Sodium lauryl sulfate (also known as SLS), sodium laurel sulfate and its relative sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) are foaming agents commonly used in personal care products such as shampoos, cleansers, body washes and toothpaste to produce that lather that many of us equate with being and feeling 'clean'. You have probably read many reports on the internet and by other well intentioned individuals and companies that claim sodium lauryl sulfate is a carcinogen and should be avoided. Is it really dangerous? Is it safe? Does the truth lie somewhere in between?

What is SLS?  

Sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate are classified as surfactants. This means that they act like detergents and emulsifiers and are added to cosmetics products for their ability to remove dirt and oil. They are relatively inexpensive and work well ? two reasons why they are used so widely. While many claim that both SLS and SLES are carcinogenic, the American Cancer Society definitively maintains that there is no link between SLS and cancer.

Where Did The Claim Originate?  

SLS is formed by combining sulfate and lauric acid, two compounds readily found in nature. Because SLS is such an effective cleanser, it can be highly irritating to the skin and eyes. In fact, it is often used in clinical testing to irritate skin in humans and animals so that researchers can then gauge the effectiveness of healing agents on the irritated skin.

In the 1970s some shampoos were found to be contaminated with small amounts of nitrosamines, which are carcinogenic. It was determined that ethanolamine lauryl sulfates (and not sodium lauryl sulfate) was the responsible agent. Manufacturers addressed this by discontinuing the use of this ingredient. However, both SLS and SLES may also be contaminated with 1,4 dioxane, which is a probable carcinogen. The FDA encourages manufacturers to remove 1,4 dioxane from SLS but it isn't required by Federal law. Because it isn't legislated, it's difficult to know whether the SLS in your personal care product does or doesn't contain 1,4 dioxane. The FDA maintains that trace amounts of 1,4 dioxane found in personal care products are not harmful.

What Does This Mean For You?  

Although the research seems to suggest that sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate are not carcinogens, they are irritants. And, there is the risk for contamination with probable carcinogens. However, since most products containing them are rinsed off quickly, they may not be cause for concern. Still, if you have sensitive skin or are looking for a product for children, then you may want to avoid products containing SLS or SLES. And certainly, if you want to avoid the risk of contact with a probable carcinogen, then seek out products that claim to be 1,4 dioxane free or SLS/SLES free.

If you want products that are SLS/SLES free, here are some  to consider:

John Masters Organics Hair Care . Formulated without the use of sodium lauryl sulfate, parabens, DEAs, MEAs, or TEAs, this hair care line is filled with organic botanicals. There are products to suit all hair types

Keys Island Rx Foaming Wash - This gentle all natural wash is suitable for the face and neck and safe for babies and small children

M2 Exfoliating Cleanser - Mandelic and malic acids help to exfoliate dead, dry skin cells leaving you with a glow. Free from SLS/SLES and parabens.

Sharmani Pillay is a Registered Pharmacist who specializes in anti aging skin care and women's wellness. She owns and operates an online skin care store at PharmacyMix.com and a wellness consulting practice at MidlifeBalance.com .

I’m not sure about you, but I like my diamonds on my fingers (or ears, or wrists for that matter), but recent advances in skin care have manufacturers adding precious metals and minerals including diamonds, platinum, silver and gold into skin care products. Touting anti-aging and antioxidant benefits, these new skin care products don't come cheap.

Silver has been used in skin care for many years for its antibacterial and healing properties in speeding cell repair. A new line, Cor Skin Care, is recommended for individuals with acne, eczema, rosacea or psoriasis and claims that the products evens out skin tone and reduces sun spots.

If silver weren't enough, then gold and diamonds must deliver even better results, right? A spa in Forth Worth carries an anti-aging cream infused with gold and silk fibers and an anti-wrinkle treatment infused with diamonds.

However, nothing can top La Prairie's Cellular Cream Platinum Rare. The most indulgent - and certainly most expensive - treatment, the cream contains platinum and claims to improve skin's receptivity to nutrients, keep your skin in electrical balance, offers climate-activated hydration and adjusts to changing humidity levels and works with your skin regardless of the type of climate you're in. For the price ($1000 per 1.7 oz jar), it should do that and more.

