Our Take on Wrinkles

OUR TAKE:
We learned over the past several weeks, that there are different ways of dealing with wrinkles.
You can choose to undergo a procedure or apply something to the affected area.
You can choose to eat foods that help keep your skin youthful.
And, you can use over the counter wrinkle removers which are very much in demand because they are affordable.
Over the counter wrinkle removers will not perform a miracle overnight because as we all know those nasty wrinkles did not appear overnight.
You will have to use it consistently for days or even weeks before you see any results because again, these wrinkles occurred over time.
Whatever you use, make sure that you only use the kind that is of good quality with the right combination of vitamins and nutrients.
To give you an idea, here are the things you can get the next time you head on over to the store.
- There are alpha hydroxyl acids or AHA. These products are water soluble and one example is Glycolic acid cream that helps remove hyper pigmentations and helps with photo damage, thickening of the dermal collagen and increase cellular turnover.
- AHA’s contain lactic acids and when you buy this from the store, you should get the kind that has higher concentrations as lower ones cause irritation.
- There is betahydroxy acids or BHA. These are lipid soluble. Most of the products in the market are exfoliants, anti-inflammatory and comedolytic. These are sold by some of the most popular names in the business and often recommended by dermatologists.
- Combination hydroxy acids or CHA have both the ingredients of AHA and BHA. Don’t think that buying the first two products and then mixing it together will have the same effect because it won’t as each has its own pH level.
- There are also products that have enzymes. The nice thing about it is that these are not irritating and it only digests the dead skin layer. It also stimulates cell turnover and allows other products to penetrate the skin. Two of the most common happen to be fruits namely papaya and pineapple.
- Then there are the topical products. These are available in vitamin A, C and E and purchased in the form of creams and lotions. Vitamin A for instance reduces and eliminates wrinkles by breaking down the free radicals in the body. Vitamins C and E on the other hand are antioxidants and also does the same thing.
- Something that can work with Vitamin C and E are alpha lipioc acids because it is also an anti-oxidant. It works by penetrating the cell membrane to eliminate free radicals that have already been broken down.
To find the best over the counter wrinkle remover takes time. This is because you have to compare how one does over the other. To help you out, you can try visiting various websites that have gathered all the information you need such as the price, its effectiveness, quality and wrinkle cream ratings. With this information, you will be able to find the right one for you to use.
None of the over the counter wrinkle removers will perform a miracle overnight. You will have to use it consistently for days or even weeks before you see any results because again, these wrinkles occurred over time. Whatever you use, make sure that you only use the kind that is of good quality with the right combination of vitamins and nutrients.
REMEMBER: If you are able to find something that works, why change it? You should just stick with what you have until something better and more affordable comes along.

Again, we hope you learned some new information on wrinkles through this series.

We look forward to our future series on Wellness and don't forget to take a sneak peek of our incredible new wellness offers.

Wrinkle Relief? Don't believe everything you Read or see on TV

This is our last installment on our wrinkle series and we truly hope we have given you some great advice.

When choosing your anti-wrinkle serum or cream, there are some people who are skeptics about the information that one brand is better than the other because he or she was paid to make it look that way.

We believe you have to try it out to see who is telling the truth.

For example: Looks like the “big boys” are in a bit of hot water over their claims on how well their Over the Counter Wrinkle Removers work on wrinkles.

READ ON….

----- Estée Lauder in trouble over “instant” wrinkle filler

By Katie Bird, 07 Jan, 2009

“Estée Lauder is the latest company to run into trouble with the UK advertising standards agency (ASA) for making claims about it's product that could not be supported.

The print advert claimed that by using the Tri-Aktiline Instant Deep Wrinkle Filler consumer would “start to see your wrinkles disappear INSTANTLY!”.

Other claims in the advert included “After 4 weeks of continued use: 83 percent reported improvement in the appearance of lines. After 8 weeks of continued used: clinical studies measured a 45 percent visible reduction in wrinkle depth and length”.

