Slideshow: Spa Luxury for Less

By Rozalynn S. Frazier
From Health magazine

Who says you have to spend a ton to pamper yourself? We found luxe stuff that won’t blow your bank account. View the slideshow: http://slideshows.health.com/slide_shows/10469/slides/12001

Last Updated: March 2, 2009
Filed Under: Spa Living

Feed Your Face: Pomegranates

By Rachel Grumman
From Health magazine

“Pomegranates are one of the most antioxidant-rich fruits,” says Madelyn Fernstrom, PhD, founding director of the Weight Management Center at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Research shows this fruit’s juice has more inflammation-fighting antioxidants than red wine or green tea.

Eat some fresh pomegranate (in season now through January). Or, use it in
the age-fighting scrub recipe below; apply once or twice a week to remove dead skin cells, suggests Cleo Londono, aesthetician and owner of Metamorphosis Day Spa in New York City.

Scrub it on: Pomegranate Exfoliating Scrub
Cut off pomegranate crown, and score rind in sections, without cutting all the way through. Place in a bowl of water for 5–10 minutes. Break rind away from seeds, which will sink; strain seeds. In a food processor, combine 2 tablespoons seeds and 1 cup uncooked oatmeal. Transfer to bowl; stir in 2 tablespoons honey (an antiseptic) and 2 tablespoons buttermilk. Apply to face for a few minutes, then rinse. For rough patches (like elbows), add 3⁄4 cup turbinado sugar.

Eat it: Enjoy remaining pomegranate seeds (from recipe below) au naturel or with your favorite cheese.

Last Updated: March 16, 2009
Filed Under: Natural Beauty and Style

Feed Your Face: Green Tea

By Rachel Grumman
From Health magazine

Curling up to a cup of green tea does a lot more than relax you. Green tea is filled with inflammation-fighting antioxidants, Perricone says. What’s more, research from Case Western Reserve University and the University of Alabama at Birmingham shows that drinking green tea may reduce your risk of skin cancer. (And when you add a generous squeeze of citrus juice—like lemon, lime, or orange—the tea’s antioxidants get a boost of staying power, so they remain in and benefit the body longer, rather than being digested quickly and having much of the goodness go down the drain, according to Purdue University researchers.)

Press it on: Easy Green Tea Eye Treatment
Chill damp tea bags in the fridge and put on eyes for 10–15 minutes. Green tea contains tannins, which act as an astringent when applied to skin and can help reduce puffiness, Perricone notes.

Drink it: Sip at least three big mugs of green tea every day for an antioxidant boost, Fernstrom says.

Last Updated: March 16, 2009
Filed Under: Natural Beauty and Style

Feed Your Face: Olive Oil

By Rachel Grumman
From Health magazine

The antioxidant, anti-inflammatory properties of olive oil don’t just benefit you on the inside—they soften your skin, too. “Ancient Romans massaged olive oil into their skin,” Perricone says. “When used topically, olive oil results in smoother, more radiant skin.” Plus, consuming olive oil, a staple in the healthy Mediterranean diet, provides antioxidants to disarm free radicals and reduce inflammation. “Remember, inflammation is not just linked to disease—it’s a major cause of wrinkling and sagging in the skin,” Perricone explains. In addition to working olive oil into your daily diet, apply as a lip gloss and skin soother, as needed. If you have dry skin, you’ll particularly benefit from topical application.

Smooth it on: Olive Oil Quencher
Dab a pea-size amount of extra-virgin olive oil on lips to hydrate a parched pucker; or use it on rough patches (think elbows and heels), as needed.

Eat it:
At dinner, drizzle a few tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil into a small bowl, and dip whole-grain bread in it to improve your skin from the inside out.
PHOTO BY AMY NEUNSINGER

Last Updated: March 16, 2009
Filed Under: Natural Beauty and Style

Feed Your Face: Beauty in a Jar

From Health magazine 

Don’t have time to whip up a skin-improving recipe? Try our product picks that feature antioxidants from our star foods for your face.

Strawberries: Although strawberries and other berries are excellent sources of antiaging vitamin C, the most potent version of the vitamin is in topical serum form, such as the new SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF (0). To prevent premature aging and repair sun-damaged skin, apply a few drops right after washing your face and before applying moisturizer or sunblock.

Pomegranate: To harness pomegranate’s skin-brightening power and honey’s hydrating, soothing properties, try Aqua Dessa Spa Therapy Honey Pomegranate Facial Cleansing Foam (), which removes dirt and makeup and is mild enough to use daily.

Pumpkin: Zia Natural Skincare’s Pumpkin Exfoliating Mask (.95) contains puréed pumpkin and pineapple juice to purify skin, unclog pores, and cleanse away dead skin cells. It also packs in vitamins A and E. Apply to a clean, damp face, leave on for 5 to 15 minutes, and rinse thoroughly with warm water.

