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GREAT SKIN!
ISSUE 5 | NOVEMBER
TABLE OF CONTENTS
The Skinny on Skin
Return of the anti-acne diet…indoor tan
bans…tattoo risks…dangerous
Byzantine beauty
By Robert A. Barnett
3 Botanical Facials
The Time-Out Cure, Avocado Delight
Treatment Mask, and Sweet Orange
Wrinkle Minimizer, excerpted from
Your Best Face Now
By Shellie Goldstein
DIY Beauty:
Get Zoe Saldana’s Look
Seductive, smoky eyes and
luminous skin
Eco-Luxe Beauty
Battle dry winter skin with natural
products that pledge to protect and serve
Who Needs It?
When to use primers, toners, night
creams, eye creams, wrinkle fillers –
and when to skip
By Stacey Colino
How to Treat Thinning Hair,
Brittle Nails and Other Beauty
Disasters
15 natural, easy ways to get gorgeous,
shiny hair and strong, beautiful nails
By Brenda Kearns
Global Beauty: 10 Skincare
Traditions From Around
the World
From spicy body masks to seaweed
soaks, the world’s women turn to nature
in their quest for perfect skin and
lustrous hair
By Katie Alberts
7 Ways to Pamper Dry Skin
Soothe itching, flakes and more
By Laura Flynn McCarthy
The Workout Glow
There’s nothing better for your skin
than a workout. Nothing.
By Jennifer Abbasi
8 Ways to Exercise Comfortably
When You Have Psoriasis
No-sweat tips for staying cool and
confident, indoors and out
By Laura Flynn McCarthy
DIY Beautify (Video): Contouring
Make your cheek bones pop with simple
highlights and contouring
Why Is Skin Sexy?
The science behind skin’s allure: Why we
pluck, blush and wear red lipstick. Or not.
By Jennifer Abbasi
NEWS
The Return of the Anti-Acne Diet?
Diet might affect acne after all. For years, many
dermatologists have called it a myth. Yet new studies
point to acne risk from diets rich in dairy, sugar and
refined carbs that spike blood sugar. A new study links
the plant-based Mediterranean diet with less acne. One
piece of good news, according to the Skin Therapy
Letter: “No study has established a positive association
between acne and chocolate.”
New Tattoo Risk
Banning Indoor Tanning
More countries are banning indoor tanning, especially for
minors. Brazil bans all indoor tanning salons. Other countries
restrict people under age 18 from using indoor tanning
salons: France, Spain, Portugal, Germany, Austria, Belgium
and the United Kingdom. So do some parts of Australia and
Canada. In the U.S., more than 30 states restrict indoor
tanning for minors.
Why interfere with a little teenage fun? Exposing skin to these
ultraviolet machines at any age is potent carcinogen, but
early exposure is even worse. A new meta-analysis finds that
people under the age of 25 who start using indoor tanning
salons have double the risk of squamous cell cancer, and 40
percent higher risk of basal cell cancer. Other studies have
found an increase melanoma, the deadliest skin cancer.
Maybe the new trend will be indoor spray tans?
Femme Fatale
Got a tattoo? About 1 in 5 Americans do. But if
you get one and have a skin irritation that doesn’t
go away, see your doctor. It’s not just unsanitary
needles you need to worry about, but contamination
of the ink itself. There have been infectious
outbreaks from contaminated ink in several states
in the last year, according to the FDA. The resulting
skin irritation won’t go away on its own as part of the
“healing process” -- you need antibiotics.
It doesn’t take modern science to get perfect skin. Greek
researchers took a look at Byzantine Empress Zoe
Porphyrogenita (978 – 1050). Her bright white skin looked
good into her 60s, apparently. She even had her own lab in
her private quarters, where servants concocted cosmetic
essences – and maybe more dangerous potions, too. She
had many lovers, and her first two husbands died under
suspicious circumstances.
BOTANICAL FACIALS
Restore and rejuvenate your
face with these easy natural
DIY preparations made from
essential oils, fruits, nectar
and herbs
By Shellie Goldstein, author
of Your Best Face Now: Look
Younger in 20 Days With the DoIt-Yourself Acupressure Facelift
TIME-OUT CURE
Apply this to your skin whenever you feel stressed or worn. It
relaxes not just your skin but your whole body as well. It is perfect
as a night oil or as a spot treatment during the day.
you’ll need:
2 ounces almond oil
2 drops jasmine essential oil
2 drops rose essential oil
DIRECTIONS:
1. Combine the almond oil and essential oils in a small, clean
dark or amber glass jar with a tight-fitting lid.
2. Put a few drops of the blended oil on your hand and rub your
hands together gently to warm the oil. Cup your hands over your
nose and take 3 deep breaths.
3. Put your hands on your cheeks and sweep downward from
your face to the top of your neck outward across your décolleté
to your shoulder.
4. Take another deep breath and relax.
BOTANICAL FACIALS
AVOCADO DELIGHT TREATMENT MASK
Avocado is an excellent ingredient for reducing wrinkles and
moisturizing dry skin. In this formula, the honey tightens the
pores, while safflower oil and spearmint even skin coloring.
This mask is intended to be applied to the wrinkles but can be
applied as a mask to the full face.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED:
Flesh of ¼ very ripe avocado
1 teaspoon safflower oil
2 tablespoons crushed spearmint leaves
1 teaspoon honey
DIRECTIONS:
1. Combine the ingredients in a blender and blend until creamy,
about 30 seconds.
2. Apply to affected areas and leave overnight. In the morning,
remove with warm water and continue with your skin care regime.
3. If using as a full face mask, remove after 20 minutes, rinse with
warm water, and apply your favorite face cream.
BOTANICAL FACIALS
SWEET ORANGE WRINKLE MINIMIZER
Sweet orange and rose essential oils are known for their
effectiveness at reducing the appearance of wrinkles.
Almond oil is a light oil that helps essential oils get quickly
absorbed into your skin. Coconut oil rehydrates your skin
and seals in skin moisture. White flower oil soothes your
muscles and relaxes your mind. Use it alone at night. During
the day, apply to affected areas and wait until it is absorbed
into your skin (about 10 minutes) before applying day
cream.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED:
2 tablespoons almond oil
2 tablespoons coconut oil (cooking oil)
½ teaspoon white flower oil
8 drops sweet orange essential oil
8 drops rose essential oil
1. Place the almond and coconut oils in a small, clean dark or
amber-colored glass bottle. Add the white flower oil and the
orange and rose essential oils.
2. Morning and night, massage a few drops into your face after
washing it.
