1. Sodium methyl paraben (any type paraben)
2. Petroleum-based products
3. Chemical bleaching agents

1. Sodium methyl paraben can be found in many skin care products.  It can affect the pigmentation of skin. Also parabens have been discovered in patients with breast cancer. So it is best to avoid these ingredients. Parabens, and there are many different kinds, basically are in a product as a preservative. Parabens have been found in breast cancer patients.  There are safer ways to preserve a skin care product.  I’ll come to that in a minute.

2. Petroleum-based products can be very harmful to the skin. Instead of de-pigmentation it can result in hyper pigmentation (hyper or excessive) of the skin. Uneven skin spots can materialize.  If combined with the above paraben could result in a harmful condition.  Also wood based alcohols, propylene glycol, mineral oil and other petroleum based ingredients can bring out a bad skin look.  Avoid petrolatum in any product, just to be safe.

3. Chemical bleaching agents are often promoted to those who want to lighten their skin tone.  There are safe skin lightening products.  I’ll cover that also in a moment.  Chemical bleaching ingredients can bring much harm to your skin. Avoid them especially if you have black skin or darker tones of skin.

Ingredients that are Safe to Use

*Extra Pone Nut Grass
*Vitamin E (If truly natural vitamin E)

Extra Pone Nut Grass will even out the skin tone especially on the face and neck.  You won’t need very much of it to get good results.  This is a safe and effective skin tone lightener.

Natural vitamin E fights free radicals that damage skin cells.  Vitamin E is an antioxidant that will assist in helping to remove hyper pigmentation or skin spots.

Sebum Balancing With Moisturizers

Sebum is our natural skin oil.  The amount can vary from one person to the next.  The skin in some people is very dry to very oily and/or a combination of the two.  So skin conditions can be different.  But remember skin is still skin.  Usually the problem with skin is much of the time in the skin care products one uses.  For example, as stated above, many accept that petroleum in their skin products is okay when in fact it may be causing the problem you are perplexed with.  Using a quality moisturizer with the ingredients I recommend will give you amazing skin problem relief.  You will have no bad effects.

As mentioned sebum comes from the sebaceous glands.  All skin tones, black, white, tan and any other skin have these glands.  Sebum is there for the purpose of being the natural moisturizer for the skin.  Two more ingredients to look for are jojoba and passion fruit extract.  If you have dry skin, these two will help tremendously.

AntiAging Ingredients

It is a shame but much of the skin products being sold today with the promise of younger looking skin is a scam.  Most don’t work.  And at the best give very poor, if any, results.  Many even cause great harm.  For african american skin or black skin, you DO NOT need any special anti-aging skin care product.  Here is what you need. Pay close attention because very few people know about this -miracle.

In all my searching and examinations, the best, most effective anti aging skin care ingredient that I have ever discovered that works for all skin types and tones is: Functional Keratin.  When combined with Wakame seaweed, CoQ10 and Natural Vitamin E, new skin fibers and skin cells are produced.   The result is that the skin is more firm and younger looking.

What causes harm to skin cells and other body cells is what is called free radicals.  They basically go on a rampage and hurt other cells.  The antidote is antioxidants found in compounds like vitamin E.  Remember this please, avoid any ingredient ending in paraben, (for black skin especially Sodium methyl paraben).  Avoid all skin care and other products that list petrolatum as an ingredient.  Don’t even think about using a chemical bleaching agent.  Use the ones I recommend.  See my website for my personally tested skin cream. – Margaret Bell

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Why are skin care products so confusing? Why is there so little brand loyalty? Part of the problem is that the last 20 years have brought a tsunami of new skin care products, new ads, new claims. The splashy advertising, the celebrities and the offers combine to produce instant hype. Every new product promises a new “advance” or “technology” or “significant improvement”. Because this revolution is so new, everyone–retailers, consumers, dermatologists, editors–are struggling to figure it out.

