NouveauDerm Blog

Hair Removal: The Bare Facts

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 19:02:00 GMT

Prefer silky legs, a bare back or an overall more groomed appearance? So did the cavemen, who used sharpened stones to shave. Ancient Egyptians saw hairlessness as a status symbol (those long raven manes were wigs) and used anything from beeswax to – yikes - hippopotamus fat to wax. Today, management options of one’s hirsute regions are less vile and far more effective, with electrolysis and laser or intense pulsed light (IPL) as primary options. But which is truly the best option? Finally, the bare facts:

Electrolysis

Electrolysis has been in use for over a century and can claim that it provides “permanent hair removal” under FDA guidelines. During an electrolysis treatment, a very thin, electrified needle is inserted into the hair follicle, heating and destroying it. This method is effective on all hair colors, so an important distinction about electrolysis is that it is the only option for white, gray, blond or red hair.

Because the method can only treat one hair at a time, electrolysis is slow, and some people find it painful. Even a small area, such as an upper lip, can take as long as four hours. (1) At average prices between $70 and $130 per hour of treatment, large areas can become extremely costly and time consuming. (2)

Intense Pulsed Light

IPL is not really a laser but uses a similar light-based technology. The main difference is that laser uses one specific wavelength of light, while IPL uses a full spectrum of short, intense pulses that can treat a larger area and will work on a wider range of skin types. This method results in an “80% permanent reduction” of hair growth in an average of 6-8, low-pain treatments. Maintenance is needed; on its website the Mayo Clinic advises its patients to expect a maintenance treatment every 6 – 12 months. Anyone receiving laser or IPL is also advised to use precaution in the sun to avoid hyperpigmentation.

. . . So How Do I Choose?

If you have dark hair and light skin, you can choose between IPL and electrolysis (remember that if you have light hair and certain skin types, electrolysis is your only option). Making a choice can depend on whether you want to be a purest about “permanent removal” versus “permanent reduction” and your feelings about time, cost and pain.

IPL can take as little as a few minutes for a small area like a lip to only a few hours for a large area like a back. According to 2010 statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost per treatment is $383 (NouveauDerm’s costs fall below this), but patients require far fewer IPL treatments than electrolysis to achieve similar visible results. (3) Because of this the Society for Clinical and Medical Hair Removal, Inc. states that laser [and IPL] treatments may be less costly overall.

. . . So Which Hurts Less, Really?

The bottom line seems to be speed; the bee sting-like prickings of electrolysis performed over a long period of time in the same, very small area seems to be less comfortable for most people.

. . . I Got a Groupon for 90% Off on IPL! That’s a Great Deal, Right?

Not always - it’s critical that if you’re going to spend any amount of money for hair removal that you get the best treatment, appropriately timed to maximize results. Treating too often is completely ineffective. Often patients who buy deals are required to use those deals in too short a window of time to effectively treat their area of concern.

To illustrate, 8 – 10 weeks is needed between leg treatments. If you’re required to schedule treatments at 4 week intervals to use your coupon or deal, you are treating hair that is not in the growth stage – achieving absolutely nothing. We see many clients who come to us having been told that their hair “wasn’t responsive,” when the problem is that the treatments were scheduled too closely together.

The Bare Bottom Line

There is no one-size-fits-all option, but fortunately there are enough methods available to treat just about anyone. Just be sure to choose the right method for your needs, provided by a knowledgeable and trained professional, and time it right. Consultations are available at NouveauDerm to help you develop the best plan of attack in your battle to be bare.

⁽¹⁾Silberman, Louis. “The Battle to Be Bare.” Skin, Inc. 24.2 (2012): 43.

⁽²⁾Electrolysis Help. The Average Cost of Electrolysis. 2006 -2007. April 2012. <http://www.electrolysishelp.com/cost_of_electrolysis.html>.

⁽³⁾American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Report of the 2010 Plastic Surgery Statistics. 20.

Great news about TNS Illuminating Eye Cream!

Wed, 13 Jul 2011 16:58:00 GMT

InStyle Magazine

June 2011-Dr. Jeanine Downie recommends Skinmedica TNS Illuminating Eye Cream as an eye product to use in your 40’s, as the growth factors will help fight sagging skin, fine lines and wrinkles.

Tips to keep your pet safe this 4th of July!

Sun, 03 Jul 2011 13:06:00 GMT

The Fourth of July is time for families to gather and celebrate America’s birthday with food and fun.

However, not all family members may enjoy July 4 as much as others – namely the four-legged, furry ones.

It can be very loud for cats, dogs and other pets with nearby fireworks and large gatherings of people. They can be stressed out very easily, and make otherwise happy, well-behaved pets act uncharacteristically bad or make them run for the hills.