Copyright Your Best Face Now by Shellie
Goldstein, with permission from Avery, 2012
How to Recreate Zoe Saldana’s Look
Zoe Saldana’s seductive, smoky eyes and luminous skin were key to her flawless look. Makeup artist
Vera Steimberg created it for the actress using Giorgio Armani Beauty products.
By iVillage Staff
EYES
Use the darkest shade in the
Eyes to Kill Palette 4 to line top
and bottom lids, then apply the
lighter shimmer shade below the
brow bone. Press Eyes to Kill
Intense Eyeshadow in Dark Olive
24 in just the center of lids and
smudge Smooth Silk Eye Pencil
4 into upper and lower lash lines.
Sweep on several coats of black
mascara to finish.
SKIN
Smooth Fluid Sheer
illuminating foundation
on face, skipping powder.
LIPS
Apply Rouge
d’Armani Sheer
lipstick in Plum-Pink
600.
ECO-LUXE BEAUTY
Battle dry winter skin with natural products that pledge to protect and serve
By iVillage Staff
Nature’s Gate Lemon
Verbena Cleansing Gel
Cecilia Wong Reviving Black
Currant Serum
Finding the perfect cleanser for oily
skin can be tricky. You want it to
deep-clean, de-grease and tone, but
if it’s too astringent, you run the risk of
stripping away skin’s natural moisture
barrier and ending up with the dreaded
dry skin-and-acne combo. Enter
Nature’s Gate’s mild new formula. The
cleansing agent is derived from apple
juice amino acids, toning is tackled by
lemon verbena and witch hazel, and
oil-free hydration comes courtesy of
aloe vera. What’s not in this cleanser?
Parabens, phthalates, sulfates or
synthetic scents.
Ask Manhattan facialist Cecilia Wong
which of her products will help you
maintain your post-treatment glow and
she’ll say it’s this serum. Containing
mega-doses of blackcurrant seed oil—
an anti-aging superstar—the serum
also incorporates extracts of blueberry
and cranberry and as well as argan and
carrot seed oils.
Get it now:
Ceclia Wong Reviving Black Currant
Serum, $72 at ceciliawong.com
Get it now:
Lemon Verbena Cleansing Gel,
$9.99 at natures-gate.com
Kahina Giving Beauty
Antioxidant Mask
Deep-cleansing clay masks are one
of those rare beauty products you can
actually feel working—sometimes a
little too much. For a less drying—but
equally purifying—mask experience, try
Kahina’s version made with silica-rich
Moroccan rhassoul clay. As it sucks out
pesky impurities, the mask replaces
them with nourishing trace elements,
argan oil and pomegranate extract.
Get it now:
Kahina Giving Beauty
Antioxidant Mask, $62 at
kahina-givingbeauty.com
Amorepacific Future
Response Age Defense Cream
The South Korean skincare brand adds a new moisturizer
to its arsenal, which builds on traditional skincare practices
with cutting-edge science. A proprietary formula defends skin
against aging with green tea and pine mushroom extracts
as well as the brand’s signature AB-12 Complex, a blend
of 12 Asian botanicals that team up to fight environmental
aggressors.
Get it now:
Amorepacific
Future Response
Age Defense
Cream, $195 at
sephora.com
Who Needs It?
You know you need a cleanser, a moisturizer and a sunscreen. But do you really need a toner? A
primer? A neck cream? Find out what’s essential to save time and money.
By Stacey Colino
For most women, basic skincare products are
an absolute must. On the list of essentials are
usually a gentle facial cleanser, a moisturizer,
and a sunscreen (or a combination moisturizer/
sunscreen). Beyond that, there is a sea of
beauty-promising creams, serums, gels and
lotions that call to us from pretty packaging..
But do you really need them? The truth is that
using more potions isn’t always better for your
skin. Most specialty products only make sense
for specific skin types. For the rest of us they’re
an ineffective investment.
WHO NEEDS IT?
Hydrating serum
Bottom line: Not really necessary
The idea behind a hydrating serum is that slathering it
onto skin before applying a moisturizer will increase the
effectiveness of the moisturizer. The problem is, some serums
are water-based while others are oil-based so it’s hard to
know which ones might allow the ingredients in a subsequent
moisturizer to penetrate optimally, notes Ellen Marmur, M.D.,
vice chair of cosmetic and dermatologic surgery at the Mount
Sinai School of Medicine in New York City and author of
Simple Skin Beauty. “In general, I think a serum is just another
layer, another product to purchase, and more time you have to
spend on your face,” she says. But if you feel better going for
double coverage, always use a water-based serum before an
oil-based moisturizer or cream. Once you put on an occlusive
moisturizer, you’ll create a barrier on your skin that will prevent
other ingredients from sinking in.
Toners
BOTTOM LINE: SKIP ’EM
For many women, the post-cleansing cotton-ball-andtoner routine began in middle school. Back then, we
wanted our faces to be squeaky clean and oil-free—and
many of us still do. After all, the purpose of a toner is to
remove lingering makeup and oil and leave skin feeling
fresh and pure.
The truth is, “toners really don’t do anything for your
skin,” says Lisa Donofrio, M.D., an associate clinical
professor of dermatology at the Yale University School of
Medicine. “They can feel refreshing because they have
astringent properties,” she explains, so many people like
to use them after a workout. For most women, though,
washing your face will do the trick. Besides, toners
don’t have any magical properties—water is usually
the main ingredient and many contain alcohol or witch
hazel, which can be overly drying to the skin. If you’re
looking to a toner to remove lingering makeup residue,
Dr. Donofrio recommends using gentle cleansing wipes
instead. And those with very oily skin may benefit from
applying witch hazel to eliminate the excess shine.
WHO NEEDS IT?
Eye creams
Bottom line: Only for the truly sensitive
Because the skin around the eyes is more delicate
than on other parts of the face, cosmetic companies
have come to the rescue with specially formulated eye
creams. Some carry specific claims—to smooth out
wrinkles, reduce under-eye puffiness, or brighten dark
circles—while others promise to provide this sensitive
area with moisture and protection. “Unless your face
cream irritates the skin around your eyes, there’s no
reason not to use that to moisturize the skin around the
eyes,” Dr. Donofrio says. “Often an eye cream contains
the same ingredients [as a face cream] in a lower
dose or it has a different applicator like a roll-on.” To
save money, you can simply apply less of your regular
face cream to the eye area or dilute it with a bland
moisturizer like Nivea, Dr. Donofrio adds.
