory properties. How to use: brew the tea and allow it to cool down. Pour it into a spray bottle, shake, and spritz it on your sunburn. Ingredients in the chamomile tea will calm and sooth the skin. This is one of my favorite solutions.

Peppermint - the cool tea has a refreshing effect that will help to sooth the skin.

Lavender - use a solution of lavender oil and water, 20 drops per 1 cup of water. Use a cotton ball to gently apply the solution on the affected area. Lavender has calming and soothing properties and is also a natural mosquito repellent.

White vinegar or Lemon - Dissolve in water in a proportion of 1:5. Use a cotton ball to gently apply the solution on the affected area. It will cool the sunburn and act as a disinfectant.

Calendula - Calendula is a healing plant. It has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antiviral properties.

Cucumber - Rub cucumber slices on the affected area for a cooling effect.

While you're still healing, avoid hot baths and showers, treat the affected area, and avoid exposing it to the sun again.

Don't allow a sunburn to ruin your fun - pick a good time to go to the beach, use sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, light clothes, hydrate well and...

Enjoy your Summer!

Vanessa

Even Skin Complexion - Pigmentation Control

Skin Whitening

WITHOUT being too philosophical about it, as a friend once said, "beauty is subjective," referring to the fact that we live in a diverse world, with different values -what is beautiful to me might not be to you.

Regardless of our reasons or preferences, we can use cosmetics to change our appearance as we desire - hair dying, curling, straightening, skin tanning, skin whitening, etc.

Talking about skin whitening, there are effective treatments that help to minimize the appearance of uneven skin pigmentation that affects most people, regardless of ethnic background, skin color or age. Skin may either appear lighter or darker than normal; there may be blotchy, uneven areas, patches of brown discoloration, or freckling.

Skin pigmentation disorders occur because the body produces either too much or too little melanin. Melanin is the pigment triggered by the enzyme tyrosinase, and creates the color of a person's skin, eyes, and hair shade. Most skin-lightening treatments, which can reduce or block some amount of melanin production, act by inhibiting the enzyme tyrosinase.

Many treatments use a combination of topical lotions or gels containing melanin-inhibiting ingredients along with a sunscreen, an exfoliating agent, and sometimes even laser treatment. Our options range from a group of active ingredients that are known to be effective, but present some toxicity, and others that are safe, without being as effective.

Skin Whitening agents

Hydroquinone: it's a very effective, popular whitening active ingredient that should be used with caution due to its toxicity. The treatment can be combined with a corticosteroid to decrease local irritation. The cosmetic concentration is up to 2%; above this concentration, the product is available from a physician or by prescription.

Azelaic acid: 15% to 20% concentrations with a decreased risk of irritation when compared to hydroquinone.

Kojic Acid: form a chelation with copper ions, which affect the activity of the enzyme tyrosinase preventing the formation of melanin. It's not very popular due to its stability.

Vitamin C: some research shows the vitamin to be an effective agent for inhibiting melanin production.

Peelings and laser: used for complementary action; these treatments will not be discussed in this posting.

Sunscreen with Anti-UVA and Anti-UVB: the most typical cause of darkened areas of skin, brown spots, or areas of discoloration is unprotected sun exposure. Refer to previous sunscreen posting for products. Always check for professional advice for your particular case - get to know your options.

We live in a big and diverse world, and should take advantage of the easy interaction available these days - browse the internet, learn a different language, another dance, read different authors, and...

Vive la Différence!

Vanessa

Helpful link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skin_whitening#Uses

Brazil with Bossa

“Tall and tan and young and lovely, the girl from Ipanema goes walking, and when she passes each one she passes goes - ah. When she walks she’s like a samba that swings so cool and sways so gentle that when she passes each one she passes goes - ah.”
Vinicius de Moraes, Girl From Ipanema

You might have heard about Brazil through a beauty salon that offers the popular Brazilian Waxing, seen Brazilian top models in Victoria's Secrets ads, or heard the famous Bossa Nova song, "Girl From Ipanema" on the radio. This post is dedicated to telling you a bit more about Brazil.

Lula and the Brazilian Way

Brazilians are known to be very friendly, compared to other cultures. Lula is the President and the capital of is Brasília, located strategically in the middle of the country. Brazilians are good workers, dedicated and positive, and the economy is rocketing.