Some cosmetics companies like it that way. They invent funny names for molecules. They retouch the living daylights out of those unretouched ads. They cleverly (yet legally) manipulate the copy. These deceptive practices are called “smoke and mirrors”– the metaphor for deceptive or fraudulent practices. The term was first invented to describe the way in which magicians could make objects appear or disappear by using mirrors amid a sudden burst of smoke. It’s clever, but also deceptive.

It works for magicians, and it works for the skin care industry. So women, the willing and unknowing, plunk down big bucks because they want to believe in magic. It’s a national addiction. People everywhere want to fight aging and are looking for solutions.

If you’re going to spend money on skin care products, spend it advisedly. Make sure that you’re not being conned. Make informed decisions. Invest in products that really work. Discriminate. Know how the channel of distribution affects the quality of the merchandise, and the price that you pay. Understand how ads are delicately written and carefully crafted.

Zein Obagi, MD

Visit us on the web!  http://www.zoskinhealth.com/store

Follow our Twitter:  http://www.twitter.com/ZOSkinHealth

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Do you avoid the skin care cream aisle at the store? Are you stubbornly using the same skin care moisturizer cream from 5 years ago, simply to avoid shopping for a new one? It’s overwhelming to see hundreds of “the best…” skincare products to choose from.

How can you possibly determine which are rip-offs and which actually work? How can you be sure that the 3 oz bottle of skin care moisturizer cream (priced at $34.99) isn’t the same stuff as the $3.99 bottle of Jergens at Wal-mart?

I’ll make it easy for you. Here is a crash-course in skin care cream ingredients. I’ve listed 2 ingredients your skin is crying out for, and 2 ingredients your skin has nightmares about. With just these 4 tips, you’ll be able to weed out 95% of the thorns and come out with a rose.

2 Things Every Skin Care Cream Should Have

Babassu

• Babassu is a natural wax that softens and soothes your skin. It’s important because it creates a moisture-barrier around your skin that keeps out dirt and grime, but yet allows the skin valuable “breathing” room.

• It’s a natural product that comes from the oil extracted from the Babassu palm (in the Amazon). Many manufacturers will attempt to save a dime by replacing Babassu with mineral oil (one of the 2 no-no ingredients listed below).

Vitamin E (in the form of natural alpha-tocopherol)

• Vitamin E has a long-proven record of protecting your skin from damaging free radicals found in pollution, UV radiation, poor nutrition, and aging. The best form of Vitamin E found in your skin care cream should be alpha-tocopherol.

• Most skincare products (including the expensive ones at department stores) use a synthetic form of alpha-tocopherol. Besides being less effective in synthetic form, manufacturers will only put a dash in each skin care cream product (.1% to .2%), making it practically meaningless.

• It is also a natural preservative that prevents your skin care moisturizing cream from going rancid before you’ve finished using it. Again, many well-known skincare lines will use parabens to preserve their product. Parabens are NOT good for your skin! In fact, they are one of the two ingredients your skin care cream definitely should NOT have in it.

2 Things Your Skin Care Cream Should NOT Have

Parabens – (look on the label for methyl, propyl, butyl, and ethyl parabens)

• These chemicals are widely used in expensive (and cheap) skin care creams to give the creams a longer shelf-life. They are super cheap and widely available. Some studies have suggested that they could cause cancer (particularly breast cancer) and affect estrogen levels over long periods of time.

Mineral oil – (also written on the label as liquid paraffin, paraffin wax, or petrolatum)

• This petroleum by-product is super cheap and used by companies to coat the skin and “keep in moisture”. Unfortunately, it also keeps in toxins, encourages acne break outs, and strips away the natural oils that prevent premature aging.

• Even worse, any mineral oil derivative can be contaminated with the cancer-causing PAH’s. Stay young longer by avoiding products using mineral oil or other petroleum by-products.