Topical wrinkle fillers
Bottom line: Effective yet temporary
Just as you can apply spackling paste to hide cracks in a
wall, you can use a topical wrinkle filler to fill in the lines
and crevices in your skin, explains Doris Day, M.D., a
clinical assistant professor of dermatology at New York
University and author of Forget the Facelift. “It’s like the
mortar between the bricks.” Many of these products rely
on a silicone-based ingredient to do the job; others use
humectants (a compound that attracts water), or other
ingredients to plump up the skin in order to camouflage fine
lines and wrinkles.
Someone looking to temporarily hide fine lines and wrinkles
and make skin appear smoother might benefit from one
of these products. Apply moisturizer first, then the topical
wrinkle filler, followed by your foundation on top. Just
remember: “The benefits are not long-lasting; they disappear
when you wash off the product,” Dr. Day says.
WHO NEEDS IT?
Makeup Primers
Bottom line: A good idea for some skin types
Designed to coat and smooth your skin before you apply
makeup, primers are like “a base coat to even out texture
and sometimes even out skin tone—it’s a similar idea to
applying a primer when you’re painting a wall,” explains
Morgen Schick, a makeup artist in New York City and
author of Your Makeover. “In this case, using a primer
can make your makeup application easier and keep your
makeup on longer.”
Who needs it? If the texture of your skin is rough, or if your
tinted moisturizer or foundation vanishes into your skin
shortly after you apply it, you should try a primer, Schick
says. “Always moisturize your skin before you apply a
primer. Most primers are made of a silicone compound,
which is a sealant, and if your skin is dry when you start
out, it won’t attract any moisture from the environment and
it will dry out further.” If you’re lucky enough to have silky
smooth skin or a flawlessly even-toned complexion that is
not dry, you can skip the primer and save your money.
Facial masks
Bottom line: Completely optional
Treating yourself to a moisturizing or detoxifying mask at
home can feel luxurious, relaxing, and restorative. It’s a
great way to take a time-out from stress and soothe your
frazzled nerves and skin. But despite the claims some
of these products make, masks are unlikely to produce
long-lasting benefits for your skin. “Truthfully, masks are
like lip balm for your face—an occlusive film over the
surface that provides a nice, temporary fix,” Dr. Marmur
says. They’re completely optional for everyone, partly
because the moisturizing or anti-inflammatory effects last
only as long as the mask is on your face; once it’s rinsed
off, the perks end. Also, keep in mind that if you have
sensitive skin or rosacea, certain ingredients in masks—
like fruit acids or menthol—could cause irritation, Dr.
Marmur warns, so always read the label carefully before
using a mask.
WHO NEEDS IT?
Eye-makeup remover
Bottom line: Depends on your makeup
Whether they come in a liquid, a gel, or on a premoistened pad, eye-makeup removers are designed to
dissolve and wipe away every last trace of eye shadow,
liner, and mascara from your face. Some formulas
contain oil; others don’t. Many contain gentle or soothing
botanical ingredients. Most have been tested to make
sure they’re not irritating to the eyes or the delicate skin
around them.
Do you need it? Yes, if you’re using waterproof eye
makeup— it’s not likely to wash off when you cleanse
your face so you may need to use a specific eye
makeup remover, baby oil or petroleum jelly and a tissue
to get it off, says Dr. Donofrio. But if your eye makeup is
water-based, you can probably just rinse it off when you
wash your face—no extra step necessary.
Night creams
Bottom line: A good idea if you
have dry skin
When you get right down to it, a night cream is really
just a thicker, richer version of a moisturizer. These
products may contain oils, lipids, and humectants—
and sometimes they include ingredients like peptides
(building blocks of proteins) and growth factors
(compounds that stimulate skin cell turnover). Unlike
day creams, night creams don’t contain SPF. The extra
thickness and active ingredients are a plus in the PM
because “you lose more water from your skin and the
skin goes through a lot of repair at night while you’re
sleeping,” explains Dr. Day. If your skin tends to be dry
or you frequently wake up in the morning with parched
or tight-feeling skin, you’d likely benefit from using a
night cream, Dr. Day says. But if you have oily skin, skip
these nighttime preparations. And if your skin is normal,
applying an ordinary moisturizer to your face before bed
is probably sufficient.
WHO NEEDS IT?
A neck cream
Bottom line: A good idea for some
women over 40
Described with words like “tightening,” “anti-aging,”
and “firming” neck creams typically have a heavier
viscosity than facial creams, yet “the ingredient
concentrations are often lighter because the skin
on the neck is more sensitive,” notes Mary P. Lupo,
M.D., a dermatologist in private practice in New
Orleans and a clinical professor of dermatology at
Tulane University. The skin on the neck also tends
to be thinner so it may benefit from a milder, gentler
formulation. “Any woman over the age of 40 will
begin to see signs of aging on the neck,” Dr. Lupo
says, “and neck creams can mitigate the changes.”
This is especially true if there’s considerable sun
damage—in the way of pigmentation changes or
wrinkling—on the neck. “You can skip a neck cream
if your face cream is working just fine on your neck,”
Dr. Day says. This is the case for many women.
Exfoliant
Bottom line: Only for some skin types
Simply put, the process of exfoliating strips off the
top layer of dead skin cells, explains Dr. Marmur.
Whether you use a chemical exfoliant that contains
an alpha hydroxy acid (like glycolic or lactic acid)
or a beta hydroxy acid (like salicylic acid) or a
mechanical exfoliant that relies on a gritty, granular
substance or a tool to scrub the skin, these products
can improve skin tone and unclog pores, making
your complexion appear brighter and fresher and
feel smoother. It’s important for someone who has
acne or rough, dull skin to exfoliate, Dr. Marmur
says, but don’t overdo it or you could injure the skin
or cause scarring; usually once a week is plenty. For
those with dry or sensitive skin, a chemical exfoliant
or facial scrub may be too abrasive and irritating.
Instead, “a nubby washcloth is a good way to slough
off dead skin cells while you wash your face,” Dr.
Marmur says.
How to Treat and Care for Thinning Hair,
Brittle Nails and Other Beauty Disasters
15 natural, easy ways to get gorgeous, shiny hair and strong, beautiful nails
By Brenda Kearns
TREATING BEAUTY DISASTERS
Is your hair coarse and dull?
When you wash your hair, water soaks into the
delicate hair shafts, making them swell -- and that
can cause the surface cuticle to lift up like loose
roof tiles, giving hair a coarse, dull look, says
nutrition researcher Mary Enig, Ph.D.,
author of Know Your Fats.