Read the full article here  

Sharmani Pillay is a Registered Pharmacist who specializes in anti aging skin care and women's wellness. She owns and operates an online skin care store at PharmacyMix.com and a wellness consulting practice at MidlifeBalance.com .

Microdermabrasion is a popular cosmetic procedure in which the stratum corneum (skin's uppermost layer of dead skin cells) is removed by light abrasive activity. Originally performed in Europe during the 1980s, it's a widely performed procedure in spas or doctor's offices to deliver smoother and more evenly toned and textured skin. The procedure is most often performed on the face, neck, arms or hands.

What Can Microdermabrasion Do?  

Microdermabrasion has been found to be effective in a range of skin conditions including:

?Hyperpigmentation such as age spots
?Uneven skin tone or texture post laser
?Dull skin associated with aging
?Fine lines (but not deep wrinkles)
?Keratosis Pilaris to allow topical treatments easier penetration
?Removal of blackheads and cleaner pores
?Some scars (including some acne scars)
?Some stretch marks

There have been claims that microdermabrasion can increase the production of collagen and elastin fibers in the skin, but the evidence for this at present is minimal.

How Is Microdermabrasion Performed?  

The exfoliation procedure uses tiny crystals, fine particles or implements with a roughened surface, which are blown onto the skin and then removed with a vacuum like device.

Microdermabrasion is most effective as a series of treatments; a single treatment is usually not enough to deliver noticeable results. Treatments can be repeated every 1 to 2 weeks for a period of 2 to 4 months and the results can be significant. An important advantage of this procedure compared to many others is that it tends to be relatively painless. Some individuals experience tingling and redness, but these side effects tend to be shortlived.

Microdermabrasion Precautions  

Most individuals tolerate microdermbrasion fairly well, but caution should be exercised in individuals with the following conditions:

?Rosacea
?Fragile capillaries
?Skin lesions, open sores
?Eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis
?Widespread acne
?Herpetic lesions (herpes)
?Warts
?Diabetes mellitus

Also clear with your physician first if you have a pre-existing medical condition or are taking any medications. Individuals with darker skin tones or those who are prone to the formation of keloid scars may want to reconsider the procedure and should certainly consult with a dermatologist as to the appropriateness of micordermabrasion.

As with any cosmetic procedure always check to see if the technician performing the procedure is experienced in the procedure as well as in use of the machine.

Microdermabrasion Cost  

Costs can vary considerably depending on where you live and where you have the procedure performed. Shop around, but don't take it for granted that the cheapest option will be the safest, most effective or least costly option over the long term.

Home treatments have become increasingly popular as a cost effective alternative to professional treatment. Home microdermabrasion systems are safe and effective when used as directed. Consider a product like Neostrata At Home Microdermabrasion Kit .

Sharmani Pillay is a Registered Pharmacist who specializes in anti aging skin care and women's wellness. She owns and operates an online skin care store at PharmacyMix.com and a wellness consulting practice at MidlifeBalance.com .

Lichen planus is a common inflammatory skin condition that affects the skin and mouth. It affects about 1 ? 2% of the general population and is more common in women than men. It occurs most often in middle-aged adults. The term "lichen" doesn't refer to the lichen found on rocks or trees, but rather it describes the appearance of affected skin, which resembles lichen.

What causes lichen planus is not known. It is classified as an autoimmune disease although some cases can occur as allergic reactions to medications. As well, it has been reported to be a complication of chronic hepatitis C virus. Lichen planus is not contagious; it isn't caused by an infection. Stress has been found to complicate lichen planus.

Appearance of Lichen Planus  

Lichen planus appears as a rash, typified by the "5 P's": well-defined pruritic, planar, purple, polygonal papules.