To avoid unnecessary stress on pets and keep them all safe, here are some tips compiled by Nancy E. Hassel of LIPetPlace.com

Make sure pets have a collar with ID tags on them at all times during this holiday weekend. Some owners like to take their pets’ flat collars off when they’re in the house. However, keep in mind that the first set of fireworks that goes off could scare pets so much they may bolt out your front door and take off.
If your pet is terrified of loud noises, try using products like Rescue Remedy or Canine Calm, or in extreme cases contact your veterinarian for help. Your vet may be able to prescribe tranquilizer/valium pills ahead of time.
Leave your pets home in a secured house. Pets don’t need to be at fireworks shows. This is especially true for dogs if it’s unknown how your dog might react. Some dogs don’t seem to mind, but think about their sensitive hearing.
To avoid having friends and family feeding your dog or cat during a holiday barbecue, ask them not to do so or have your pet in a safe, cool room away from all of the guests. Check on the pet often, and make sure he/she has fresh water and a comfy place to sleep away from the crowd. Even lock the door if you can. Guests who aren’t pet-savvy could accidentally open or leave the door open, and your pet could escape.
Some dogs, horses and even cats are fine while attending a parade with you, but know your pet. Shaking, panting, drooling or pulling on the leash are all signs of stress. Some pets don’t do well in large crowds. If you see your pet is stressed, then it’s best to leave the parade.
If you bring dog on your boat or to the beach, then also bring plenty of cold bottled water, pet-safe bug spray and sunscreen, an extra leash and collar with ID, treats and a doggie life jacket. Monitor the dog for overheating, bug bites and ticks, and make sure paws aren’t on hot surfaces for a long time. Don’t forget poop pick-up bags.
If you’re traveling for July 4th with your pet, then find out where the nearest 24-hour emergency clinic is located at your destination. Make sure there are no breed restrictions at your location either. While en route use a safety harness that clips into the seatbelt of your car, or crate your pet while traveling. Have a first-aid kit in your car especially for pets, and bring extra pet food and water.

Nancy E. Hassel is the editor-in-chief of LIPetPlace.com

A travel tip for your summer trip!

Tue, 14 Jun 2011 16:16:00 GMT

Going away for the summer?
Packing to go away on a trip can be exciting but also stressful sometimes especially if you also need to pack for the kids, animals etc. I found a tip that worked for me and my family and hopefully it will work for you.

When going on a trip, write down on each separate piece of paper what you need, the kids needs and the animals. Once you have listed all the items, laminate it and stick it somewhere that is handy when you get started to pack. This will allow you to feel at ease to look at each list and check off with a dry-erase pen exactly what you need. Always use reusable bags for the animals products and sunscreens, make up, you want to make sure they don't break or leak on to anything valuable. I hope this tip helped and enjoy your summer trip!

Spring Clean Your Personal Care Routine

Tue, 31 May 2011 15:10:00 GMT

A great article I wanted to share with you by Allergan the makers of Botox and Juvederm.

Spring Clean Your Personal Care Routine

Your Makeup Bag

Toss It
Anything you can't remember buying. Cosmetics don't have expiration dates printed on them, but that doesn't mean you should keep them forever. Expired cosmetics are prime breeding ground for bacteria that can cause breakouts and skin infections. Also trash anything that's dried out. Be sure to check your mascara, liquid eyeliner, lip gloss, cream blush or eye shadow, concealer or foundation.

Donate It
Any unopened cosmetics that you haven't used in three months. Donating them to domestic violence shelters in your community can help women who need a beauty boost and free up space in your makeup bag for products you'll actually use.

Replace It
If your favorite lipstick is down to a nub, treat yourself to a new one. One to try: Yves Saint Laurent Gloss Volupté Gloss Stick in 2, a sheer, barely there pink that makes you look like you were born with perfect lips.

Buy It
Three-ounce containers from your beauty supply store. You can transfer your must-have products to these tiny containers when you travel.

Try It
Clean up all the cosmetics you're keeping by wiping down containers and cases. You'll feel like you've got all new makeup and reduce the ick factor in your makeup bag.

Upgrade It
Your makeup bag. A new bag gives you an excuse to clean out your old bag and keep your new one neat.

Your Hair

Toss It
Any brushes or combs with broken bristles or teeth. They'll snag your hair, causing split ends and damage.

Buy It
Upgrade to a new hairbrush. Go with a boar bristle brush if your hair is on the thin side; if your hair is medium to thick, opt for a mix of boar bristles and plastic, recommends hair stylist Gretchen Monahan.

Book It
Schedule a protein reconstruction treatment at your salon to revive your hair and repair some of its cold weather damage.

Try It
A low ponytail. Sleek and simple ponytails fastened at the nape of the neck were chic in the spring collections on the Carolina Herrera and DKNY runways.

Your Skin

Upgrade It
If you're a side sleeper, beauty editors swear by switching to silk or satin pillowcases as a way to prevent nighttime wrinkles from deepening on the side of your face you sleep on.

Try It
Prepare your neck to come out of hiding. Winter scarves and turtlenecks can leave your skin dry and irritated come springtime, but a gentle exfoliating scrub makes everything silky-smooth again. One to try: VIVITÉ^® Exfoliating Facial Cleanser, which uses a combination of microbeads and glycolic acid to slough away dead cells. (VIVITÉ^® Skin Care is available exclusively in physicians' offices.)