Green tea: Glotherapeutics gloEye Restore () contains antioxidant-rich green tea extract as well as peptides and willowherb, a natural skin smoother, to battle puffiness. Or opt for green tea’s powerful age-defying cousin, white tea, found in Wei East Golden Root Renewal All-in-One Eye Serum (; www.weieast.com). Dab a small amount around the eye area in the a.m. and before bed.

Olive oil: Soothe parched lips by applying PerriconeMD Moist Lips () made from olive-fruit extract as well as vitamin E. Or try On10 Green Glam Gloss (), made from organic extra-virgin olive oil and packaged in an eco-friendly paper pot—it protects your lips and the planet.

Last Updated: March 16, 2009
Filed Under: Natural Beauty and Style

Repair Your Summer Skin

By Jolene Edgar
From Health magazine 

No matter how hard you try to protect your skin with sky-high SPFs and floppy hats, UV rays still manage to make their mark during the summer months. “The sun strips away moisture and revs up pigment-making cells, leaving skin dull, dehydrated, and uneven,” says Kenneth Howe, MD, clinical instructor of dermatology at Mt. Sinai Medical Center in New York City. And when skin is dry, fine lines are more noticeable.

The good news? Sun damage can be easily remedied—so easily, you can do it in your sleep. It’s best to repair damage at night rather than during the day, Dr. Howe says, “because the most potent pigment- and wrinkle-fighting formulas rely on ingredients that make skin more vulnerable to sunlight.” Just follow these simple steps before bed.

Cleanse and exfoliate
A glycolic acid–based wash works to diminish spots and lines while you cleanse. Try Glytone Mild Cream Wash (). “Glycolic acid sloughs away dead skin cells gently, without upsetting sensitive skin. But it can react to UV rays, so it’s best to use it at night to prevent sunburns,” Dr. Howe says.

Fight wrinkles and dullness
Exfoliating vitamin-A creams stimulate collagen production and speed cell turnover, making skin plumper and more radiant. Prescription retinoids—like Retin-A, Renova, and Differin—are better for long-term results, but they can be quite irritating to some, causing redness and flaking. If you have sensitive skin, try a less potent, over-the-counter retinol like RoC Multi-Correxion Night Treatment (.99). A weekly at-home peel will also swiftly and safely sweep away dead cells, giving skin a glow and helping anti-aging ingredients penetrate better. Look for glycolic acid formulas that contain built-in soothers. Here’s one to try: L’Oréal Paris Advanced Revitalift Glycolic Peel Kit (.99).

Last Updated: February 19, 2009
Filed Under: Skincare

Wipe Away Wrinkles With New Makeup Remover

From Health magazine 

Now you can work on getting younger-looking skin even when you’re removing your makeup and mascara. Pond’s Clean Sweep Age-Defying Wet Cleansing Towelettes (.06; drugstores) are infused with retinol and collagen, ingredients thought to improve skin resilience and help fill in fine lines. They’re gentle enough to use around your eyes.

Last Updated: February 19, 2009
Filed Under: Skincare

The Best Makeup for Summer

By Jolene Edgar
From Health magazine 

Lose your base
Streamline your routine—and cosmetics case—by trading your usual lotion, base, and sunscreen for a single tube of tinted moisturizer. Pick one rich in SPF and antioxidants, which do damage control, such as Murad Oil-Free Sunblock SPF 15 Sheer Tint ().

Discover mineral powder
Should you need a smidgen more coverage than a tinted moisturizer offers, dust a loose mineral powder like Almay Pure Blends Mineral Makeup (.49) over your T-zone. “It can help veil imperfections without turning greasy in the heat,” says Nick Barose, celebrity makeup artist for Clarins.

Tame shine
Pressed powders are too heavy during warm-weather months, says Alison Raffaele, founder and creative director of Alison Raffaele Cosmetics. Start the day with a thin layer of mattifying gel like OC Eight ().

Get a subtle flush
Switch from a powder blush to one of the latest streak-proof gels or mousses. These formulas are easy to apply with fingertips and offer a just-right wash of color. “They’re sheer, and they let the skin show through, which creates a delicate flush,” Raffaele says. Benefit Posietint () is one of our favorites because the pretty poppy hue can be used on lips, too.

Summerize your eye shadow
Swap powder eye shadows, which crinkle and fade in the heat, for wet-to-dry formulas that “go on sheer and don’t budge all day,” Barose says. Universally flattering gold and bronze hues are as easy to wear as browns and beiges but offer a warmer, more modern sheen. We love Becca Eye Tint (shown in Gilt, ).

Or, skip shadow altogether
Ditch your black mascara for one of the new, splashy aquamarine or seafoam shades, which are far less glaring than their ultraelectric predecessors. Our pick: Clarins Wonder Waterproof Mascara (shown in Wonder Mint, .50).