In evaluating your skin care cream, keep this question in your mind: Could you eat your skin care moisturizer cream? (I’m not suggesting you do, just asking if you could.) If you recoil in horror from putting those ingredients in your mouth, why would you put them on your skin? After all, it’s going to be absorbed and enter your body just as if you had eaten it.

Crack open that cabinet and pull out your skin care cream. Flip it over and look at the ingredients label. If your skin care moisturizer cream is missing those two important ingredients, and if it uses mineral oil and Parabens instead, it’s time to find a new skin care cream.

You can spread effective skin care cream and eat it too. Synthetics not only damage your skin’s health in the long run, they are simply not as efficient in treating your skin in the long run. (But they are cheaper! This is why so many skincare manufacturers use them!)

Babassu and Natural Vitamin E are just the tip of the iceberg. There are a whole host of other ingredients that bring will bring out the best in your skin care cream.

Phytessence Wakame, Maracuja, and Crodamol OP come most immediately to mind. You can find out more about these amazing botanical ingredients (and where to find a skin care cream with them inside) at my website linked below.

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Celazome Skin – a national skincare company based in St. Petersburg, Florida – has an unorthodox method for growing sales… and it’s working.

A division of Dermazone, Celazome Skin has been in operation since 1999 and is a woman-owned and operated business with a long-standing mission to support business women.  Recently the company became a national sponsor of eWomen Network, one of the largest networking organizations for women in the country.  As part of that commitment, all purchases of Celazome Skin products by eWomen Network members generate a donation to the eWomen Network Foundation. The women of the Celazome Skin executive team also attended the recent eWomen Network International Conference and Business Expo in Dallas, Texas.

The results have been phenomenal.  Not only have sales increased, but over eight thousand dollars has already been raised in cooperation with the local Tampa eWomen Foundation.

“Women from all over the country stopped by our booth to tell us how much they loved our product,” says Carolyn Veroni, Director of Business Development of Celazome Skin.  “It went so much farther than simple skincare.  It was about putting faces and stories to what the products have done for these women.”

With a skincare line that includes pharmaceutical grade moisturizers, lotions and treatments the testimonials Celazome has received since reaching out to the business women have been powerful to say the least.  Cancer patients, burn victims and nurses from around the country have shared their experiences about how their lives were essentially transformed by minimizing scarring and reducing soreness.

Celazome President Deborah Duffey explained how the company is taking their strategy to the next level.  “With the power of the Internet we are now able to reach beyond the doctors’ offices and truly connect with these women.  We recently launched a state-of-the-art eCommerce store and an aggressive social media campaign.  We are really focusing on reaching out to the amazing faces of the women on Facebook.”

Being a savvy business woman herself, Duffey is quick to point out that they are not abandoning traditional methods of reaching out in favor of the new technology.  She says that the executives at Celazome Skin are passionate about being active community members in Tampa Bay, and have a long history of supporting local charities that raise funds and awareness for women’s and children’s issues.  Most recently the team has participated in the 11th Annual Walk/Run to benefit Ovarian Cancer and was a sponsor of the Moffitt Skin Care Awareness “Mole Patrol” event.

To learn more about Celazome Skin visit www.celazomeskin.com

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When Dermalogica meets skin, skin health is redefined. Dermalogica is the number one choice of skin care professionals and consumers worldwide. Why? Because for over 25 years, we’ve been dedicated to delivering skin health results through education, innovation, and professional recommendation, not through advertising, frilly packaging, promises of miracle cures, or overblown hype.

1. Special Cleansing Gel was the first liquid non-soap, fragrance free product of its kind. Thanks to Quillaja Saponaria Extract, this product foams better than any traditional soap around, gently removing oils and impurities without stripping skin.

What the press has to say: Good Housekeeping says it’s a “secret for getting gorgeous skin.”
Added bonus: Use it to remove your make-up!

2. Multi-Active Toner broke the bottle-and-cotton-ball mold as the first toner that could be spritzed directly onto skin. The alcohol-free formula offers hydration while prepping skin for optimal reception from moisturizers.

