FitSugar

How Much Do You Really Know About Wrinkles?

Miriam Lacey — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 08:03:27 PST

Wrinkles happen. They're a universal fact of life, but unfortunately we live in a society that makes that fact hard to take. Besides the fearmongering about aging that's become a general refrain in the popular discourse, there's also just a lot of misinformation out there about just what wrinkles are and how they're caused. Do you have the plain facts about how lines form and what you can actually do to manage them? Take the quiz to find out.

Take the Quiz

How to Reduce Wrinkles Without Botox

BellaTV — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 09:00:00 PDT

If you’re looking for a way to reduce frown lines but don’t want to go the Botox route, take a look at Frownies. Watch our video to see how easy they are to use, and why they make for a cheaper alternative to expensive treatments.

Take a Photo, Watch Your Moles

BellaSugar — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 09:00:48 PDT

There are loads of acne creams, wrinkle treatments, but do they really work? A new website called SkinOfMine.com hopes to help you discover the answer by allowing you to evaluate their effectiveness. All you have to do is take a "before" photo of yourself, upload it, and follow the cropping and analyzing instructions. Later, upload an "after" photo for comparison. Software scans the photos to note changes in things like texture, tone, and appearance.

The least sexy, but most helpful, tool on the website is the mole analyzer. While it can't replace the expert advice of a doctor, it does allow you to track changes over time. You can even email your snapshots to the derm through the website. So if you're tracking the shape of your moles - which could truly be a life-saver - this makes doing so a lot easier.

The FDA Is Cracking Down on Cosmetics Claims

BellaSugar — Mon, 24 May 2010 13:00:00 PDT

If you've ever bought a product that promised to have sunscreen or be antiaging only to wind up with a sunburn and no noticeably wrinkle-free skin, you'll be happy to know that the FDA is about to start taking action. It's considered illegal for a brand to say that its product counteracts or controls the aging process, and that's exactly why the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research is launching a major initiative to begin enforcing drug claims on imported cosmetics, which include SPF, antiaging, and antiwrinkle claims.

FDA warning letters have already been sent out to several large firms, and just last month, several products were put on the agency's Import Alert #66-38, a watch list of cosmetic manufacturers who have been found to import cosmetics that carry drug claims. I don't expect to see big changes immediately, but it will be interesting to see just how far the FDA will go with its enforcement. What do you think? Will this initiative ever get off the ground, or is it a good idea, but too difficult to enforce?

DrSugar Answers: Petroleum Products Safe Around the Eyes?

DrSugar — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 04:30:12 PST

DrSugar is in the house! This week she's answering a question about treating wrinkles.

Dear DrSugar,
I have noticed the fine lines around my eyes becoming not so fine. I know it is just basic aging, but I would like to slow the process down. My sister said to put petroleum jelly (she uses Aquaphor) around my eyes at night. I've never used an eye cream before and am not really a fan of petroleum jelly - it just doesn't seem like a good idea to put a petroleum product on my skin, especially by my eyes. Is it safe? Will my body absorb dangerous chemicals?
- Concerned About Chemicals

I’m going to admit that I had to do some reconnaissance in my local drugstore to research this question. This research involved reading the labels of both regular petroleum jelly and Aquaphor (a Eucerin product). I also did the inevitable Google search for "Aquaphor" and for "fine lines and wrinkles." As a woman in her early 30s, this question interested me a bit personally as, like the reader, I am definitely noticing some little lines and crevices on my face! To learn more about the aging process and if you should be treating it with Vaseline, keep on reading.

Beauty Byte: Sun Exposure Causes Increased Genetic Mutations

BellaSugar — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 12:01:00 PDT

Do you ever wonder why some people seem to age at a rapid pace, while others look years younger than what their birth certificate might suggest? That's just what P&G Beauty scientists recently sought to discover, using genomics to learn more about the aging of skin.

While lower levels of collagen, increased inflammation, and a decrease in hydration-enhancing molecules in the skin all contribute to aging, there's one other factor that might surprise you. You know that sun isn't great for your skin, but as it turns out, it's really not great for your skin. Shockingly, skin that had not been exposed to the sun had around 3,000 genetic mutations, but skin with exposure had - are you ready for this? - nearly 10,000 genetic mutations. So if that's not another reason for you to run and grab the sunscreen, I don't know what is.

Are UVA and UVB Rays Equally Harmful?

FitSugar — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 14:30:00 PDT

Sunscreen is a must for anyone who spends time outside. Your bottle probably mentions something about UVA and UVB rays. Since you care so much about your health, I thought I'd refresh your mind on the difference between the two.

UVA rays: These are less likely to cause sunburn than UVB rays, but they penetrate your skin more deeply. Watch out because UVA rays can go through windows, lightweight clothing, and even your car windshield. Prolonged exposure cracks and shrinks the collagen and elastin in your skin, which is why UVA rays are responsible for signs of aging including wrinkles, saggy and leathery skin, and suns spots.

UVB rays: These are responsible for tanning your skin, but they also cause sunburn. UVB rays are the main culprit when it comes to skin cancer. These rays also go through windows, and it doesn't matter if it's cloudy - you're still at risk for exposure.

