Rich in antioxidants, the acai berry has already created a sensation in the food world being heralded as a new superfood. Now get ready to witness an explosion into the area of skin and personal care products.

Acai berries are the fruit of the a?a? palm, native to Central and South America. Traditionally harvested by indigenous people, the acai berry is a major component of their diet. Both the juice and the pulp are used in juices, smoothies, sodas and other beverages. It is also consumed mixed with other foods such as granola or tapioca.

The benefits being attributed to the acai berry are endless ? increased energy levels, improvement in sexual performance, improved digestion, detoxification, improved skin, improved heart health, improved heart health, weight loss ? the list goes on. You'll find companies selling acai berry tables, juices, smoothies, and most recently, eye and face creams. Unfortunately, as of the date of this posting, there is not one controlled study to back up any of these claims.

The acai berry does contain antioxidant benefit. A recent study showed that it contained one of the highest ORAC (oxygen radical scavenging activity) scores. And, when consumed orally, a comparative study against many different types of fruit juices showed that acai juice possessed about the same antioxidant activity as black cherry or cranberry juice. It was lower than pomegranate juice, blueberry juice and red wine, but higher than apple or orange juice. There have been no published reports on its activity when applied orally.

What Can It Do For Skin

While you will see many skin care products containing acai berry, remember that there is no research to back up the claims. We can assume that due to its high antioxidant activity, the acai berry is most likely useful in fighting free radical damage. And, it will be able to deliver some vitamins and minerals. However, how that might translate to skin benefits is still unclear.

If the idea of consuming acai berry appeals to you, then you may want to consume it in juices and smoothies. Applying it topically might make you feel good, but much more research needs to be conducted before giving it a definitive thumbs up. If you are looking for antioxidant activity stick to tried and proven solutions including topical vitamin c .

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 .

Now at the peak of the summer season, you may need to be armed with a good explanation as to why your children need to keep reapplying their 'water resistant' sunscreen.  

Nobody at my house argues with me about applying sunscreen - this is one fight that you just can't win ? but there is often squawking about the frequency of application. If you have children, then you'll probably understand the battle. Here's why all sunscreen, water resistant or not, requires frequent application.  

Water Resistant Sunscreen Vs Waterproof Sunscreen  

Many sunscreen manufacturers advertise their sunscreens as being waterproof. However, since 2002, the FDA has required companies to eliminate the use of the word 'waterproof' when referring to sunscreens. Not only is it misleading, but it is also potentially dangerous. Despite this, you will still find sunscreens labeled as being waterproof, leaving skin exposed to unprotected UV exposure.

New regulations allow the use of the terms water resistant and very water resistant sunscreens. Water resistant formulations provide 40 minutes of protection upon exposure to water, while very water resistant products deliver up to 80 minutes.

Sunscreen For Water Activities  

If you will be spending time outdoors follow these guidelines to keep skin protected:

1.Apply sunscreen 20 ? 30 minutes prior to UV exposure.
2.Reapply frequently. Every 40 minutes for water resistant formulations and 80 minutes for very water resistant formulations. Reapply more frequently if sunscreen is washed, rubbed or sweated off.
3.Sunscreens should not be used to increase the amount of time you spend outside.
4.Always use sunscreen in combination with other sun protection measures including: shade, clothing, hats and sunglasses.

Look for water resistant sunscreens that deliver UVA and UVB protection amongst a range of brands including Anthelios sunscreens , Ombrelle sunscreens and Cotz SPF 58 .

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 .

Summer's here ? is your skin ready? Warm weather sets the stage for lighter, more revealing clothing and even though you may not necessarily gravitate towards midriff baring tops, minis or plunging necklines, if you want to keep cool, you will be showing more skin. And you'll want that skin to radiate health.

Here are 5 top tips to ensure that your skin is ready for summer.

Tip 1 : Exfoliate, exfoliate. Whether you have bumpy skin due to keratosis pilaris or scaling, dry skin that has been hidden away under layers for months, exfoliation can help. You want to show off smooth, sexy arms and legs so choose from a range of treatment options including scrubs and chemical exfoliants with ingredients including glycolic acid, mandelic acid or lactic acid. Try Neostrata Body Smoothing Lotion or Lac-Hydrin .

Tip 2: Moisturize - The cold weather may have gone, but if you suffer from dry skin, you still need to pay attention. A good moisturizer will help to lock in moisture and maintain the health of your skin. What worked through the winter may be too heavy for the summer and you may need to consider lighter options. Consider La Roche Posay Iso Urea which exfoliates and moisturizes doing double duty. M2's Exfoliating Moisturizer is a facial treatment that soothes dry skin and exfoliates with gentle mandelic/malic acid. And Keys Luminos is a chemical free option that contains anti aging benefits. Skin appears soft and luminous.

Tip 3: Inject Some Color ? This may not be a concern if you're darker skinned, but friends of mine with lighter skin do complain (I think they look fabulous...). If you yearn for a glow, then do it safely with a fake tan. Try Neostrata Insta-Tan or La Roche Posay Autohelios .