Book It
An appointment with your dermatologist. Spring is the perfect time to get your annual skin cancer screening. Talk to your doctor about how to take care of your skin as the weather heats up, and any aesthetic products or treatments you‘re interested in learning more about.

Buy It
A moisturizing body wash that contains ingredients like aloe, glycerin, or petroleum jelly to hydrate your skin.

Your Workout

Try It
Jot the purchase date of your workout shoes on the inside of their tongue so you know when to replace them. Fitness shoes usually come with between 300 and 400 miles of wear, so if you walk 10 miles a week, you'll need to replace your shoes every year.

Toss It
Your freebie pedometer. A study in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that almost 75 percent of cheap pedometers overestimated their wearers' steps. If you're using a pedometer as a fitness tool, upgrade to a more effective version to get an accurate step count.

Buy It
A new sports bra. If you work out regularly, you usually need to replace your sports bra every six months, so spring's the perfect time to update your workout support system.

What you should know about sunscreen! The 2 Types!

Fri, 20 May 2011 18:24:00 GMT

I wanted to share this article by PCA skin care - what are the two different sun protections?

Two types of Sun Protection:

There are two types of sun protection available: chemical and physical sunscreens. A chemical sunscreen works by absorbing, reflecting or scattering the sun’s rays (UV radiation) before they affect the skin. A physical sunscreen sits on the skin's surface and reflects or scatters UV radiation before it is able to damage the skin. These two forms of protection have different methods of achieving a similar goal.

The FDA requires that all sun protection products display a Sun Protection Factor or SPF label, although many consumers are unaware of the fact that this label only indicates the relative amount of protection from UVB rays a product can provide when used correctly. Certain ingredients must be included in a product to receive adequate UVA protection. In order for a sun protection product to provide broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, avobenzone or ecampsule (MexorylTM) must be included. Sunscreens with an SPF of at least 30 are recommended. High SPF numbers can be misleading, as an SPF of 30 is not twice as protective as an SPF of 15. When used properly, an SPF of 15 protects the skin from 93% of UVB radiation, an SPF 30 97% and an SPF 65 98% protection.

Two types of UV Radiation:

The two types of UV radiation that can affect the skin, UVA and UVB, have both been linked to skin cancer and a weakening of the immune system. They also both cause skin color changes and contribute to premature aging. UVA rays are not absorbed by the ozone layer and penetrate deep into the skin. UVB rays mostly impact the surface of the skin and are the primary cause of sunburn. Up to 90% of the visible skin changes commonly attributed to aging are caused by sun exposure.

About PCA SKIN Sun Protection Products:

SPF products from PCA SKIN are formulated with a sophisticated blend of zinc oxide and several proven chemical sunscreen ingredients that protect the skin from UVA and UVB rays. The suite of highly effective and cosmetically elegant sun protection products from PCA SKIN provide:

Protection for every skin type, condition and tone. This ensures that most people can wear our products comfortably on a daily basis. Daily broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection is important for everyone of every color.
PCA SKIN sun protection products also provide important antioxidant protection with silybin (milk thistle) and caffeine to prevent and correct free radical damage. Topically applied caffeine has also been shown to cause damaged skin cells into apoptosis (cell death) minimizing the chances of skin cancer.

For more information about PCA SKIN Sun Protection Products, please select a product below

PCA SKIN®
weightless protection spf 45
perfecting protection spf 30
protecting hydrator spf 30
hydrator plus spf 30
active very water/sweat resistant spf 45

The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends these PCA sun protection products as effective agents in the prevention of sun-induced skin damage, including sunburn and possibly premature aging. When used regularly, these products may also help reduce the potential risk of skin cancer due to overexposure to sunlight.

Mistakes you're making with your skin!

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 18:36:00 GMT

Despite our efforts to achieve glowing, flawless skin, many of us are making mistakes that stand in the way of the finest potions and lotions. Here, the 14 biggest mistakes women are making with their skin, and the fixes to set things right. Gorgeousness, here we come!
Mistake: You're not wearing sunscreen every single day
We are all sick of hearing this advice (it gets more play than Lady Gaga!), but dermatologists are probably just as tired of repeating it. This is the single biggest mistake most of us are making with our skin, and there's no need: it's an easy gaffe to fix.

The Fix: You know it already: Wear an SPF lotion or cream with broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection every single day. But why every day? While UVB rays are strong in summer, UVA rays stay the same year-round. "If you go outside to shovel shovel snow on the most overcast day of the year, you're getting the same amount of UVA as if you were on the beach during the summer," says Dr. Jeannette Graf, a Board certified, clinical and research dermatologist. Slather up, whether or not the sun's out.

Mistake: You think the SPF in your makeup is good enough.
We love a time-saving double duty product as much as the next lady, but this kind of two-fer just doesn't cut it. Why? Because dotting foundation on to even out skin tone or sweeping a powder across the t-zone simply isn't a generous enough application to offer real sun protection.