Rx: Coconut Oil
Once each week, massage two
tablespoons of warm coconut oil
into slightly damp hair, cover with a
shower cap, then shampoo out 30
minutes later. Coconut oil is nature’s
number one source of medium-chain
fatty acids (MCFA’s) -- a unique group
of fats that leave a microscopically-thin
protective coating on the surface of hair
strands, stopping water from crowding in and
causing harm, according to studies at India’s
Mumbai University. Another coconut oil perk: Its
healthy fats kick-start healing of damaged cuticles,
making hair softer, silkier and more break-resistant
within two weeks, says Enig.
Are you struggling with alopecia?
Alopecia areata is a type of hair loss that flares
when the immune system gets confused and
starts attacking hair follicles. The cause of the
condition is still a mystery -- but the result is
bald spots that can be tough to cover and even
tougher to cure.
Rx: Manganese
If you’ve been diagnosed with this frustrating condition,
consider trying a manganese supplement. European studies
suggest that almost 100 percent of people with alopecia are
deficient in this mineral -- and when they take supplements,
their bald spots often fill in nicely within four months! The studyproven dose: 10 milligrams daily. Reputable brands include Natrol,
Bluebonnet and Twinlab.
TREATING BEAUTY DISASTERS
Locks limp and flat?
So you didn’t win the thick-hair lottery. All is not lost!
Rx: Fish
Eat at least 16 ounces weekly! Fish is rich in omega-3
fats -- healing, anti-inflammatory fatty acids that
nourish follicles, helping you produce strong, healthy
hair that has body and luster, even if it’s a bit fine, says
Barry Sears, Ph.D., author of The Anti-Inflammation
Zone.
For best results, skip the fish oil supplement and opt
for the real deal! According to a Norwegian research
team, women who nosh fish have 80 percent more
omega-3 fats in their bloodstream than women who
simply took the supplement.
Do you have male pattern baldness?
If you have a receding hairline or a thinning patch
on the top of your head, welcome to the world of
male pattern baldness. It’s a genetic glitch that
makes hair follicles super-sensitive to testosterone
– hence being a predominately male misfortune.
Rx: Essential Oils
Try whipping up this essential oil blend: Mix four
teaspoons of grapeseed oil, half a teaspoon of
jojoba oil, two drops each of thyme and cedarwood
oils and three drops each of lavender and
rosemary oils (you’ll find everything you need at
your local health food store). In a study published
in the journal Archives of Dermatology, when
women spent two minutes nightly massaging a
few drops of this aromatic blend into their balding
patches -- then covered their head with a towel for
10 minutes before showering to give the oils time
to absorb -- 44 percent of them had normal hair
growth within seven months! The secret: These
medicinal oils strengthen and repair hair follicles,
helping them produce healthy hair strands, despite
testosterone fluxes, say the study authors.
TREATING BEAUTY DISASTERS
Is your hair gradually thinning all
over?
According to Cleveland Clinic studies, the first
sign of an iron shortfall isn’t fatigue -- it’s gradual,
all-over hair thinning. And just correcting an iron
shortfall can quickly reverse this beauty disaster,
the study authors say.
Rx: Iron-Fortified Cereals
According to USDA researchers, fortified cereals
are great sources of iron. Their top picks: Product
19, All-Bran Complete Wheat Flakes, Total Raisin
Bran and Whole Grain Total -- nutrient-rich gems
that are packed with at least 20 milligrams of iron
in each heaping cup. For best results, pair your
cereal with an orange, half a grapefruit, half a cup
of berries or some other acidic fruit. According to
UCLA researchers, fruit acids latch onto iron and
help shuttle it through the digestive tract lining,
doubling your ability to absorb this key mineral. Not
sure if you’re low in iron? Your doctor can test you.
Is your hair disappearing as fast as the
pounds?
It’s a thrill to step on the scales and realize your diet
is actually working. But watching your hair drop out as
quickly as the pounds are dropping off can put a real
damper on your enthusiasm. Here’s the problem: Your
hair is 91 percent protein -- in fact, every single hair
cell is jam-packed with the stuff. So if your diet is low
in this essential building block, your hair strands will
become thinner, more fragile, and they’ll eventually fall
right out, say University of Toronto researchers.
Rx: Protein
Whatever eating plan you choose, make sure you
serve up four ounces of protein-rich beef, pork,
chicken or vegetarian options such as beans every
day. You could see improvements in as little as six
weeks.
TREATING BEAUTY DISASTERS
Are strands falling out in droves -- then
growing back like fuzz?
If you’ve ever watched helplessly as your hair flowed steadily
down the drain -- then struggled with that fuzzy look as tiny
new hairs sprouted all over your scalp -- the trouble could
be stress. “Normally, 90 percent of your hair is in the growth
phase and only 10 percent is resting or actually shedding,”
says Jerome Shupak, M.D., professor of dermatology at the
NYU Langone Medical Center. “But stress hormone surges
can push a lot more hairs into the shedding phase, making
you shed up to 300 of them daily instead of the usual 80.”
Rx: Yoga
Try 15 minutes of yoga twice daily. According to University
of Pennsylvania researchers, yoga’s poses and rhythmic
breathing help 60 percent of women dampen their production
of hair-wrecking stress hormones for 12 hours straight.
Try online classes at sites like myyogaonline.com or
yogadownload.com.
Are your eyebrows thinning too?
Try a med check
If you’re losing the hair on both your scalp
and your eyebrows, that’s a red flag that
your thyroid is struggling, say experts at
Washington’s Emory University. “People think
they’ll be exhausted, gain weight or feel chilly
if their thyroid isn’t up to snuff,” says Gary
S. Hitzig, M.D., a hair transplant surgeon
in Long Island, New York. “Yet one of the
earliest signs of thyroid trouble is actually
thinning head and eyebrow hair!”
Rx: A Doctor!
The good news: Get a sluggish thyroid
treated, and your locks could start thickening
in as little as nine weeks, say researchers at
the NYU School of Medicine.
TREATING BEAUTY DISASTERS
Is Your Hair Brittle and Easily Broken?
People often try to prevent hair breakage by washing
less often -- but that can make your hair more brittle,
says Dr. Hitzig. The reason: Your body produces a
steady trickle of testosterone, and when this powerful
hormone reaches your scalp, it breaks down to form a
waste product called 5DHT. “If 5DHT starts building up
on your scalp, it actually sabotages cell division inside
follicles, making your hair grow out weak and fragile,”
says Dr. Hitzig.
Rx: A Good Scrub
“Gently washing 5DHT off of your scalp every 24
hours can keep your levels of this troublemaker safely
low, helping your hair grow stronger and more breakresistant within two months.”
Is Your Scalp Flaky?
Those rashy dandruff flare-ups are caused by
fungus, say researchers at China’s Jilin University.