According the Estée Lauder the claim was based on a clinical test on 25 women using photo imaging techniques. The company explained that Tri-Aktiline was formulated with polymers that act as fillers for the lines and wrinkles in the skin, hence the instantaneous effect.

Unsubstantiated claims

The company submitted the study to the ASA. However, after seeking expert advice, the regulatory body concluded it was not sufficient to support the claim. Criticisms of the trial included the fact that it was non-randomized, not blind and did not contain a control group

Estée Lauder also conducted a consumer evaluations study on 50 women, concluding that 68% of participants reported that Tri-Aktiline was either extremely, either very or somewhat effective in immediately filing in fine lines or wrinkles.

According to the ASA, however, full method and results of the consumer study were not submitted so this cannot be taken as supporting evidence.

Estée Lauder has been asked by the SAS not to publish this advert again I its current form.”

http://www.cosmeticsdesign-europe.com/Products-Markets/Estee-Lauder-in-trouble-over-instant-wrinkle-filler

----- L’Oreal taken to court in Sweden for marketing claims

By Katie Bird, 18 June, 2009

“L’Oreal is being taken to the Market Court in Sweden for claims about anti-ageing products that the Consumer Ombudsman (KO) says it can’t substantiate.

The KO, a government body that can defend the interests of the consumer against companies in court, claims that marketing for L’Oreal’s Lancôme High Resolution and Vichy LiftActiv Pro are not backed up by scientific evidence.

According to the KO Lancôme adverts claim the product can smooth out wrinkles by up to 70 per cent.

In the case of Vichy, the KO said that L’Oreal claims the product is the source of healthy skin and can reduce wrinkles by up to 43 percent.

Such strong marketing claims, which border on those made for pharmaceutical products, should be backed up by strong evidence, according to the KO

It maintained this evidence has not yet been provided and is taking the matter to the Market Court (Swedish Court solely dealing with cases relating to marketing) to stop the campaign.

In addition, the KO said it is calling on the Market Court to clarify the kinds of evidence required for this type of marketing claim.”

http://www.cosmeticsdesign-europe.com:80/Products-Markets/L-Oreal-taken-to-court-in-Sweden-for-marketing

---- Proctor and Gamble ads for instant wrinkle filler “unsubstantiated”

By Katie Bird, 01 July, 2009

Proctor and Gamble (P&G) joins L’Oreal and Estee Lauder in the ranks of cosmetics giants rapped over unsubstantiated advertising claims for anti-ageing products.

Certain claims made by the company in print advertisement for its Olay Regenerist 30 second wrinkle filler could not be substantiated, according to the UK’s advertising Standards Agency (ASA)

Within the advert, P&G claimed the product instantly reduces the appearance of winkles and last throughout the day.

Additional text stated: “the advanced micro-bead formula fills and smoothes the appearance of lines and keep wrinkles to give precise results all day. So if you have 30 second, you can have younger looking skin.”

According to the ASA, it was the claim that effects lasted throughout the day that could not be substantiated.

http://www.cosmeticsdesign-europe.com/Products-Markets/Procter-and-Gamble-ads-for-instant-wrinkle-filler-unsubstantiated

OUR TAKE:

We learned over the past several weeks, that there are different ways of dealing with wrinkles.

See my next Blog.......

The Relationship Between The Sun And Wrinkles

Many may not be aware, but the sun and wrinkles are closely related with each other and reading further will help you piece together the relationship between the sun and wrinkles.

It is a fact that exposure to ultraviolet light, whether UVA or UVB, that is derived from sunlight, accounts for 90% of the symptoms of premature skin aging.

Since most of the photoaging effects occur by the age of 20, the amount of damage to the skin caused by the sun is determined by the total lifetime amount of radiation exposure and the pigment protection.