Girl from Ipanema and Bossa Nova

In Brazil, to do something with "Bossa" is to do it with a particular charm and natural flair, as in an innate ability. The first thing it comes in my mind when we talk about Bossa Nova is the image of the "Girl of Ipanema" muse, whose walk and smile, inspired Vinícius de Moraes to compose one of Brazil's most famous Bossa Nova songs. João Gilberto, Vinícius de Moraes, Sylvinha Telles, Carlinhos Lyra, Nara Leão, Luizinho Eça, Roberto Menescal are some of the Bosssa Nova composers. Bebel Gilberto is our recent reference - she lives in the US and plays in a soft and cool Bossa Nova lounge style. Besides Bossa Nova, the range of dances and music style is wide, with lambada, samba, pagode, axe Bahia, forró, among others.

Brazilians love sports

Soccer, beach soccer, volleyball, beach volley, formula 1, triathlon, swimming, marathon, capoeira, jiu-jitsu are our favorite sports. You see action everywhere you go. If you are going to work-out, the verb used is "marombar" or "malhar." At the beach, girls wear bikinis and boys wear speedos. Fashion trends change every season; even the size of the swimwear - that's why we have Brazilian waxing.

Rice, beans, and açaí

Brazilians cook every day fresh food: rice & beans, a portion of meat, some veggies and a salad, all in one plate. After the gym, you eat açaí, the cherry-like fruit smoothy mixed with guaraná syrup, banana and granola that you eat with the spoon. Açaí is a fruit known to be one of the most rich and powerful antioxidant and is a trend that started in Rio de Janeiro.

Paradise for personal care

Brazil is a tropical country, extremely hot in the Summer -3 to 4 showers a day is a must. Make-up tends to be natural during the day and heavier at night. Sunscreen, creams for the body, neck, face, hands with natural ingredients...It's the paradise for personal & beauty care!
Plastic surgery is very common, and one of the best plastic surgeons in the world is Brazilian. Funny thing: in the 90's, Brazilians did breast reductions; now it's all about enhancement!
Brazilian girls dye the hair with a special honey color - but just the girls! I was in Brazil with my hubby, and he noted that Brazilians have a very unique honey hair color. I asked him to find any men with the same "special" color. He couldn't...

Caipirinha, Baby Doll parties, and more parties!

The national drink is caipirinha, made with cachaça, sugar, and lemon. Carnaval is in February...Meanwhile, you have parties to attend: Vital, PJ's party, Baby-doll's party, Club Big Beatles presentation at the beach... and more parties!

Next time you meet a Brazilian be sure to say, "Tudo bom?" You'll bring a smile to their face and make your first Brazilian friend!

Vanessa

Music of the day - links:

http://www.radioblogclub.com/open/115432/vinicius_de_moraes/Vinicius%20de%20Moraes-Garota%20de%20Ipanema http://www.radioblogclub.com/open/115432/vinicius_de_moraes/Vinicius%20de%20Moraes-Berimbau%20-%20Consola%3F

Summer Countdown - Beauty Tips

Hair, that Hair and Skin

The Summer is around the corner, so it's the excitement with all activities of the happiest season of the year! Because we tend to expose our bodies more than other seasons, with enough protection and care, we can go through it with minimum damage.

Hair

Dye, chlorine from the swimming pool and sports clubs, sun exposure will have a damaging effect on the hair. Once damaged, the only thing left to do is to let it grow again and cut the damaged portion. Preventing the damage is possible, with the use of the correct product and avoiding sun exposure. A nice hat might help, so as the use of a good routine with a shampoo & conditioner specific for your hair.

Hair dye: always go to a good professional and if you are doing it by yourself, respect the time for each step instructed by the manufacturer.

Chlorine: damaging effects of chlorine is easy to see, specially if you have colored or blond hair, where it turn into green; the texture of the hair will also be affected, with visible dry-out. To prevent damage from chlorine, you can use a conditioner with silicone before going to the water. Wash the hair thoroughly with a good shampoo and conditioner afterwards. There are few shampoos specific for swimmers available.

Waxing & razor: legs, underarms and pubic area - are more visible with clothes used in the Summer and we want to always have a smooth and hairless skin. Options: use of the razor, waxing, and/or laser.

Pros and cons of using razors: it's fast, you can do it yourself with no appointments, no pain and much cheaper than any other option. However, results last for 2 days only and there is a bigger chance to have ingrown hair. The hair growth is not as flattering - it looks like the spears of a cactus.

Pros and cons of using waxing: Hair takes longer to grow and it reduces the chances of ingrown hair. The hair growth is much less visible, softer and the best, since it takes the hair out by the root, the hair takes much longer to grow. Cons: it needs an appointment, is more expensive than using the razor, the pain involved, and the baring yourself factors. Also, you have to allow the hair to grow to an ideal length in order to be able to use the wax.

Once you decide to do the waxing, you should try the Brazilian waxing. There are options among this style and you should discuss it with your esthetician - I personally don't like the complete "all out" style... After considering pros and cons, I stick to the waxing.