The Fix: "You really need to use an SPF cream or lotion," says Dr. Graf. In the winter, wear a moisturizer with SPF, but "during the summer you really need to bump it up and use a real sunblock that doesn't have any other ingredients but sunscreen and antioxidants," advises Dr. Graf. "You need that extra protection."

Mistake: You pick and squeeze.
We've all been there––it's just so hard not to!––but it's a habit that's not doing anything to help. "When you have a pimple under the skin, there is absolutely no way that you are going to be able to do anything about it in terms of squeezing," says Dr. Graf. "Nothing will come out and nothing good will come of it if you touch it." That is, unless you call scarring a good thing. (Nope!) Another mistake? Using a warm compress to draw out whatever is in there. That just expands the irritation even more, explains Dr. Graf.

The Fix: "If you start to feel a blind pimple under the skin, take it to the dermatologist's office for a shot." Can't make it to the doctor? Apply an ice pack, suggests Dr. Graf. The cold will help constrict the blood vessel and could help make the blemish smaller.

Mistake: You over-dry your skin.
It's the battle of the blemish, and we're all just trying to use our strongest artillery. But this plan of attack actually backfires. Over-drying the skin creates irritation and redness, and what's worse, dry skin leads to clogged pores. Keep this up, warns Dr. Graf, and "you're actually going to get more breakouts and more clogging."
The Fix: Take the path of moderation and lay off the full-on product offensive. You might need to try using your acne treatments every other evening or only a few times a week.

Mistake: You treat your entire face like it's a problem area.
It's like trying to use a chainsaw to shape your eyebrows. While you might have a few oily areas, like across your t-zone, you don't need to treat your entire face with products formulated for oily skin. When you treat combination skin like an oil slick it leads to irritation. And you know where irritation gets you––more clogging and more blemishes.

The Fix: As adolescence turns into adulthood, what was once oily skin is more often combination skin, explains Dr. Graf. Evaluate your skin type and treat it accordingly, whether you're dry, oily, or somewhere in between.

Mistake: You only protect your face from the sun.
Since we're trying to protect ourselves from the signs of aging, it makes sense that we'd focus on putting our best face forward. But as Dr. Graf warns, "one of the biggest places I see aging is on the chest." Also scary: covering up with clothing isn't much help. "A white t-shirt gives you an SPF of about 5," explains Dr. Graf.

The Fix: Any day you're going to be outside for a prolonged period of time, apply sunblock from head to toe, not just on your face and exposed arms and legs. Don't forget your ears!

Mistake: You're religious about using oil-free or non-comedogenic products.
Women with oily or blemish-prone skin have been taught that these words are the preventative gold standard for a break-out. In fact, many of us won't buy products that don't boast these terms on the bottle. But we might want to think again. "The terms non-comedogenic and oil-free are not FDA-approved terms. That's really just a selling point," explains Dr. Graf. The terms date back to the 1950s when beauty products used industrial-grade mineral oil that could break you out. "Today's mineral oil is a totally different cosmetic grade and is not going to break you out."

The Fix: If you're someone with oily skin who lives in fear of a break-out, you should use a pH-balanced foaming cleanser on your face, and you might want to add in a silicone-based powder or gel, suggests Dr. Graf. But you don't need to rely solely on products billed as oil-free or non-comedogenic. Seek out products you like, regardless of meaningless marketing terms.

Mistake: You're over-exfoliating.
Quick science lesson: Over the course of 28 days, the bottom layer of your skin––the basal layer––migrates toward the surface of your skin. When it gets there, it dies. Enzymes in the dead skin cells then cause the dead layer to fall off. That natural process is called exfoliation. Got it?

"If you see a 3-year-old child, that process is working perfectly. As we get older, that's not working as well. Why? Because the enzymes in our skin require hydration and moisture in order to be activated. When we lose that natural moisture over the years, our enzymes don't work. We have that dead skin cell layer that hangs on, and we need to remove it. That's why we use exfoliators."

But exfoliation needs to be gentle in order to be effective. "I've seen doctors on television talking about exfoliating. 'If it burns, great.' I see this, and I want to cringe."

The Fix: Steer clear of harsh scrubs and exfoliators like BuffPuffs, which can break blood vessels, and apricot scrubs, whose needle-sharp pits will break your skin and cause redness. At home, "using a peel kit or microdermabrasion kit is great. Using it every single day is not," says Dr. Graf. Any deeper exfoliation should be done in the care of a skin care professional, she says.

Mistake: You're using the right products at the wrong time.
You've got an all-star line-up of retinols, sunblock, and microdermabrasion kits in your medicine cabinet. But when you use your products is as important as what you're using. "Everybody's using the kitchen sink in the morning," complains Dr. Graf. Retinols are light-sensitive, so using them during the day isn't such a bright idea.

The Fix: "You want to use protective products in the daytime," says Dr. Graf, so slather on sunscreen twenty minutes before you leave the house. At bedtime, bring out the big guns, like exfoliators and retinols, "when your skin's natural circadian rhythms renew themselves," explains Dr. Graf.