Among the changes in the epidermis caused by continued exposure to the sun include, many harmful, thinning of the epidermis and the growth of skin lesions such as actinic keratoses, squamous cell carcinomas and basal cell carcinomas,
Prolonged exposure to the sun cause collagen in the dermis to break down at a higher rate than just chronologic aging.

Collagen fibers get damaged by sunlight and causes the accumulation of abnormal elastin and when this sun-induced elastin accumulates, enzymes called metalloproteinases are produced in large quantities.

Under normal conditions, these enzymes are responsible for fixing sun-injured skin by manufacturing and reforming collagen.

However, this process does not always work well and some of the enzymes actually break down collagen, resulting to the formation of disorganized collagen fibers known as solar scars.

And when the skin repeats this flawed rebuilding process, wrinkles develop.
As the sun continues to be the principal suspect in causing wrinkles, the most important skin-care product available to prevent wrinkles is sunscreen, but most people do not use sunscreen correctly.

It would be best to consider the important factors with sunscreen use, especially with the spectrum of UV radiation absorbed, the amount of sunscreen applied, and the frequency of application.

As mentioned earlier, the sun gives off ultraviolet (UV) rays that can be divided into categories based on the wavelength.

UVC radiation is absorbed by the atmosphere and does not cause skin damage, while UVB radiation affects the outer layer of skin, the epidermis, and is the primary agent responsible for sunburns.

UVB does not penetrate glass and the intensity of UVB radiation depends on the time of day and season.

UVA radiation, on the other hand, penetrates deep into the skin and works more efficiently and cannot also be filtered by glass, but overexposure to UVA can also be dangerous.

The intensity of UVA radiation is more constant than UVB without the variations during the day and throughout the year.

Regardless of their wavelengths, both UVA and UVB radiation can cause wrinkles as it breaks down collagen, creating free radicals, and inhibiting natural repair mechanisms of the skin.

A classification system of sun-sensitivity is the Skin Phototype (SPT) classification, which is being used to determine the potency and spectrum of protection that sunscreen formulations help protect from these radiation, as well as inhibit, if not minimize, wrinkles.

Especially people with skin types I and II are at the highest risk for photoaging effects including wrinkles and skin cancer, thus the proper use of sunscreen to block both UVA and UVB radiation is an important in the battle against wrinkles.

Using Ballymoon’s Day Crème’ with NATURAL SUNBLOCK, which blocks both the UVA and UVB radiation and is one answer to great skin protection.

I have been using Ballymoon’s facial line since I discovered them at Spruce Meadows in December 2004. The Anti-Wrinkle Serum is amazing! It tightens the skin and minimizes the appearance of wrinkles. The Day and Night Moisturizers absorb quickly into the skin and leaves my skin feeling incredibly soft, definitely not greasy. I’ve received many compliments about my complexion since I began using Ballymoon’s skin care line. One of the things I especially enjoy about all the Ballymoon products are the amazing scents. They are fragrant but light, not overpowering. Besides the way my skin looks and feels I’ve probably kept a regular skin care regime because I love the smell of the Cleanser, Toner, Anti-wrinkle Serum and the Moisturizers. I also use the Body Butter which is an absolutely amazing product. It really, really moisturizes my skin!!! Again the scent is very nice and the “Winter In Kilkenny” scent is unisex so that my husband likes to use it as well.
Truly wonderful products! I am glad that Ballymoon is branching out to other venues so it will be easier to refill when I run out. I forgot to mention that although the products may seem expensive you only need a small amount of product to achieve amazing results, so the products last a long time.

- Amber Leeson BSc, BEd - Senior High School Chemistry Teacher
As promised, the relationship between the sun and wrinkles has been established and the age-old adage still holds true that says, an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure.

To determine your skin type:

Take the Skin Cancer Foundation’s “Where Does Your Skin Fit In? Quiz” created by Dr. Thomas Fitzpatrick, MD, of Harvard Medical School.
http://www.skincancer.org/fitzpatrick-skin-quiz.html?gclid=COvAm-Six5wCFRIcawodm1huJQ.