What the press has to say: Shape says even finicky skin conditions will fall for this spritz.
Added bonus: Get it in a travel-friendly size to combat in-flight dehydration!

3. Active Moist: A little goes a long way! This oil-free moisturizer hydrates without the greasy after-feel. Make this no-nonsense skin smoother your year-round moisturizer of choice.

What the press has to say: C magazine says it’s a “lightweight, oil-free lotion” for dermal delight.
Added bonus: Goes on smooth, absorbs quickly, and Silk Amino Acids improve skin texture!

4. Total Eye Care — first, it smoothes and retexturizes. Second, it helps reduce puffiness as optical light diffusers help minimize dark circles. Third, it contains a chemical-free physical sunscreen to fight off UV damage. When we say multi-task, we mean it!

What the press has to say: O, the Oprah magazine says it’s essential.
Added bonus: Delivers benefits of alpha hydroxy acids around the eye without the irritation.

5. Solar Defense Booster SPF30 is the product so amazing, another company sent us a letter of congratulations when it hit the market! Turn your favorite moisturizer or foundation into a UV fighter with this SPF product that helps combat premature aging.

What the press has to say: W magazine says it “morphs any makeup or moisturizer into a weapon against sun damage.”
Added bonus: Use directly on skin for maximum SPF30 protection.

6. UltraCalming Cleanser is the waterless breakthrough for sensitive skin caused by stress, pollution, hormonal imbalance or irritating cosmetics. Can be rinsed off or tissued off, making it ideal for skin intolerant to water.

What the press has to say: In Style names it one of their best beauty buys.
Added bonus: Tissue off formula is great for travel or when on the go!

7. Daily Microfoliant®: One use will make you say “wow!” as this rice-based powder exfoliant transforms into a skin-smoothing and brightening emulsion – and transforms all who use it!

What the press has to say: Shape magazine says it’s a must-have; Glamour says it delivers the glow you deserve.
Added bonus: Gentle enough to use daily – meaning irritation will never stop you from exfoliating.

8. Power Rich™ contains a potent peptide proven to improve skin’s appearance in texture, firmness and tone. In just 4 weeks, you’ll see a difference – but don’t be surprised if you see the difference overnight!

What the press has to say: New Beauty loves our peptides, “key in maintaining a firm, even complexion.”
Added bonus: Unique formulation delivers better results than products just now coming on the market.

9. Skin Hydrating Booster is the dehydration-busting fluid that’s almost 100% Hyaluronic Acid – an ingredient in the body that helps keep skin smooth and elastic. This means increased hydration and minimized fine lines.

What the press has to say: Vogue recommends it to help skin hold tight to essential moisture.
Added bonus: Use as a spot treatment, all-over, or mix with your moisturizer to revitalize parched skin.

10. Daily Resurfacer is the power exfoliant that self-neutralizes on skin, meaning no rinsing, no timing, no over-exfoliated, irritated skin! Each precise dose resurfaces, smoothes and brightens to hydrate, even skin tone and improve clarity.

What the press has to say: O, the Oprah magazine says “the solution absorbs quickly, making it easy to add to your skin care routine.”
Added bonus: Contains Rooibos Extract, an antioxidant 50 times more powerful than Green Tea polyphenols.

Dermalogica. “The moment your skin changed. Forever.” Your Skin. 11 Sep. 2009 [http://www.dermalogica.com/].

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The first thing we notice about any human being is their face. Maintaining clean, healthy skin is absolutely essential for self-esteem, confidence and a good attitude about life. Having healthy skin doesn’t mean you have to spend hundreds of dollars on skin care products and make-up. It’s about having a healthy lifestyle and upholding disciplined cleansing habits that will make flawless skin possible.

Healthy Diet. By avoiding greasy, fatty foods that will make your face break out, your skin will be less oily and more resistant to blemishes. Some foods that cause your skin to break our include pizza, French fries, chocolate and most other types of candy, fast food and soft drinks. You don’t have to give up these special treats completely, just eat them in moderation.

