by theglamscientist | | anti-aging, hyaluronic acid, moisturizing, skin hydration |
Hyaluronic acid is a cosmetic ingredient that has long intrigued me. It first caught my interest when I learned it has outstanding moisturizing/hydration properties and is also produced naturally. The human body has a natural supply of hyaluronic acid (as do all mammals). It is part of the connective tissue beneath the top layer of skin along with collagen and elastin.
Hyaluroic acid is such a great hydrant because it has sponge-like qualities which allows it to hold 1000 times its weight in water. The result is well hydrated skin with a more plump, smooth appearance. Overtime, the body’s production of hyaluronic acid begins to decline. The end effect is dull, dry skin that begins to show signs of fine lines and wrinkles. In today’s society, women over thirty are on a quest to look ten years younger. Enter hyaluronic acid in anti-aging serums, cellulite creams, skin and lip plumpers, and even skin injections (similar to BOTOX). It can also be introduced in food or as an oral supplement.
Used topically, hyaluronic acid is said to act as a ‘protective film’ to trap moisture and reduce/prevent evaporation over time. It is not a permanent solution because the molecules are much too large to be absorbed by the skin. In essence, as soon as you bathe, you wash away the desired properties. This is typical of most topical applications which is why you must continue to use a product for ‘lasting’ results.
One of my concerns about this ingredient is how it is obtained. Because hyaluronic acid is only produced by mammals, you could imagine how many vegans and animal rights activists oppose its use. I was not yet able to pinpoint the exact method of extracting hyaluronic acid from animals, nor am I knowledgeable on what animals are typically used. I did however find a study (research) conducted by a team of japanese scientists that were looking for a way to promote hyaluronic acid synthesis. In other words they wanted to try to force the skin to produce more hyaluronic acid to counter the natural affects of aging. They were successful in making a cosmetic with egg white enzyme hydrolysate (from chicken eggs) that was deemed very safe in its use. I look forward to learning about further advancements in this science.
Learn more about the japanese study
by theglamscientist | | Uncategorized |
There is an on-going debate in the world of beauty about the use of toner. There are some experts that say it is a necessary step in your everyday beauty regimen. Others disagree and of course some are on the fence. Historically toner was used as a secondary cleanser to remove residue from the first cleanser and any makeup left behind. With the advances made in cosmetic science over the years, many experts feel cleansers rinse clear enough to skip the toner step. Quite a few women disagree! After cleansing their faces, they still get dirt on the cotton ball when they swab with a toner. Why would that be? The experts against toner say “Get a better cleanser.”
The ingredients in a typical toner are the main source of concern for many experts. Included are astringents and alcohols which are rather irritating to the skin. Because of the drying effect of astringent and alcohol, toner is often only recommended for people with excessively oily skin. Also important to note, quite a few women enjoy the ‘tightening’ sensation they feel in their skin after the use of a toner; however, this is not really a good thing as it is clearly an indication of drying.
I, for one, am an avid user of toner. I have extremely dry skin and am prone to dry patches (aargh!). I’m constantly fighting with my skin to exfoliate, cleanse and moisturize in a way that isn’t overly drying and doesn’t cause random breakouts. Its a never ending battle! I use moisturizing toner, which I find is easy on my skin and helps to remove the nasty little flakes left behind after I’ve cleansed or scrubbed. I don’t recommend astringents or alcohol in the use of any personal care products, especially not on the face. To me, the skin on the face is just much to precious!
There is clearly no right or wrong in this issue. Do what is best for your skin. Only you know what that is.
by theglamscientist | | pride, self-esteem, vanity |
Vanity is such a controversial subject. I know it was for me for quite awhile. I have always been accused of being vain by family members and I always thought it was such a negative characteristic. With age and understanding, I have learned to embrace this quality.
By definition vanity is excessive pride in one’s appearance, qualities, abilities and achievements. How could someone ever be too proud of who they are?! Vanity is only negative when it seeks to downplay another… but at that point I don’t think it’s vanity at all, that’s insecurity. I had the privilege of meeting a wonderful model and esteem coach about a year ago. She always emphasized not to feel threatened by or compare yourself to anyone else because no one can be you like you can. I’ve always lived by this philosophy, but it was amazing to me how her coaching changed the attitudes of so many women in that room. They began to exude a confidence that they didn’t have when they walked in because it was not hard to believe that she was right.
I believe that when you care about your appearance, qualities, abilities and achievements, it encourages you to always do more to be better. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that! So today I challenge you to be vain and embrace it wholeheartedly. Be who you are and do it well… and while you’re at it, show someone else how to do it too.
by theglamscientist | | Uncategorized |
Monday I proposed that we dedicate 21 days to establish new habits/behavior that would have a positive affect on our inner beauty. If you recall, I emphasized that one slip up resets the 21 days. I chose to make 4 changes. Unfortunately, I have slipped up on 2 of them. The other two haven’t been tested yet. They are pretty much a package deal so I’m back to Day 1 of my 21 day challenge!
The key to this challenge is to make a conscious effort. The only way I’m going to be successful at this is if I become more mindful of my behavior. I must be proactive not reactive (if that’s a word). This exercise is applicable to all areas of life, making it personal is just practice for applying it to more critical situations.
Today is my last Day 1! No excuses!
by theglamscientist | | camp, fragrance, frankincense, perfumery |
I went on a “sniff trip” Monday morning in search of some oils to complete a client’s project. While I was sniffing– trying to make a decision on what combination I thought would be best to suit her needs– I came across a bottle of frankincense oil. I must admit, I never smelled frankincense before that day. I was always turned off by its description, thinking that it would make my creations smell like incense. I can’t stand that spicy/earthy smell that I think all incense have! So just out of pure curiosity I took a whiff… and oh let me tell you I was soooooo pleasantly surprised! One sniff made me smell it again…. and again… and again. It didn’t smell like incense at all!!!
Its a known fact that smell is the sense most closely linked to memory. Frankincense brought back memories of my childhood summers spent at bible camp. How ironic! Frankincense was used to adorn baby Jesus at birth and it reminds me of the times in my childhood when I felt closest to Him. My fondest memories are from bible camp. I made friends there to last a lifetime… in fact that’s where I met my honey :-).
At camp there was no television, no radio, cell phones or pagers… just a bunch of kids running free on the grounds participating in fun activities and having bible study. It was a week of bliss where you forgot about sirens and smog and whatever problems you had at home. There was nothing for your little heart to worry about. Camp made such an impact on all of us that we would anticipate that one week in the summer all year long.
In honor of this priceless memory, I’m going to make myself a fragrance centered around the wonderful smell of frankincense. Maybe in my creative journey I’ll happen upon some other scents that remind me of that sacred place. [sigh]