Mistake: You use products with gold or metal in them.
It might seem super luxe to use creams flecked with gold, but you're better off keeping your money in your pocket. "They can cause contact dermatitis and there's no evidence that they do anything except drain your wallet."

The Fix: Invest your money in gold you can wear around your neck. And when you feel like splurging on a rich potion, pick something that smells divine or has a luxurious texture––but is free from any precious metals.

Mistake: You go to sleep with your makeup on.
We've all been there: You get home late and can't quite muster the energy to wash off the day or your makeup. (And waking up looking as "done" as Kim Kardashian can seem kind of screen goddessy.) "A lot of people will go to bed with makeup on. And a lot of people who don't go to bed with makeup on won't wash their face in the morning," says Dr. Graf. Both are big mistakes.

The Fix: Wash your face morning and night. But doctors sympathize with real life; they just want us to be prepared. "You go out on a Friday night and come home at 2am––it's going to happen. At the very least, have those pre-moistened makeup removers at your bedside. I'd rather you do that than not do it at all."

Mistake: You don't give your skincare products a chance.
We live in a quick fix world, so when we don't immediately see results from a new skin care regimen, we can get frustrated and give up. We then bounce from product to product, trying to find the magic potion.

The Fix: Exercise some patience. We take multivitamins, Dr Graf explains, knowing they're good for us, even when we don't see results. Sometimes you have to give your products the same measure of faith. "When you're using a skincare product, don't be so hard on the product. Understand that it's doing something for you." And that means waiting more than two days to see a difference––more like four to six weeks.

Mistake: You smoke.
If your health isn't motivation enough to quit, let vanity convince you. The toxins in cigarettes cause decreased oxygen flow to the skin, resulting in a dull complexion, explains Dr. Amy S. Pappert, assistant professor of dermatology at the UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. Repeatedly contracting your muscles to inhale, or squinting to protect your eyes from smoke can deep, premature wrinkles around the mouth, frown lines, and crow's feet.

The Fix: There's no better time to quit than now. Talk to your doctor about a game plan, and comb online resources like the Mayo Clinic, the American Cancer Association, and the American Lung Association. Your skin, not to mention your family and your friends, will thank you.

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Yummy!! Easter Lemon Bread Recipe!

Fri, 22 Apr 2011 16:31:00 GMT

Have a safe and Happy Easter from the NouveauDerm Team!
Enjoy this delicious recipe!

By: Elizabeth Imblum

"This yeast bread is an Easter tradition at my house, but I also bake it other times of the year. While the bread is in the oven, the aroma is fantastic!"

Ingredients

1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast
1/2 cup warm water (110 degrees F to 115 degrees F)
1 cup warm milk (110 to 115 degrees F)
1/4 cup butter, softened
1 (3.4 ounce) package instant lemon pudding mix
3 eggs, lightly beaten
5 cups all-purpose flour

Directions

In a large mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add the milk, butter, pudding mix, eggs and 3 cups flour; beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough. Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide in half. Shape into loaves. Place in two greased 8-in. x 4-in. x 2-in. loaf pans. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 30 minutes. Bake at 350 degrees F for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool.

All Eyes On The Bride!!

Mon, 25 Apr 2011 14:08:00 GMT

Are you a bride to be? Not sure where to start for the big day? Are you prepared? Let us help! Nouveauderm has all your needs for your big day! We have certified Jane Iredale Make Up artists here to help. We can ease your stress! We can work with you to come up with a plan for skin rejuvenation, body needs and make up. Just call us for a free consultation! And don't forget your bridal party!! Have fun, bring in the group for a day of beauty! What are you waiting for?