Rx: Listerine
It’s true -- mouthwash can cure dandruff! That’s
because thymol (a key ingredient in Listerine)
destroys 24 strains of fungi. Thymol even kills the
drug-resistant fungi that dandruff shampoos have
trouble taming. Just pour 1/4 cup of Listerine onto
damp hair, massage thoroughly into your scalp, wait
five minutes and then rinse and shampoo as usual.
Repeat daily until the flaking disappears.
TREATING BEAUTY DISASTERS
Do you have weak or brittle fingernails?
Is your hair thinning and head spinning?
If your hair is patchy and you’re struggling with
dizziness or other weird symptoms, try laying off the
vitamin A. There’s no question that this nutrient is
essential for good health – it, for starters, strengthens
your immune system and protects your vision -- but
getting more than 20,000 IU (international units)
daily can trigger patchy hair loss, plus symptoms like
dizziness, blurred vision, ear ringing, nausea, diarrhea,
skin rashes and joint pain, say researchers at New
York’s Nassau County Medical Center
Rx: Check the labels
The ideal dose is 10,000 International Units daily, max.
Think your intake’s just fine? Double-check your vitamin
ingredients just to be sure, suggest UCLA researchers.
Turns out many multis and other combination formulas
have 10,000 IUs per pill, so your daily dose can really
rack up fast.
Sulfur is crucial in the development of strong nails
and a deficiency can be what’s keeping you from
that manicure.
Rx: MSM
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is an odorless,
tasteless form of sulfur found naturally in many
fruits, veggies and meats. And it’s such an important
building block of healthy nail tissue that taking 2,000
to 2,500 milligrams daily can help women grow
strong, break-resistant nails within two months.
MSM is quickly destroyed when food is heated
or processed, so pumping up your levels with a
supplement is a smart bet if you’re struggling with
not-so-sturdy nails right now. Look for MSM in health
food stores and nutrition outlets.
Bonus:
According to studies at Oregon Health and Science
University, MSM is also a powerful anti-inflammatory,
and can cut joint pain, muscle pain and headache
flare-ups by 82 percent in as few as six weeks.
TREATING BEAUTY DISASTERS
Are you fighting toenail fungus?
Nothing wrecks the look of pretty open-toed shoes as
quickly as toenail fungus.
Rx: Vicks VapoRub
You can get prescription bug-killing meds from your
physician, but Michigan State researchers say simply
applying Vicks VapoRub to infected nails clears up
this tough-to-treat condition for 38 percent of people
studied. Credit Vicks’ unique blend of three funguskilling ingredients -- eucalyptus, menthol and camphor
oils. The study-proven strategy: Quickly rub a tiny
dollop into affected nails twice daily for three months.
Do you have white spots on your nails?
If your nails are covered with tiny white specks, you
probably need more zinc. Although doctors aren’t
sure yet why, a study published in the Journal of
the American Medical Association shows that as
zinc levels drop, the number of these tiny “bruises”
skyrockets.
Rx: Red meat, fish and chicken
Take 25 milligrams of zinc daily -- or add three ounces
of zinc-rich red meat, fish, poultry or eggs to each
meal -- and you’ll quickly boost your tissue stores of
this mineral by 35 percent, plus grow new, specklefree nails in just six months, say USDA researchers.
Want spot-free nails even quicker? Zinc is best taken
at bedtime so take a supplement before you snooze.
High doses of stomach acid are needed for proper
mineral absorption -- and according to researchers
at Houston’s University of Texas, stomach acid
production doubles after 10 pm.
TREATING BEAUTY DISASTERS
Are your nails always peeling?
Few things are more frustrating than giving your nails lots of TLC,
only to have them peel like blistered skin -- yet up to one in four
women regularly battle this annoying nail blight.
Rx: Horsetail tea
This tea is loaded with silica -- a building block of nail tissue that
helps nails grow in stronger and locks in moisture so nails are
less likely to peel and flake. According to University of Cincinnati
researchers, just pumping up your silica intake can help you grow
noticeably stronger, sturdier nails in as little as three months -- and
just two cups of horsetail tea daily can do the trick. Popular brands
include Alvita and Celebration Herbals. If you find this brew a little
bitter, just sweeten with a pinch of sugar or honey.
Bonus:
According to the FDA, horsetail tea is a proven diuretic -- so it’s
also a great option if you often battle bloat or fluid retention.
Global Beauty: 10 Skincare Traditions
From Around the World
From spicy body masks to seaweed soaks, the world’s women
turn to nature in their quest for perfect skin and lustrous hair
By Katie Alberts
GLOBAL BEAUTY
The Atlas Mountains: Rhassoul as a Cosmetic Clay
Morocco’s most buzzed-about beauty export may be argan oil,
but another endemic ingredient has equally impressive benefits.
Rhassoul—a brown clay found only beneath the Atlas mountain
range—has been used for more than 1,500 years to maintain the
supple, blemish-free complexions of local women. Like all clays, it
works by drawing out impurities as it dries, but thanks to unusually
high levels of silica, calcium and potassium, rhassoul actually
replenishes and nourishes the skin after it’s rinsed off.
Cultural practice:
After mining the clay from local quarries,
locals let rhassoul sun-dry before it’s
pulverized into a fine powder that will be
used as a body cleanser, facial mask
and scalp treatment. Many hammams
(traditional Moroccan bathhouses)
incorporate rhassoul into their treatments.
GLOBAL BEAUTY
Ireland: Seaweed as a Curative Soak
Seaweed may be most associated with
Japanese cuisine and culture, but the Irish have
a long, deep tradition of soaking in seaweedinfused baths to cure dermatological ailments.
For the treatment, seawater is pumped directly
from the ocean into large cast iron tubs (chosen
for their heat retention), and then piles of locally
harvested seaweed are added in. Within a few
minutes, the plants release alginic acid, a silky
compound of essential oils that nourishes and
heals the skin.
Cultural practice:
In the Edwardian era, dedicated
seaweed bathhouses dotted the
coastline in County Sligo and County
Kerry, with people of all ages using the
baths medicinally and recreationally,
enjoying a pint or cocktail while they
bathed and strolling along the seafront
post-soak. After a drop off in popularity,
the tradition has recently experienced
a resurgence, as psoriasis sufferers
rediscover the treatment’s healing
benefits.
GLOBAL BEAUTY
Czech Republic: Nettles as a Hair Volumizer
Due to the plant’s high levels of formic acid, touching a stinging
nettle in the wild will make your skin burn. But once the leaves
are dried and boiled, nettles become an effective—and perfectly
safe—treatment for oily hair. Modern Czech women, who likely
remember their grandmothers making homemade foraged nettle
hair rinses, now rely on store-bought nettle-based shampoo to
keep their tresses grease-free for as long as 36 hours.