The wrist and ankle are most commonly affected, however the mouth may also be involved. The lichen planus rash appears as a blue-black or brownish discoloration that stays for a long time. There may be thick patches (hypertrophic LP) especially on the shins. Diagnosis is somewhat easy because of its typical appearance. Sometimes clinicians will perform a skin biopsy to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment Of LP  

There is no known cure for LP but treatment can help to relieve itching and improve the appearance of a rash. Most cases will resolve on their own within two years, but skin discoloration may result due to the rash. Eventually, they will fade away on their own. Recurrence occurs in about 20% of affected individuals.

There aren't any perfect treatments for lichen planus, but commonly used medications are topical steroid creams, oral anti-inflammatory drugs or antihistamines. More severe cases may require oral cortisone or UV light treatment.  

Sharmani Pillay is a Registered Pharmacist who specializes in anti aging skin care and women's wellness. She owns and operates an online skin care store at PharmacyMix.com and a wellness consulting practice at MidlifeBalance.com .

The importance of protecting yourself from the damaging effects of the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays can't be overestimated. In addition to avoiding sunburns caused by UVB rays, we need to protect skin from UVA rays. UVA rays penetrate deeper than UVB rays and contribute to skin aging including wrinkles, mottled skin, sagging skin and some types of skin cancers.

That's why you'll find this free e-book so important. In addition to understanding how the sun's rays can damage your health, you'll find an overview of effective sun filters to look for. Plus you'll get specific recommendations for sunscreen products depending on your skin type and particular needs.

You won't want to spend another day under the sun without reading this book. Click here and then click on the link to download your free copy.  

Sharmani Pillay is a Registered Pharmacist who specializes in anti aging skin care and women's wellness. She owns and operates an online skin care store at PharmacyMix.com and a wellness consulting practice at MidlifeBalance.com .

Recently dubbed a superfood by many experts, blueberries are not only colorful and delicious, they also pack a powerful antioxidant punch.

Blueberries' protective properties have been known since the Middle Ages and researchers have now found that they can exert three main categories of beneficial effects:
- Vaso-protective (protection of skin's capillaries)
- Antioxidant activity (fighting free radical damage)
- Iron-chelating activity (to deliver further anti-aging effects).

The beneficial effects of blueberries may be attributed to several compounds ? polyphenols, including anthocyanins and resveratrol,and iron chelators, such as quercetin and myricetin? which have been isolated from the berries and leaves of the blueberry plant.

Skin Protective Effects

Blueberries primary benefits to skin include:

1. Vaso-protective activity ? Blueberries promote the health of capillaries (small blood vessels) that are located just beneath the epidermis. This can help to minimize flushing and redness associated with skin conditions such as rosacea
2. Antioxidant activity ? The polyphenols found in blueberries (anthocyanodins) are powerful inhibitors of free radical damage. Free radicals can cause significant damage to skin
3. Iron-chelating activity ? Although we are all too conscious of the benefits of consuming sufficient iron, few of us realize that elevated iron levels can lead to serious health risks including heart, brain and muscle diseases as well as premature skin aging. The polyphenols in blueberries can chelate (bind) iron. This property neutralizes iron and helps to minimize its involvement in the production of free radicals which can damage skin.

Keep in mind that there isn’t a lot of clinical research to support skin benefits, but technically, there should be some benefit. You may find ready to use products that contain blueberries, but you may find it fun to make one up yourself. Here’s a simple recipe for a face mask that will deliver antioxidant activity and light exfoliating action.
Enjoy!

Blueberry Face Mask  

    * Small handful blueberries, fresh (or unsweetened frozen berries, thawed)

    * 1 Tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed

    * 2 Tablespoons unsweetened plain yogurt

Blend all ingredients in a blender until smooth. Apply to clean face, and leave on skin for 15-20 minutes. Rinse with warm water. Store any leftovers in a tightly-sealed container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Sharmani Pillay is a Registered Pharmacist who specializes in anti aging skin care and women's wellness. She owns and operates an online skin care store at PharmacyMix.com and a wellness consulting practice at MidlifeBalance.com .