Trying to Live Heathier? 11 things you should know before you buy organic foods

Wed, 06 Apr 2011 15:40:00 GMT

By Sara Reistad-Long

By now, we all know there’s a benefit to buying some stuff organic. But these days you’re faced with the option of getting everything organic—from fruits and veggies to mattresses and clothing. You want to do right by your body, for sure, but going the all-natural route en masse can be pricey.
So we wondered: What’s really essential for our health? That’s why we came up with this definitive list. Here's what should be in your cart—and what you don’t have to worry about.
Beef
You’ve probably read plenty of stories about the risks of eating chicken. But the most important protein to buy organic may well be beef. "Research suggests a strong connection between some of the hormones given to cattle and cancer in humans, particularly breast cancer," says Samuel Epstein, MD, professor emeritus of environmental and occupational medicine at the University of Illinois at Chicago School of Public Health. Specifically, the concern is that the estrogen-like agents used on cattle could increase your cancer risk, adds Ted Schettler, MD, science director at the Science and Environmental Health Network.
Though there are strong regulations about the use of hormones in cattle, "not all beef producers are following those regulations strictly, and some studies continue to find hormone residue in cattle," Dr. Schettler says. When you buy beef that’s been certified organic by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), you’re not only cutting out those hormones, you’re also avoiding the massive doses of antibiotics cows typically receive, which the USDA says may lead to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in people.
Health.com: 10 types of food that can make you sick
Strawberries
Strawberries may be a superfood—but they pose a potential risk unless you go organic. In addition to having up to 13 pesticides detected on the fruit, according to an Environmental Working Group (EWG) analysis, conventional "strawberries have a large surface area and all those tiny bumps, which makes the pesticides hard to wash off, so you’re ingesting more of those chemicals," explains Marion Nestle, PhD, a professor of nutrition and public health at New York University and author of What to Eat.
If you can, also skip conventional peaches, apples, blueberries, and cherries, which are typically treated with multiple pesticides and usually eaten skins-on.
Cookware
Your pots and pans are just as crucial to upgrade as the food you cook in them: "Most nonstick cookware contains a fluorochemical called PTFE that breaks down to form toxic fumes when overheated," says Olga Naidenko, PhD, a senior scientist at the EWG. "Those fumes can coat the inside of the lungs and cause allergy-like symptoms."
Tests commissioned by the EWG showed that in just two to five minutes on a conventional stove top, cookware coated with nonstick surfaces could exceed temperatures at which the coating emits toxic gases. Switch to stainless steel, ceramic, or cast iron cookware.
Health.com: 11 kitchen tools that keep you thin
Popcorn
The linings of microwave-popcorn bags may contain a toxic chemical called perfluorooctanoic acid, or PFOA, which is used to prevent the food from sticking to the paper. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), PFOA is a likely carcinogen. "We don’t know all of the hazardous effects of PFOA yet, but we have some evidence of a link to cancer, as well as to effects on the immune, nervous, and endocrine systems," says David Carpenter, MD, director of the Institute for Health and the Environment at the University at Albany.
Pick up an air-popper or make your popcorn in a pan on the stove top.
Yard pesticides
Some lawn and garden pesticides contain suspected carcinogens, according to EPA data. Long-term pesticide exposure may be related to changes in the brain and nervous system, the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center reports. "Not only are you breathing the chemicals in, but you bring them indoors and onto carpets via your shoes," says McKay Jenkins, PhD, a journalism professor at the University of Delaware and author of What’s Gotten Into Us?
Healthier brands like BurnOut and EcoClear are made from vinegar and lemon juice, and are effective weed-killers.
Heatlh.com: 10 dirty fruits and vegetables
All-purpose home cleaners
Time for spring-cleaning? Using common household cleaners may expose you to potentially harmful chemicals. Ammonia and chlorine bleach can irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. And some cleaners contain phthalates, some of which are endocrine disruptors, meaning they interfere with normal hormone activity, says EWG senior scientist Becky Sutton, PhD.
Although there’s no definitive proof that phthalates cause problems in humans, "the greatest concern is how early-life exposure will affect male [reproductive] development," Dr. Carpenter says. There’s weaker evidence, he adds, that phthalates affect the nervous and immune systems. Go natural with the cleaner you use the most frequently and in the most places, such as kitchen-counter spray—look for brands approved by Green Seal or EcoLogo, two organizations that identify products that have met environmental label guidelines.
Health.com: Green guide to cleaning
Water bottles
You’ve probably heard that many hard, reusable plastic water bottles could be bad for you because they may contain BPA, or bisphenol A, another endocrine disruptor according to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.

"For adults, the biggest concern with BPA is that it may increase the risk of breast cancer in women and reduce sperm counts in men," says Dr. Carpenter, who explains that BPA can leach out into the water in the bottle. To be safe, sip from an unlined stainless steel or BPA-free plastic bottle.
Food-storage containers
BPA strikes again: Many food-storage containers are made of the hard, clear polycarbonate plastic that may contain BPA. As is the case with water bottles, the BPA can leach out of the plastic in these containers and seep into your leftovers.
Health.com: Studies report more harmful effects from BPA
"The leaching is increased during heating, but it also leaches to a smaller degree even when cold foods are stored," Dr. Carpenter explains. Glass containers are your safest—not to mention planet-friendly—bet. Both Rubbermaid (at left) and Pyrex make glass ones with BPA-free plastic lids.
Milk
The milk you’re drinking may not be doing your body good: Dairy products account for a reported 60 to 70 percent of the estrogens we consume through our food. If that seems like a shockingly large number, it’s mainly because milk naturally contains hormones passed along from cows. What worries some experts is that about 17% of dairy cows are treated with the hormone rBST (or rBGH), which stimulates milk production by increasing circulating levels of another hormone called insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1).
"Elevated levels of IGF-1 in people are associated with an increased risk of cancer, including breast cancer," Dr. Schettler explains. In fact, the use of rBGH is banned in Europe and Canada. Although research has yet to definitively conclude whether drinking rBGH-treated milk increases your IGF-1 levels high enough to cause concern, Dr. Schettler says it’s advisable to buy milk that hasn’t been treated with it. So pick up milk that’s labeled rBGH-free, rBST-free, or is produced without artificial hormones.
Health.com: 11 healthy milk shakes and smoothies
Celery
When researchers at the EWG analyzed 89,000 produce-pesticide tests to determine the most contaminated fruits and vegetables, celery topped the chart. "In terms of the sheer number of chemicals, it was the worst," says Sonya Lunder, senior analyst at the EWG. Celery stalks are very porous, so they retain the pesticides they’re sprayed with—up to 13 of them, according to the EWG analysis. Lunder also advises buying organic bell peppers, spinach and potatoes because they scored high for pesticides, as well.
Tomato sauce
When picking up tomato sauce or paste, choose the glass jar or box over the can. "The lining on the inside of food cans that’s used to protect against corrosion and bacteria may contain BPA," explains Cheryl Lyn Walker, PhD, a professor of carcinogenesis at MD Anderson Cancer Center and past president of the Society of Toxicology.
In 2009, Consumer Reports tested BPA levels in a variety of canned foods and found it in nearly all of the brands tested, suggesting that the chemical leaked in. "What can happen is that BPA in the lining can leach into the food," Walker explains.