Go glossy
Retire precision lip pencils and satin-finish bullets, and opt for see-through multitasking glosses and balms instead. Infused with moisturizers and sunscreen, fruit-inspired shades look tasteful on all skin tones. Try Trish McEvoy Beauty Booster SPF 15 Lip Gloss (shown in Brightening Cherry, ).

Last Updated: February 20, 2009
Filed Under: Makeup

Feed Your Face: Healthier Skin Starts With These Five Foods

By Rachel Grumman
From Health magazine 

Here’s a beautiful reason to stop by the supermarket today: Certain foods have powerhouse ingredients that keep skin supple and smooth and help fight age-related damage, says Nicholas Perricone, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and author of Ageless Face, Ageless Mind. Wondering what to eat and what to smooth on? Click the links below to find out: These skin-saving foods help both ways. (Be sure to do a skin-patch test first, and wait 24 hours to see if you have an allergic reaction.)

Last Updated: March 16, 2009
Filed Under: Natural Beauty and Style

America’s Healthiest Beauty Buys 2008: Skin Care

From Health magazie

1. Blemish treatment: DERMAdoctor Ain’t Misbehavin’ Medicated Acne Control Serum. Finally, an acne product made for you, not your teenager. This oil-free serum has a multiprong attack for battling breakouts: It exfoliates, provides oil-control, and combats bacteria and inflammation. Best of all, it doesn’t leave skin feeling scaly. 

2. Eye product: L’Oréal Paris Skin Genesis Daily Treatment Eye Serum. We’re happy to report that our judges’ top anti-aging eye cream will only set you back . This lightweight serum mixes Pro-Xylane, an all-natural hydrating derivative of the beech tree, and moisture-drawing hyaluronic acid to lessen puffiness, smooth lines, and diminish discoloration. (.99)

3. Facial sunscreen: SkinCeuticals Active UV Defense SPF 15. Pack this in your gym bag (and your glove compartment, and your handbag …). This water-resistant formula is one of only a handful of brands that contain Mexoryl SX—the most effective short-wave UVA blocker on the market, explains judge Lisa M. Donofrio, MD, associate clinical professor of dermatology at Yale University School of Medicine. Add in the sunscreens avobenzone and octocrylene, which protect against long-wave UVA rays and the full UVB range, and you’ve scored the perfect skin-saving trifecta.

4. Anti-aging facial moisturizer: Elizabeth Arden Prevage Anti-Aging Night Cream. Skimping on sleep makes you look worn out and prevents skin from repairing the day’s damage. But this hydrating night cream, “evens the score,” says judge Sandra S. Tsao, MD, an associate program director for procedural dermatology at Harvard Medical School. “Idebenone, a proven topical antioxidant, softens lines while shea and cocoa butter moisturize,” she says. (5)

6. Facial cleanser: St. Ives Elements Protective Cleanser. Not a fan of slathering on sunscreen in the morning? This facial wash, with an SPF of 10, lets you cleanse and protect in one step. Sunscreen is encapsulated in positively charged silica shells, which bind to negatively charged skin, preventing the vital sun protection from rinsing away. (.99)

7. Toner: Boscia Clear Complexion Tonic with Botanical Blast. Packed with sasa kurilensis water, which sterilizes acne-causing bacteria, this toner brightens your complexion by reducing redness, soothing blemishes, and cleansing pores. ()

Last Updated: October 23, 2008
Filed Under: America's Healthiest

Eat for Gorgeous Skin

A delicious edamame appetizer followed by a grilled-tuna dinner might help cure crow’s-feet.

Researchers in Korea recently discovered a naturally occurring fat (phosphatidylserine) in foods like edamame (green soybeans), as well as tuna and mackerel, that can fight wrinkles caused by sun damage and natural aging.

This fat actually stimulated the production of new collagen; that’s good news because collagen, a protein, keeps skin strong and supple. The catch? The study involved applying a solution made with phosphatidylserine to skin—not eating it.

Plus, the solution isn’t yet available to consumers, and it’s not clear how much of these foods you would need to eat to fight wrinkles. Still, while researchers figure that out, there’s no reason to skimp: Fish can protect against heart disease, and edamame has a lot of fiber and vitamin C.

Last Updated: February 11, 2009
Filed Under: Nutrition and Eating Well

The Best Anti-Aging Secrets

From Health magazine

We’ve all been there: That moment midappointment when you catch yourself shamelessly staring at your hairdresser, dermatologist, or dentist and thinking, How the heck does she pull it off? What’s the secret to her great hair, pore-free complexion, or flawless teeth?

Well, we decided to go straight to the source and find out, once and for all, how to get that ageless look—naturally. We asked the beauty industry’s most-sought-after stylists, aestheticians, and MDs to divulge their tricks for stopping the clock. If there’s no fountain of youth, their unexpectedly simple advice might be the next best thing.

Last Updated: March 16, 2009
Filed Under: Natural Beauty and Style