Skin

Sun protection: the skin needs sun protection anti UVA & B, as a first line of protection, to prevent aging and other serious conditions caused by the sun exposure. Clothes also offer extra protection for the sun - use a good sunscreen on the exposed areas and reapply it at list every 2 hours.

Moisturizer: keeping a good moisturizer for each part of the body is essential - face, neck, eyes, body, feet, hands. Products vary for each skin type, specially for the face - some products can clog the pores and cause pimples

Exfoliate face, body, and feet: The exfoliation will help with the natural skin cells turnover. Important to use specific products for each area of the body. Excessive exfoliation can make the skin sensitive to the sun exposure, specially the face. Love your feet for the Summer: sandals can promote hardening of the skin, promoting unpleasant pain and dryness feel. Exfoliation will take the excess of this hard skin out; use a good poms stone and a moisturizer - and make sure to have nails done with a fun color.

It's Summer after all!!!

Vanessa

Sunless tan - Viva the Fake!

I defend originality and ban "fake" behaviour most of the time. However, when we talk about the self-tanning trend, I am absolutely "Pro" fake! The most effective products available are sunless tanning lotions that contain sugar-like ingredients, such as dihydroxyacetone (DHA) and erythrulose.

These active ingredients are approved by the FDA and considered non-toxic and skin safe, without the damage associated with UV exposure. The tan results from a chemical reaction between the active ingredient and the amino acids in the dead layer on the skin's surface. Erythrulose works identically with DHA, but develops more slowly. The association of both active ingredients in a product will determine a better result.

Important steps for a successful application and lasting effect:

1. Wear dark clothes during application;

2. Exfoliate your skin prior application;

3. Apply uniform amount of the product on the skin;

4. Remember: thicker skin, such as hands, knees, feet, and elbows, contains more keratin and will react more easily with the active ingredient! Apply carefully, avoiding these areas. Wash your hands immediately to not allow the palms of your hands to become colored;

5. Try using use H2O2 (peroxide) or self-tan removers to clean your hands and nails. It's a great solution to avoid unwanted orange hands! Be careful and avoid contact with your eyes;

6. Best results are obtained when applied to clean, dry skin. Bathing and swimming should be avoided until the product is fully absorbed (1 to 6 hours);

7. As with any product, test prior to using it and do not use it if you have signs of an allergic reaction. First time users should apply the product to a small patch of skin and wait 24 hours before applying to their entire body.

The tan is temporary and will fade gradually over 3 to 10 days. The final color and results will depend on the concentration of the active ingredients as well as the processing time. Follow each product's instructions and choose the color suggested by the manufacturer.

Products available to be applied at home: gels, lotions, mousses, sprays, and wipes. Professional applications offered by spas, salons, and gyms in the form of UV-Free airbrush spray tans and spray booths, which distribute the sunless tanning solution over the entire body.

Enjoy your tan and Summer glow throughout the year!

Vanessa


Music of the day - links:

http://www.radioblogclub.com/open/115432/garota_de_ipanema/Vinicius%20de%20Moraes-Garota%20de%20Ipanema

http://www.radioblogclub.com/open/115432/garota_de_ipanema/Vinicius%20de%20Moraes-Berimbau%20-%20Consola%3F

Sunless Tanning favorite links:
Beauty.com
http://www.drugstore.com/search/search.asp?searchtype=1&trx=28198&trxp1=9730&ipp=20&srchtree=8&search=sunless

Drugstore.com:
http://www.drugstore.com/search/search.asp?search=sunless&srchtree=1&trx=SEARCH-0-VADDITIONAL-DSCM-TOP&trxp1=1&trxp2=sunless

Wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunless_tanning

Sun Protection and Related Products

I was hiking with a group of friends in the mountains surrounding Muir Beach, north of San Francisco. Between chatting and hiking, on the way to the top of the mountain, I noticed how vivid and pretty the natives flowers were, a special blue fluorescent color illuminated by sunlight. I thought about my Sun Block and the possibility of a higher incidence of UV radiation. I had applied sun block in the morning; however, I knew that sunblock needs to be applied every 2 hours and we had been hiking for 4. While it was a cloudy day, I knew there was a chance that we had been overexposed to UV rays since clouds don't filter them.

Why does it matter?
Prolonged exposure to UV radiation may result in effects on the skin, eye, and immune system, including cancer, sun burn, accelerating aging of the skin, among other effects.