Cultural practice:
The older generation may still make a home-brewed nettle rinse by
boiling chopped leaves in water, while younger devotees pick up
astringent nettle hair care products at the supermarket.
GLOBAL BEAUTY
Photo: amazon.com
Polynesia: Tamanu Oil as a WouNd Healer
The island nations of Fiji, Samoa, Tahiti and Vanuatu
revere the oil of the tamanu nut, found in the region’s ati
trees, for its ability to promote the formation of new skin
tissue and heal wounds, scars and burns (the oil was
even used in the 1920’s to treat leprosy and wounds.)
Scientists aren’t sure how the oil works, but research is
underway to unlock its unique chemical qualities.
Cultural practice:
Tamanu kernels require several weeks of
drying to release their oil, which is thick and
fast-absorbing. The end product is applied
topically to Polynesians and Melanesians of
all ages, including infants, and relied upon by
Tahiti’s tough-as-nails athletes, who compete
in the country’s traditional outrigger races and
Ironman-style contests.
GLOBAL BEAUTY
Bali: Boreh as a Rejuvenating
Body Treatment
Often a postscript to an intense Balinese
massage, boreh is a healing paste made
from various combinations of herbs,
roots, spices and tree barks (cardamom,
cinnamon, chilies, shredded coconut,
ginger and galangal usually make an
appearance, but specific recipes are often
kept secret.) The ingredients are ground in
a mortar and pestle, then smeared all over
the body and allowed to dry.
Cultural practice:
Boreh is intended as a warming,
circulation-enhancing treatment, with the
added benefit of softened, toned skin.
Traditional occasions for boreh include
weddings and seasonal shifts, but young
Balinese (and tourists) may partake at
local spas whenever the mood strikes.
clarabella.us
GLOBAL BEAUTY
South Africa: Rooibos Tea as a Skin Tonic
In South African traditional medicine, a daily cup of
rooibos—a low-tannin, caffeine-free red tea indigenous
to the country’s small Cedarberg mountain region—is
said to keep eczema, psoriasis and rashes at bay. And
Western science has lent its support to the practice,
showing in recent studies that aspalathin, a flavanoid
unique to the tea, helps protect cells from inflammation
and age-related skin damage.
Cultural practice:
South Africans have brewed rooibos for generations,
enjoying both the vibrant red version we’re familiar with
in the U.S., as well as a younger, green rooibos. Locals
also use soaps and lotions infused with the tea and, for
severe skin conditions, hospitals offer rooibos baths as a
topical treatment.
GLOBAL BEAUTY
Nile River Delta: Black Seed Oil as
a Hair Thickener
The Pharoahs relied on black seed oil, derived from
a variety of cumin seed, to thicken and condition their
famously lustrous hair, and thousands of years later,
people living near the Nile massage the oil into their
scalps for the same effect. Some even credit the
treatment with preventing premature graying, which is
rare in Egypt.
Cultural practice:
The seeds are milled into unrefined, highly fragrant
oil that is applied directly to the scalp. (City-dwellers
often buy the oil in easy-to-used capsules that can
be mixed into shampoo.)
Photo: amazon.com
GLOBAL BEAUTY
Brazil: Carrot Juice as a Tan
Enhancer
Perfecting a deep, long-lasting tan is
practically an art form in Brazil’s beach
communities. And while gradual sun
exposure and safer self-tanning agents
are both employed in the pursuit, many
locals attempt to enhance their glow from
the inside out by drinking pigment-packed
carrot and beet juice.
Cultural practice:
Fresh juice stands are often situated near
the praia (beach), enabling simultaneous
sipping and sun worshiping.
GLOBAL BEAUTY
West Africa: Shea Butter as a Moisturizer
and Sunblock
Found in ancient tombs, lauded in historical documents
and fought over during colonial wars, shea butter has
been vital to the economies and cultures of Senegal, Mali
and Togo for centuries. A pale yellow fat extracted from
the walnut-sized nut of the shea tree, the salve is known
for its “meltability”—the fact that it liquefies upon contact
with the skin and absorbs quickly, leaving no greasy
residue behind.
Cultural practice:
Shea butter is truly an all-purpose salve, used on
its own as a lip balm, hair conditioner, medicinal
ointment and natural sunblock, and blended into
soaps and cleansers.
GLOBAL BEAUTY
Indonesia: Tamarind as a Natural
Skin Peel
Beloved by Southeast Asian cooks for
its unique sweet-sour taste, the tamarind
fruit is also a traditional Indonesian beauty
treatment for scars and age spots. Packed
with enzymes, fruit acids and vitamin C,
the pulp works as a gentle skin peel, much
like papaya and pineapples, exfoliating the
top layer of the skin.
Cultural practice:
The fresh pulp of the pod-like fruit is either
massaged directly to the skin (no pureeing
needed) and left on for a few minutes, or
mixed with water or honey and used as a
mask.
7 Ways to Pamper Dry Skin
Soothe itching, flakes and more
By Laura Flynn McCarthy
1. Bathe with a Super Fat Soap
A long, hot bath may sound relaxing, but
sitting in a bathtub can leave a dry, soapy film
on the skin, and hot water can strip skin of
moisture. Instead, take short showers using
warm water, and wash with superfatted soaps
(which are more skin-friendly than regular
soaps) or moisturizing shower gels. Within
three minutes of stepping out of the shower,
while your skin is still damp, apply moisturizer
to your body and allow it to soak in before
dressing.
Pampering tip: Use hydrating moisturizers that
contain petrolatum (also known as petroleum
jelly) and shea butter to enhance the barrier
function of the skin. Ingredients such as
hyaluronic acid, dimethicone and glycerin can
help draw water to the skin and hold it there.
7 Ways to Pamper Dry Skin
2. Soothe Your Scalp
Do you suffer from a dry and stinging
scalp? Control flaking by using dandruff
shampoo, followed by a conditioner. Sonia
Badreshia-Bansal, M.D., an American
Academy of Dermatology spokesperson
and dermatologist in private practice in
Danville, CA, says to steer clear of two-inone products, which contain a shampoo
and conditioner all in one, or if you use
such a product, still follow up with a standalone conditioner since your hair needs
more conditioning if you have dry skin.
Pampering tip: “For a more intense
treatment, try a leave-in conditioner which
can moisturize both your scalp and hair, or
apply baby oil to your scalp at night, cover
with a shower cap and go to sleep. Wash
it out in the morning,” says BadreshiaBansal.