Tips on eyebrow shaping

Wed, 30 Mar 2011 12:12:00 GMT

Beautifully shaped eyebrows with a nice arch are an important part of a polished look. When done well, eyebrow shaping calls attention to your eyes, frames them, and makes them appear more open.

But it's easy to make mistakes when you do it yourself. The most common mistake is over-tweezing into a thin, high, rounded eyebrow that gives your face a permanently surprised look.

Another common mistake of do-it-yourselfers is creating an unflattering fish-hook shape where the thickest part of the brow gets much thinner abruptly. For people with thin, blonde eyebrows, it's easy to take too much off the sides so the brow seems to disappear. We really love our tools and tips from Jane Iredale. Here are a few to help you have beautiful brows.

Super Shape Me Brow Kit!
We've made brows so easy! This is everything you need for the perfect brow. Two powders to mix for your exact shade, a wax to hold brows in place, a lid primer to conceal any redness and two brushes for the ultimate application. Even comes with miniature
tweezers.

Application and Tips: The classic brow begins level with the middle of the nostril, arches at the outside edge of the iris and ends at the diagonal C line.

The wax can be put on before you apply the powders if you want a lot of pay-off. Otherwise, color your brows and then put a light coating of wax on top to hold them.

Lemon Lid Primer is especially good if you've just plucked and left yourself a bit red. It will conceal the redness and act as a pretty highlighter.

Tips for keeping your skin healthy while flying!

Tue, 22 Mar 2011 20:44:00 GMT

It's that time of year when people are taking mini vacations to refresh themselves from a long winter. However during the travel hours your skin can get quite dehydrated. Here are some helpful tips from Renée Rouleau (Celebrity Esthetician) to help maintain gorgeous & glowing skin, before, during and after flying in an airplane.

GET YOUR SKIN FLIGHT-READY

Use a skin serum under sunscreen
Since the cabin of airplanes have low humidity, you must load your skin up with as much hydration and protection as possible. Apply a skin serum under sunscreen to deliver moisture deep within the layers of the skin while providing an occlusive seal to help the skin retain its moisture. Look for serums using ingredients like Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone and Hyaluronic Acid.

Make sure to apply sunscreen over skin serum
Did you know that when you are in an airplane, you’re closer to the sun so UV damage is at its greatest? The windows on an airplane don’t filter out damaging UV rays, so even though you are not in direct sunlight, you are still exposed to the harmful rays. And we all know, UV rays = skin aging and wrinkles. Wear a minimum of SPF #15 on the face, neck and sides of the neck. Also, foundation makeup containing SPF is not enough. The sunscreen must be built into your moisturizer.

CARING FOR YOUR SKIN WHILE ON THE PLANE:

Choose aisle over window seats when flying in an airplane (and shut the shade).
Not only are you getting massive amounts of sun exposure since you’re closer to the sun, but when sitting in the window seat, you’re subjecting your skin to more UV rays. If you do have a window seat, just shut the shade!

Do NOT mist your skin with a hydrating spray.
For years, skin care experts have suggested to mist your skin with a hydrating spray to keep it moist. This is a no-no, for sure! The worst thing you can do is spray those misters on the skin. Why? Since the air is so dry, it looks for water wherever it can get it and since water attracts water, when you spray the skin it takes all the water from the deep layers in the skin and gets evaporated into the dry air! The result is even drier skin. Your best bet is to leave the skin as is.

Drink plenty of water.
It’s always beneficial to keep your body hydrated while flying, so drinking plenty of water is important. While it doesn’t benefit the skin as much as you would think, it’s still important for your body.

POST-FLIGHT CARE:

Use a mild facial scrub.
When arriving at your destination (hotel, home or other), cleanse your skin and use a mild facial scrub to remove surface dry skin cells caused from flying. Be sure to avoid facial scrubs containing natural grains such as apricot kernels, walnut husks and almonds as the sharp edges can scratch and irritate the skin. Instead, use scrubs containing polyethylene, jojoba beads or micro-beadlets.