Hydration and Exercise. Drinking the recommended eight glasses of water a day – along with regular exercise like walking, jogging, bicycling or getting involved in sports – will make a tremendous impact on the way your skin looks and feels. Exercise will increase blood flow, making your dull skin glow like new. It will also make your feel more energized and generally happier. Keeping your body in shape allows for less stress and a feeling of achievement.

Sun Exposure. Protect yourself from sun damage, skin cancer and premature wrinkles by using a moderate strength sunscreen. Too much sun can blister your lips, leaving them red and sore. Sunburned skin can peel, leaving your skin patchy and sensitive. Monitor how much time you spend in the sun and use good judgment when deciding if you’ve had enough for the day.

Regular Cleaning Routine. Cleanse, exfoliate, tone and moisturize – this daily routine should carry you on your way toward healthier skin in no time. Choose a gentle cleansing solution that works for your specific type of skin, whether it’s dry, oily or normal. Using your selected product, cleanse your face in a gentle circular motion and rinse with lukewarm water, as hot water drains the skin’s moisture.

The next step is to exfoliate. A granular exfoliant product is often especially effective in smoothly rough areas and rubbing away dead skin cells, allowing the face to be better moisturized.

After exfoliating, use a toner or astringent to tighten skin and remove any make-up or cleanser residue. An alternative to toner or astringent would be a facial masque at least once a week, which tackles clogged pores while also firming skin and leaving it soft and silky.

The final step is to apply a moisturizer that will protect against dry skin. People with oily skin don’t have to moisturize as often as those who have dry, normal or combination skin.

You could spend hundreds of dollars on skin care products and only achieve clear, healthy skin for a short period of time. A daily skin care routine, along with a healthy diet, drinking lots of water, exercising and protecting your skin from sun damage, will help you achieve healthy skin for a lifetime.

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Avene is a product line created for individuals with sensitive skin who may have recently had a skin condition become reactive. It seems recently there have been more cases of skin issues than ever before, often leaving those affected being unable to treat themselves or use most products as they react to the products they attempt to use. Avene was created for individuals who are unable to use other products, focusing specifically on their needs in order for them to be able to care for their skin without having to sacrifice the products which could help them.

Avene skin care products can help an individual with sensitive skin by offering a wide range of available products which target multiple needs. For instance, anti-aging from Avene can help an individual remove signs of aging without the harmful chemicals which are so widely used today. Sunscreens are also important as they help protect skin from the harmful effects of the sun, which can advance signs of aging and create brown sun spots on the skin. These spots even have the ability to become much worse as you age but they can be treated or you can simply be prepared and make sure that these spots are something that you will not get or have to deal with as a part of your life and your skin.

Avene also has a great cosmetic line focusing on different needs including cleansers, make-up concealers, moisturizers, and make-up. Each of these products is aimed at sensitive skin and the needs of the body by meeting what each person needs without adding harmful chemicals. Avene cosmetics are especially important not only due to the amount of allergies and reactions which are transpiring, but also because of helping the way that you feel about yourself and your skin. Emotions are important for your health and when you skin is healthy and taken care of it can help you too become healthier and have an easier time taking care of yourself and feeling great about the way that you look at all times.

When a person feels self conscious about their skin they may also feel self conscious while around other people. This can cause a great deal of embarrassment and can make a person feel uncomfortable having company, or even worse, have them decide that they would rather give up a part of their social life. Nothing should get to stand in your way and Avene tries to make sure that nothing can not even sensitive skin. This means that when you go shopping for you skin care products, rather then roaming down the isles trying to find something you skin might be able to handle or trying product after product that you have a reaction to you can simply look for Avene. Feel the comfort of Avene and feel comfortable knowing that it will work and that you will not have to miss any social engagement due to the way that you feel about your skin or how it looks at the time.

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