3. The Eyes Have It
The thinnest skin on your body is above
your eyes, which means they’re often first
to become red and swollen when skin
becomes dry and irritated. They’re tricky
to treat because products that are safe for
skin in other areas may not be safe in the
eye area.
Pampering tip: Look for products
that are fragrance-free, hypoallergenic
and/or made for sensitive skin. “A good
rule-of-thumb is to look for products that
contain less than 10 ingredients,” says Dr.
Badreshia-Bansal. “Rather than soap, opt
for cleansing creams or lotions formulated
to be safe in the eye area, or remove eye
makeup with a cotton ball and a little bit of
baby oil. Apply petroleum jelly at bedtime
to keep eyelids moist.”
7 Ways to Pamper Dry Skin
4. Don’t Leave Your Lips
Out to Dry
Despite their rosy color, lips have much
less natural pigment (or melanin) in them
than other skin. The reduced protection
from sun can lead to chapping, dryness
and may ultimately raise your risks for suninduced cancer on your lips. Frequently
wetting your lips and then exposing them
to air and wind can dry them out, too.
Pampering tip: Use a moisturizing lip
balm or lipstick that contains an SPF 15
or higher, and reapply it at least every two
hours.
5. Helping Hands
Washing your hands frequently can prevent the spread of germs,
but it also can strip them of natural oils. Make sure you wash your
hands with moisturizing soaps, and apply hand cream after each
cleansing. Wear waterproof gloves when cleaning dishes or other
times when hands are in water for extended periods.
Pampering tip: For a more intense treatment, rub your hands
with petroleum jelly or a thick hand cream, cover with cotton socks
or gloves, and let them soften while you sleep at night.
7 Ways to Pamper Dry Skin
6. Be Kind to Elbows and Knees
7. Best Feet Forward
Elbows and knees can take on a darkened appearance
in some people, and can become cracked and irritated
easily due to bending and movement.
Skin is thickest on the bottom of your feet and can
become cracked and dry as it builds up. Remove
dead skin by soaking feet in warm water for five
minutes and rubbing with a pumice stone, foot file or
grainy foot scrub. Then massage your feet using a
moisturizer that contains a hydrating ingredient such
as urea, petrolatum or lactic acid.
Pampering tip: Remove dead, dry skin by using
an exfoliating body scrub on a face cloth and gently
rubbing the area. Follow up by massaging in an
ointment or cream that contains petrolatum, urea or
other emollient.
Pampering tip: Before you slip into bed, cover
your moisturized feet with cotton socks or plastic wrap
to lock in moisture. You’ll wake up with soft feet in the
morning.
THE WORKOUT GLOW
Whether it’s Zumba, CrossFit or a simple walk around the block, a
workout will reap benefits for your skin
By Jennifer Abbasi
“
I don’t think there’s anything you can do for your skin
that’s better than exercise,” says Debra Jaliman, M.D.,
a dermatologist in Manhattan and author of Skin Rules:
Trade Secrets from a Top New York Dermatologist.
Exercise improves the appearance of skin by increasing
blood circulation, decreasing stress and inflammation, and
contouring muscles. It’s beauty from the inside out. And it’s
anything but skin deep.
Here’s a guide to ways workouts can help you love the skin
you’re in.
THE WORKOUT GLOW
Get Cheeky
Ever notice that your face looks super
healthy right after a workout, even if your
hair’s a mess? That’s because physical
activity increases the blood flow to your
skin, giving you that attractive rosy
appearance. It’s a truly natural blush, no
makeup required. Sure, that sexy, postworkout flush is short-lived, but at least
you look good leaving the gym, right?
Pump It Up
Alas, you can’t spot-reduce cellulite, but
improving your muscle tone with exercise
will help your skin look smoother. “If you
think about it, what supports your skin?”
Jaliman asks. “You have the bones, the
muscles, the subcutaneous fat -- and the
skin lying on top of it. If you have good
structural support, your skin always looks
better.” The best workout for your skin?
Jaliman suggests a combo of cardio and
weight lifting. If you’re concerned about
your muscles getting too big, do more
reps with lighter weights, she advises.
THE WORKOUT GLOW
Heal Thyself
Lose the Zits
Working out may help you keep pimples in check by
reducing stress, suggests Jaliman. Contrary to popular
belief, stress doesn’t cause acne—scientists still don’t
know exactly what does—but it certainly makes people
who are prone to it get more pimples. Although there’s
no direct evidence that exercises reduces acne,
workouts reduce the levels of cortisol and other stress
hormones in the body. These hormones may increase
oil production in the skin, priming us for pimples. To
keep exercise from making your acne worse, skip the
makeup during your workouts and be sure to shower
after—both makeup and sweat can clog pores.
The increased blood flow to your skin during exercise
helps to soothe wounds. How? “Blood brings nutrients
and oxygen that heal skin,” explains Jaliman. There
may be a mind-body benefit, too, since stress slows
our skin’s recovery time. Women going through
a divorce had slower-healing skin in one study
conducted by researchers at Estée Lauder, for
example, and the same effect was seen in another
experiment on stressed-out medical, dental and
pharmacy students during final exams. So beating
your blues with an energizing hike or dance class may
help you heal faster from a cut or after surgery. Of
course, this doesn’t mean you should push yourself
to work out too soon after a procedure—get the green
light to exercise from your doctor first.
THE WORKOUT GLOW
Prevent Psoriasis
Vigorous exercise significantly reduced the risk of
developing psoriasis, a skin condition that affects
7.5 million Americans, found a study of more than
80,000 women published earlier this year in the
Archives of Dermatology. The disease, which shows
up as irritated, red, flaky patches of skin, is an
immune system disorder related to inflammation. “Our
hypothesis is that exercise reduces inflammation,
which reduces the risk of psoriasis development,”
says Abrar Qureshi, M.D., one of the study’s
researchers and vice chair of dermatology at Brigham
and Women’s Hospital in Boston. What’s vigorous
exercise? In this case, running 105 minutes a week
(about 20 minutes five days a week), or swimming or
playing tennis for 180 minutes a week. Excess weight
also seems to make psoriasis symptoms worse, so
if you already have the condition, keep your weight
in check with regular workouts to help reduce flareups, says Sandra Johnson, M.D., a dermatologist
in Fort Smith, Arizona and an American Academy of
Dermatology spokesperson.
Be Less Vein
Varicose veins: Anyone who has ’em hates
’em, but working out actually helps, Johnson
says. That’s because these swollen, twisted
and sometimes painful leg veins are filled with
pooled blood, and exercise gets it moving.