Treat your skin to a hydrating mask post-flight.
After exfoliating with a facial scrub, it’s important to add back essential hydration and brighten the skin from post-flight dullness. Renée Rouleau prefers gel masks because they have the highest water content, this is both calming and deeply hydrating to ensure your skin gets the moisture it needs.

Happy St. Patty's Day! Here's a great receipe to enjoy!

Wed, 16 Mar 2011 19:36:00 GMT

Give yourself a little luck o' the Irish with this Irish feast. Serve with butter and Irish soda bread. Enjoy!!

Ingredients

4 1/2 pounds corned beef brisket
5 black peppercorns
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 onion, peeled and left whole
2 bay leaves
1 pinch salt
1 small head cabbage, cored and cut into wedges
6 large potatoes, quartered
4 large carrots, peeled and sliced
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons butter

Directions

In a 6 quart Dutch oven, Place the beef brisket, peppercorns, garlic powder, onion, bay leaves and salt. Fill pan with water to cover everything plus one inch. Bring to a boil and cook for 20 minutes. Skim off any residue that floats to the top. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 2 to 3 hours, until meat can be pulled apart with a fork.
Once the meat is done, add the cabbage, potatoes and carrots, pressing them down into the liquid. Simmer for an additional 15 minutes or until the potatoes are tender. Skim off any oil that comes to the surface. Stir in the butter and parsley. Remove the pot from the heat.
Remove meat from the pot and place onto a serving dish and let rest for 15 minutes. Also remove vegetables to a bowl and keep warm. Slice meat on the diagonal against the grain. Serve meat on a platter and spoon juices over meat and vegetables.

Recipe by: http://allrecipes.com//Recipe/corned-beef-and-cabbage-ii/Detail.aspx

Come in for the "New Spring Colors From Jane Iredale"

Fri, 04 Mar 2011 19:04:00 GMT

Designed around a color selection that's perfect for your skin's undertone, this all-in-one compact contains two lip glosses, a blush, a bronzer and a mirror for effortless touchups on the go. Features and Benefits:
• Innovative and convenient packaging makes My Steppes ideal for travel and on-the-go touchups.
• Contains perfect color selections for warm or cool skin tones.

Warm My Steppes includes Iced Mocha/Crabapple PureGloss for Lips, Whisper PurePressed Blush, and So-Bronze 3.
Cool My Steppes includes Cotton Candy/Pomegranate PureGloss for Lips, Barely Rose PurePressed Blush, and So-Bronze 3.

A great self tanner that actually works!

Thu, 24 Feb 2011 16:29:00 GMT

We are now carrying Tantasia Self Tanner from Jane Iredale. This natural self-tanner is amazing, no orange color tone, no yucky smells and no streaking. Take a look.
A moisturizing, natural self-tanner for face and body. Features and benefits include:
• Builds a gradual, natural looking tan within three days, for optimum control and customization.
• Fresh citrus fragrance.
• Streak-free formula.
• Sensitivity tested for use on face and body.
• Provides natural hydration to the skin.

Application for Face:
• Squeeze a dime-sized amount onto your finger.
• Touch the forehead, nose, cheeks, and chin with the finger to distribute product.
• Using sweeping motions, start at the center of the face and blend outwards until you're pleased with the coverage.
• Wash hands thoroughly.
• Apply daily until a golden tan has been achieved.

Application for Body:
• Squeeze an amount the size of a quarter in the palm of hand.
• Rub hands together two to three times to distribute the product across palms.
• Smooth on one section at a time until product is absorbed using long, back-and-forth strokes.
• Repeat the steps above until the desired coverage is reached.
• Wash hands thoroughly.
• Apply daily until a golden tan has been achieved.

NouveauDerm Blog

Hair Removal: The Bare Facts

Great news about TNS Illuminating Eye Cream!

InStyle Magazine

June 2011-Dr. Jeanine Downie recommends Skinmedica TNS Illuminating Eye Cream as an eye product to use in your 40’s, as the growth factors will help fight sagging skin, fine lines and wrinkles.

Tips to keep your pet safe this 4th of July!

A travel tip for your summer trip!

Spring Clean Your Personal Care Routine

A great article I wanted to share with you by Allergan the makers of Botox and Juvederm. Spring Clean Your Personal Care Routine

Your Makeup Bag

Your Hair

Your Skin

Your Workout

What you should know about sunscreen! The 2 Types!

Mistakes you're making with your skin!

Yummy!! Easter Lemon Bread Recipe!

Ingredients

Directions

All Eyes On The Bride!!

Trying to Live Heathier? 11 things you should know before you buy organic foods

Tips on eyebrow shaping

Tips for keeping your skin healthy while flying!

GET YOUR SKIN FLIGHT-READY

CARING FOR YOUR SKIN WHILE ON THE PLANE:

POST-FLIGHT CARE:

Happy St. Patty's Day! Here's a great receipe to enjoy!

Ingredients

Directions

Come in for the "New Spring Colors From Jane Iredale"

A great self tanner that actually works!

A great article I wanted to share with you by Allergan the makers of Botox and Juvederm.

Spring Clean Your Personal Care Routine