Nine Wrinkle Fighting Foods by the Experts at Ballymoon Beauty

A proper diet can help us maintain a healthy lifestyle. If you don’t want to have creases on your face or your skin, you should know what wrinkle fighting foods are good to eat. Here are nine examples.

1. Spinach and other green leafy vegetables - are good because it contains lutein that helps give the skin its essential antioxidant mechanism by maintaining skin hydration and elasticity.

Ideally, you should eat about 10mg of this daily which equates to about 4oz of this vegetable.

2. Beans - are another because they are rich in antioxidants. Among the different kinds, red beans are the best because it contains the highest number of antioxidants that helps replace deteriorated collagen of the skin.

3. Tomatoes - just like beans they have antioxidants and also lycopene. A substance that reduces the risk of developing cancer and happens to be more powerful than Vitamin E supplements which are used to help the skin stay healthy. The best part about eating tomatoes is that you can eat this together with pasta, salad or a sandwich.

4. Turkey - Aside from vegetables, turkey helps prevent wrinkles because it is rich in Vitamin B. It also has protein that slows the process in the skin known as cross-linking. So don’t wait until Thanksgiving to add this to your diet.

5. Goji berries - are rich in Vitamin C that will help fight free radicals that damage the skin. Believe it or not, they contain 500 times more Vitamin C per ounce than what you get from oranges. It also has antioxidants such as vitamin B1, B2, B6 and E as well as linoleic acid, an essential fat that plumps up the skin making it look smoother and younger.

6. Flaxseed - is rich in Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. You can mix this with other dishes like cookies and bread. The more you eat, the plumper your skin cells will be thus hiding away those wrinkles.

7. Beetroot - is another vegetable that can help prevent wrinkles as it is low in calories and high in fiber. It also contains antioxidants and a pigment called anthocyanins that are known to support collagen production in the skin. You can cook this in a variety of ways such as curried, boiled, roasted and pickled.

8. Chocolate - many of us see chocolates simply as a delightful snack or as a dessert. But few of us know that this contains polyphenol, a substance that rids the body of the active oxygen that causes aging. Not only that, it can also protect against UV damage which is also one of the causes of skin aging.

9. Salmon - just like flaxseed contains Omega 3 fatty acids which reduce inflammation and helps lubricate the skin.

There are other things we can eat aside from the 9 examples mentioned to prevent wrinkles from happening. You should consult with your doctor or do some research on your own so you will know how to plan your diet.

Aside from eating, you shouldn’t forget to exercise regularly and drink lots of water so your skin remains flexible and hydrated at all times. You shouldn’t drink or smoke as this also helps the skin stay young and wrinkle free.

There are wrinkle fighting foods around. Know what they are and then get these items from the grocery store.

The Low Down on Wrinkles Series by the Experts at Ballymoon Beauty

Can We Help Prevent Wrinkled Skin? YES!!


Nine Skin Care Tips to Help Prevent

Here are Nine Skin Care Tips that you should follow in order to slow down the aging process of your skin.


Overexposure to the sun continues to be the principal suspect in causing wrinkles, the most important skin-care product available to prevent wrinkles is sunblock and/or sunblock and/or sunscreen, but most people do not use sunblock and/or sunblock and/or sunscreen correctly.
Avoid Smoking.


Keep Hydrated - drinking lots of water is important. Colas, soft drinks and sport drinks cannot replace the benefit of good water. If the body does not have enough water, the skin becomes thinner making is sag.


Skin Care - engage daily in a simple but effective skin regimen that includes:


Cleansing your face morning and evening using a mild soap. Strong soaps does the exact opposite and only makes the skin less healthy and more prone to wrinkles forming as it kills the top layers of skin and seeping the oil out of the layers of skin.


Exfoliate your skin three times weekly to remove dead and dry skin cells and encourage the body to produce new skin cells. This enables the skin to absorb the cream or the moisturizer better since it is hydrated.