Simply walking, which improves blood
circulation in the legs, can help keep new
varicose veins from forming, and reduce some
of the pain from the ones you’ve got. Take a
walk around the block once a day or use the
stairs instead of riding the elevator. You can
also try lying on your back and pedaling your
legs in the air. Ask your dermatologist about
other exercises, like leg lifts and knee bends,
that can keep varicose veins in check.
Whether your skin is as clear as the
morning dew, or you have a skin
condition that bothers you, a healthy
exercise routine is the best thing you can
do for your epidermis. To get the most
benefits, shower after your workout to
wash away pore-clogging sweat, wear
breathable, cotton clothing if you’re
prone to skin conditions like eczema,
and slather on the sunscreen when your
fitness routine takes you outside.
8 Ways to Exercise Comfortably When You Have Psoriasis
No-sweat tips for staying cool and confident, indoors and out
By Laura Flynn McCarthy
Having psoriasis doesn’t mean you can’t work out, but to
exercise comfortably you may need to do a little planning
before you hit the gym or the running trail. “Two big
challenges tend to arise for people with psoriasis when
they exercise,” says Patty Colman, a member of the Los
Angeles Walk to Cure committee for the National Psoriasis
Foundation who rarely misses a workout, even when her
psoriasis is flaring. “One is that the increased circulation
to the skin can make it look especially red and attentiondrawing. The other challenge is that your skin can start to
feel really hot.”
But don’t let these minor drawbacks stop you from
exercising. The benefits far outweigh them! Here,
Colman’s tips for staying comfortable with psoriasis while
you stay in shape:
8 Ways to Exercise Comfortably
Keep covered and cool
Look for loose-fitting workout clothes in thin, lightweight
fabrics to help prevent you from overheating. Colman’s
favorite T-shirts are 93 percent cotton and 7 percent
spandex. She buys them one size larger than her
usual size so that the sleeves are long and the shirt is
comfortable. As for bottoms, “Yoga pants or sweats are
perfect,” says Colman.
Bottoms up!
Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and keep your
skin supple and soft.
Have a spritzer
Bring along a spray bottle filled with water and mist
your skin if you start feeling hot. “When the psoriasis
on my arms is flaring, my skin can feel very tight,”
says Colman. “Spritzing it with water relieves that
feeling.”
8 Ways to Exercise Comfortably
Camouflage outbreaks
Consider wearing body makeup if you’re self-conscious
about exposing your skin while you work out. Colman
applies Dermablend base makeup to her psoriasis when
her skin is flaring.
Be sun wise
If you’re exercising outside, wear sunscreen, but talk
to your doctor about how and when to apply it. Some
physicians suggest exposing skin to sunlight for a
few minutes before putting on sunscreen in order to
get some of the healing benefits of ultraviolet rays—
but you never want to get a sunburn, which could
lead to a flare.
8 Ways to Exercise Comfortably
Don’t overdo it
Too much exercise can stress the immune system—
not a good idea when you have an immune system
disorder such as psorasis. Moderate activities such as
brisk walking, stationary cycling or swimming for 30 to
60 minutes three or more times a week are usually safe
and doable for most people.
Mix it up
Choose activities to accommodate your breakouts.
If you usually enjoy yoga, for example, but certain
postures put too much pressure on your skin when
it’s flaring, ask your instructor for alternative moves,
or try something that won’t put pressure on your
skin, such as swimming or jogging (if your feet aren’t
affected).
Seal in moisture
After your workout, shower and apply body lotion
or cream to your skin while it’s still damp. This will
both soothe your skin and lock in moisture to keep
it hydrated. Ask your dermatologist to recommend a
good product for your skin.
DIY BEAUTYIFY VIDEO
Watch and learn in this video as celebrity makeup artist and host of DIY
Beautify Andrew Sotomayor demonstrates how to slim your face and enhance
bone structure with highlights and contouring.
”
”
The Science of Sexy Skin
Psychologists explain why smooth skin and a blushing complexion are so attractive
By Jennifer Abbasi
What makes skin sexy?
Before a date, we shave our
legs, slather on the lotion and
redden our cheeks with blush.
Why do we go through these
time-consuming skin rituals to
attractive would-be partners?
Evolution, my dear. A
preference for soft smooth
skin and rosy cheeks, it
turns out, is rooted in our
evolutionary history. “The
condition of somebody’s
skin is a good index of age
and health,” says Gordon
Gallup, Ph.D., an evolutionary
psychologist at the State
University of New York in
Albany. Smooth, clear skin
that’s free of wrinkles and
blemishes telegraphs youth
and healthiness, which are
clues to fertility. Over the eons of human history,
men who chose young, healthy women as partners
spread their genes more effectively, and that
preference became the norm. It should come as
no surprise, then, that if a woman is looking for a
partner—whether for a night or a lifetime—she may
want to emphasize the smoothness of her body, by
plucking, shaving, waxing, threading, or whatever
means necessary.
Smooth skin also increases skin-to-skin contact,
which promotes bonding in couples, and perhaps
more important from an evolutionary perspective,
among mothers and babies. “Infants have famously
smooth, soft skin,” Gallup explains. “It’s the prototype
of perfect skin, soft and pleasant to touch.” In babies
we find this irresistibly loveable. In adults we find it
irresistibly sexy.
Some of the sex appeal we seek to gain from
makeup is likely rooted in fertility. The hormones
involved in ovulation cause our skin tone to lighten
and blood flow to increase under our skin. So when
we’re fertile, we appear slightly pinker. There’s also
The condition of somebody’s
skin is a good index of age
and health
the so-called sexual flush, a reddening of the face,
neck and chest during arousal that’s common in
women. These days, we can apply that alluring
pinkness with a brush.
Our evolutionary ancestors were less subtle. Our
closest relatives, chimps, announce their fertility
with red nether regions, causing researchers to
refer to female chimps in heat as “pink ladies.”
The Science of Sexy Skin
men perceive women in red
as sexually receptive…
explaining the undying
appeal of red lipstick.
Our association of red with sex may be a cultural
expression of this phenomenon. “The societal uses of
red were probably derived from this natural propensity
to display red when sexually interested or fertile,”
explains Adam Padza, a psychologist who studies
color at the University of Rochester.
Blushing may also be more prevalent in women during
ovulation, which could have predisposed men to find
rosy cheeks—and the color red in general—attractive.
“Men may be particularly sensitive to subtle skin color
changes on women to detect ovulation,” he says.
A study he published earlier this year showed that
men perceive women in red as sexually receptive…
explaining the undying appeal of red lipstick.
So smooth, flushed skin is a turn-on. Now you know
why, but that doesn’t mean you need to follow these
mating rituals. After all, not every woman feels the
need to shave her legs or wear makeup. That choice is
the beauty of being human.