Although both types are responsible for different health risks, they're equally harmful to your skin. So if you're planning on enjoying the day outdoors, lube up with a sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays 20 to 30 minutes before heading out. Reapply at least every two hours.

Style For Style: Fly the Fab Skies

FabSugar — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 09:00:22 PDT

Want to look as cool and collected as Charlize while jetsetting? Pay attention.

Whether you vacation in the Summer or Winter (moi), as relaxing as a vacation can be, sometimes getting to and from is not so. I wouldn't call myself extremely well-traveled but my passport is pretty colorful. I have some tips when it comes to packing and making the airport trek as smooth sailing as possible. But before I divulge, remember: travel is stressful but what awaits on the other end is bliss. So sit back, remember to breathe and enjoy the ride.

Diane von Furstenberg delivers us many wise words and on the topic of packing, here are some, "I think if you've figured out how to pack, you've figured out your life." So don't fret my friends, mastering the art of packing is a life long task.

Packing 101

Maintain a coordinated color palette. That doesn’t mean it has to be boring! Red, purple, black and dark denim is a modern and interesting combination. As for the tropics, how does yellow, purple, white and gold sound? Fabulous.
Consider dresses, lots of dresses. Here is an item that’s easy to throw on and is an outfit in itself.
Keep shoes neutral; black, brown, metallic and white shoes/sandals. This will make things less stressful when trying to color coordinate outfits and accessories.

For lots more Fab travel tips and to learn my travel essentials,

Razzle dazzle. Jewelry can liven up any look. I only travel with costume jewelry, for fear of theft or losing things. Do not pack your jewelry in your checked luggage - carry it with you.
Fold n' roll. Some items are better to roll, some are better to fold. Roll thin, delicate fabric tops and dresses; fold tougher, bigger items like jeans and jackets.
Handbags. This is the time to utilize your favorite, most functional, handbags; always bring a clutch for a night out or quick dinner.
Storage. You can store your costume jewelry, and small accessories like belts, within your clutch within your bigger handbags. This way your jewelry is protected and won’t break. Again, storing jewelry in your main bag is only recommended if you're not checking your luggage.
Wrinkle prevention. Carolina Herrera recommends using a lot of tissue paper, placing it between folds and garments, to prevent wrinkles. Also, extra TP always comes in handy, no?

In Flight

I always carry a comfy, cloth headband when I travel. In flight hair gets flat or static attack; you can slip one on, look put together and have your hair out of your face.
Cardigans. I find cardis are great travelers; they are lightweight, versatile and feminine. They manage to be cozy but not suffocating.
Cold feet. I tend to wear sandals on flights in warmer months. For a short flight I don't mind, but for a long one my toes get chilly. To prevent discomfort, and possibly getting sick, bring a pair of favorite socks so you can feel at ease throughout the flight.
Scarves are a must. Or pashminas. They may be trendy but they're also functional. Case in point: Charlize!
Hoop earrings - big or small - are ideal for travel. They don't scream wealth and they provide a touch of fancy for when you're feeling frumpy. They also work well with earphones, unlike big studs or chunky jewelry.
Go go green. Save some plastic and do your body, and planet, good by carrying a SIGG bottle rather than multiple bottles. These come in many fun designs now so pick one that communicates your personal style.
Just in case. I always carry a pair of clean undies in a Ziploc bag; if you're going to the tropics, I also recommend bagging a bikini - if anything goes wrong, you can swim your troubles away STAT.

Destination Anywhere

Worrisome wrinkles. Bring any wrinkled-en-route items into the bathroom with you when you (finally) get to your hotel and take a shower, hang it on the door, and let the steam naturally take some of the wrinkles away. No worries.
Lint control. Remember: you can always use the luggage stickers from the airline as a lint removing sticker!
Enjoy yourself!

Fame

Casa Quickie: Bon Voyage Wrinkles!

CasaSugar — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 13:00:25 PDT

If you leave your clothes in the dryer after the cycle has ended, your clothes will wrinkle. Since you probably don't want to sit around and watch that pot boil, and most dryers aren't equipped with a loud siren to let you know when the time's up, wrinkles are kind of inevitable. To smooth out the wrinkles, throw a slightly damp, white towel in your dryer with your clothes. Then, turn the dryer back on for 20 minutes. The wrinkles should disappear. How about that for a magic trick? It's too bad this trick doesn't work for your skin . . . Oil of Olay would totally be out of business.
Source

FDA Warning: Think Before You Botox

FitSugar — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 14:45:00 PST

A while back, remember how Botox injections were approved to help with excessive sweating? Well you may want to put a hold on using Botox for anything, because the FDA has issued a warning against Botox, since 16 deaths have been reportedly caused by it.

In case you didn't know it, Botox is made from the botulinum toxin, and it's often injected into the face to relax muscles and make wrinkles disappear. In rare instances the toxin can spread to other parts of the body, causing the muscles used for breathing and swallowing to weaken and become paralyzed, potentially proving fatal.

If you're thinking about getting Botox injections for cosmetic reasons, talk to your doctor about the FDA warnings. If I were you, I'd learn to embrace my old age since it's undeniably better than dying trying to stop it.

Want to see a video about this? Then

Warning: Don't watch this if you have a thing against needles.

Source