Apply a moisturizing facial creams that contain AHA’s or alpha-hydroxic acids and Vitamin A. every morning and evening after washing as this helps retain moisture in the skin. This type of a moisturizer works by clearing away dead cells on the surface of the skin. It encourages collagen growth which fills in the wrinkles and also counteracts free radicals that can damage the skin.


You can prevent wrinkles the natural way by cutting a piece from an aloe vera plant and then apply this to the skin as the leaf itself contains malic acid. Papaya is another good example to use because it contains enzymes that can etch away the top layer of the skin.


Watching your diet and include foods that are rich in Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids that will help you achieve healthy skin cell structure.


Exercise regularly as this helps maintain general health and improve circulation to the skin.


Lead a healthy lifestyle.


Stay happy

How to Give Yourself an At-Home Manicure by the Experts at Ballymoon Beauty

Did you know that our hands are one the first three areas that shows our age earliest. We can delay the signs of aging on our hands by following some simple daily steps.

Protect your hands by wearing gloves while gardening, washing dishes, cleaning and in cold weather.

Keep hands soft and smooth by using Ballymoon’s Emerald Isle Hand & Foot Treatment once a day. It exfoliates, cleans and moisturizes. Most importantly, wear sunscreen on your hands to help prevent age spots. Ballymoon’s “Defense” Sun and Insect lotion is a wise choice. Once a week, give yourself your own at-home manicure.

How?

1. Remove any nail polish (Wearing nail polish continually doesn’t allow the nails to breathe and turns them yellow - nail polish remover dries out the nail causing them to split – give your nails a rest from polish at least once a month).

2. An emery board is a good tool to use when shaping the nails. File in one direction (not back and forth). Square or rounded shaping is preferred.

3. Use a good quality Natural Bristle Nail Brush with a bit of baking soda (it will get rid of all that unwanted dirt under nails).

4. In a bowl, pour warm water add: 1 drop each of Eucalyptus, Peppermint, Lavender and 1 Lemon. Move your fingers around in the bowl for 5 – 10 minutes then pat dry.

5. Gently push back cuticle using a wet Q tip.

6. Using a nail buffer, buff nails apply light pressure – excessive pressure thins the nail.

7. Save the best for last! Stir Ballymoon’s Emerald Isle Hand & Foot, and put a few drops in the palm of your hand. Rub your hands together as though washing with soap and water for about 30 seconds (be sure not to forget those nails and cuticles you just treated). Lightly rinse off the salt, and then pat dry (make sure you pat – you don’t want to rub off all those beneficial oils!)

A high quality Manicure tool set will supply you with all the tools mentioned here. After the manicure, apply a nail strengthener. Create your own. This recipe consists of high quality nourishing oils.

Nail Strengthener 10 ml of Grapeseed Oil • 10 drops of Apricot Kernel or Avocado Oil • 8 drops of Lemon Essential Oil • 3 drops of Rosemary Essential Oil • 3 drops of Lavender Essential Oil

Mix all ingredients together and apply. wait for at least 10 – 15 minutes to allow the oils to be absorbed before applying nail polish.

For a quick nail & cuticle treatment, whip up this recipe – it will make a few batches so you can store it in your fridge to use next week.Nail & Cuticle Treatment• 2 tablespoons of Grapeseed Oil • 2 tablespoons of Jojoba Oil • 3 tablespoons of Olive Oil • 3 tablespoons of Honey • 5 Vitamin E capsules (you will have to break them open).

More tips to keep your hands and nails top notch: Give new life to old looking yellow nails, scrub them with white vinegar.

Very chapped hands use Ballymoon’s Emerald Isle Hand & Foot Treatment, and follow with a layer of Ballymoon’s Body Butter. Wear a thin cotton pair of gloves to bed such as Ballymoon's Manicure Gloves. What a remarkable difference!