Let's talk About ultraviolet radiation (you can skip to the Conclusion, if you get bored)

The Sun emits UV radiation in the UVA, UVB, and UVC bands, but because of absorption in the ozone layer of the atmosphere, 99% of the UV radiation that reaches the Earth's surface is UVA. In humans, prolonged exposure to solar UV radiation may result in acute and chronic health effects on the skin, eye, and immune system. UVA, UVB and UVC can all damage collagen fibers and thereby accelerate aging of the skin.
In general, UVA is the least harmful, but can contribute to the aging of skin, DNA damage and possibly skin cancer. It penetrates deeply and does not cause sunburn. Because it does not cause reddening of the skin, or erythema, it cannot be measured in the SPF testing. UVA light is thought to be a prime cause of wrinkles. There is no good clinical measurement of the blocking of UVA radiation, but it is important for your complete coverage, that your sunscreen blocks both UVA and UVB.
As a defense against UVB radiation, the body tans when exposed to moderate levels of UVB radiation by releasing the natural brown pigment Melanin. Another way to protect your skin is the use of sunscreen lotion, that contains substances that partly blocks UV radiation. In general, contains a sun protection factor or SPF rating that describes the amount of sunburn protection given. This protection, however, applies only to UVB rays responsible for sunburn and not to UVA rays that penetrate more deeply into the skin and may also be responsible for causing cancer and wrinkles.

What to look for in sunscreen - some ingredients
UVB protection: Padimate O, Homosalate, Octisalate, Octinoxate
UVA protection: zinc oxide and Avobenzone
UVA/UVB protection: Octocrylene, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, Mexoryl.

SPF or Sun Protection Factor
It's a scale for rating the level of sunburn protection in sunscreen products. The higher the SPF, the more sunburn protection it provides. SPF numbers refer to the product's ability to screen/block out the burning rays of the sun.

UV Radiation - Some Applications
Among the many applications for UV radiation, tanning through exposure of UV from natural sunlight and by tanning salons that use UV-artificial lamps are a major concern for our health, for reasons previously discussed. An alternative for the use of UV radiation to have the healthy bronze color of the Summer is to use Sunless lotions (self-tanners). We will be discussing shortly how to best take advantage of these cosmetic products and what options the market offers.

Conclusion - Sun protection and your skin
The natural pigment Melanin and Sunscreen lotion help to block UV penetration and prevent damage to the vulnerable skin tissues deeper down. The use of protection and careful exposure to the sun rays will minimize potential harm to your skin, such as skin cancer, sunburn inflammation, wrinkles, and melasma.
As a rule, you should choose a sunscreen lotion with anti-UVA and anti-UVB components. You should reapply it every time you go to the water, sweat or every 2 hours to ensure sun protection.

Remember, the use of sun screen is not your ticket to the sun. Enjoy the upcoming Summer and... be healthy!

Vanessa


Music of the day - link:

http://www.radioblogclub.com/open/115432/vinicius_de_moraes/Vinicius%20de%20Moraes-Tomara%20%28Ojal%3F

Favorite Link:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ultraviolet

Beauty in Every Sense

"There are flowers everywhere, for those who bother to look."
Henry Matisse

Beauty comes from within; any improvement to our "shell" might improve our self-steem and well-being. Just try it - there's nothing to lose and all benefits to gain! We can start with skin care. Get to know some skin care treatments that will make your skin looking and feeling great!

The skin is the largest organ in the human body. As a Pharmacist/Biochemist, I was drawn to the fascinating mix of challenges of the modern cosmetic treatments. Acne, melasma, wrinkles, strech marks, celullite, dry skin, are some of the conditions we can discuss. We need comprehensive care that spots the damage to the skin and some ways to address the problem. There are many treatments available, at home or in a clinic, that will control or minimize the damage. Importantly, always consult your Dermatologist if you have any questions or concerns.

Conclusion: Information is the key to identify our options. Get to know the treatment available and ask the right question to the professional in charge; additionally, probe the cosmetic product you are using.

Be healthy and... be good!

Vanessa

Music of the day - link:

http://www.radioblogclub.com/open/144330/ne_me_quitte_pas/jacques%20brel%20-%20jacques%20brell%20-%20ne%20me%20quitte%20pas

Brazilian Way

Hi,

I am a Pharmacist & Biochemist from Brazil with over 10 years of experience developing cosmetic products. I am writing this blog to share practical health and skin care ideas with people who love a healthy life and beauty as much as I do.

Be healthy and... be good!

Vanessa

Musics of the day - link:

http://www.zannel.com/viewer.jsp?title=8BZYJ35LY4

http://www.radioblogclub.com/open/115432/vinicius_de_moraes/Vinicius%20de%20Moraes-Tomara%20%28Ojal%3F

http://www.radioblogclub.com/open/58306/marisa_monte/Camila%20Calcanhoto%20-%20O%20nosso%20amor