Tip 4: Address Your Elbows and Knees ? Modest though you may be, summer dressing will almost certainly reveal your elbows and/or knees.These parts of our bodies contain more skin than others and is thicker mainly because there needs to be more skin to move with us when we bend and stretch. Friction and trauma (even from something as simple as resting elbows on the table on kneeling on the floor) can cause the epidermis to thicken, leading to a leathery appearance that appears darker than surrounding skin.

While there isn't a quick fix to resolving darkened knees or elbows, there are some steps you can take:

• Moisturize and exfoliate, which will help to remove dry, dead skin cells. Products like Lac-Hydrin and La Roche Posay Iso Urea may be particularly beneficial.


• Lighten skin. Although not specifically indicated for these areas, check with your dermatologist to see if he following treatments may make sense for you:



• Hydroquinone creams such as Glyquin XM or Lustra


• Hydroquinone-free alternatives including kojic acid (try La Roche Posay Mela D ) , Neostrata Spot Lightener ), Reversa Anti Spot Night Care can help.



Skin lightening is a gradual process can take many weeks or months. Remember to use sunscreen to keep the area light. Choose from a range of effective formulations including Anthelios sunscreen , Keys Solar Rx and Cliniderm SPF 45 .

Tip 5: Exercise. While at the outset this may sound like a strange tip regarding summer skin, consider that exercise can provide salvation from flabby arms, jelly thighs and a muffin top. Nothing you do to your skin can make it look better than if it's fit.

Lastly, don't forget the sunscreen. The daily use of a broad spectrum UVA/UVB blocking sunscreen is the most important thing you can do to keep your skin looking young and healthy for years to come.

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 .

If you're a dandruff sufferer, then you're only too familiar with its symptoms; what you may not know is that dandruff may be related to a fungus. Though not medically serious, dandruff can cause embarrassment. And while it can't be cured, the good news is that it can be controlled.

Although many of us equate dandruff with dry skin, dandruff is in fact associated with a condition known as seborrhea. Seborrhea causes skin cells on the scalp to shed and be replaced more quickly than normal (in 10 to 15 days as compared to one month under normal circumstances). The speed in shedding ends up with what we call dandruff.  

Seborrhea is often prompted by the secretion of sebum (oil) from the sebaceous or oil producing glands. And, the hormonal changes that occur during puberty can be a trigger. Since sebaceous glands are found on parts of the body with hair follicles, other body parts including the eyebrows, beards in men, the nasolabial fold and even other body parts, may be affected.

P. ovale May Be The Cause of Dandruff  

Dandruff may be triggered by a number of factors including frequent exposure to extreme heat and cold, certain foods (especially sugar and yeast) and excessive perspiration. What we also know is that a fungus - P. ovale (also known as Malassezia furfur) - which is found naturally on the skin surface of healthy individuals can overgrow under certain circumstances resulting in dandruff. While it's not clear what causes the overgrowth, excessive sebum, hormonal changes, illness, stress or a susceptibility to the fungus itself may be responsible. P. ovale feeds on the oil secreted by hair follicles and can grow out of control.

An Anti-Fungal Shampoo Can Help  

While there are a number of treatments for dandruff, they all work in different ways:

1. Zinc pyrithione can help to kill the fungus and exfoliate the scales associated with dandruff.
2. Coal tar preparations help to slow down the skin cell turnover.
3. Salicylic acid exfoliates and helps to eliminate scaling.
4. Ketoconazole as found in Nizoral 2% Shampoo is an anti-fungal that kills the P. ovale that causes dandruff. It must be used regularly to prevent its overgrowth.

Although the control of dandruff is best managed with a multi-faceted approach, many individuals do benefit from the regular use of an anti-fungal shampoo. Read more about dandruff treatment 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 .

Most of us concerned with keeping our skin looking young and useful already appreciate the importance of using a well formulated UVA and UVB blocking sunscreen (as found in Anthelios sunscreens or Keys Solar Rx ) daily year round. What we may not be as aware of is the significance of adding an antioxidant into the mix.

Supported By Science

Research also shows that antioxidants, in addition to sunscreens, have a key role to play in protecting against sun damage. While antioxidants can't filter UV rays and certainly can't replace the protection afforded by a good sunscreen, they have been shown to help boost the effectiveness of sunscreen filters. In addition, antioxidants act as anti-inflammatories, which can help to slow down any damage inflicted by UV exposure. And they can help to fight against free radical damage generated by exposure to the sun's rays.

Most of the research conducted has shown that Vitamins C and E can increase the ability to protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Vitamin A (in the form of retinyl palmitate) has also demonstrated protective qualities against sunlight. The polyphenols found in green tea , also has some well documented evidence to support their photoprotective qualities. And, other antioxidants are being studied, with ingredients such as resveratrol and astaxanthin showing some promise.

How To Incorporate An Antioxidant Into Your Routine?

It's difficult to find sunscreens that offer a significant concentration of antioxidants so you may want to consider layering an antioxidant formulation into your skin care routine. Good ones to consider include:
Reversa Antioxidant Booster Serum ? formulated with green tea and vitamin E
UltimaSkin Potent C Serum ? 12% stabilized Vitamin C delivers photoprotection and other skin benefits
La Roche Posay Active C ? 5 precent active vitamin C can help boost collagen production, brighten skin and fight against free radical damage.

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 .

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 .