If you’re old enough to remember the Summer of Love, burning your bra, and the slogan “Never trust anyone over 30”, then you’re going to love this: Marijuana may actually hold the key to the Fountain of Youth - not to mention being a blockbuster wrinkle treatment!
Of course not in the form of Mary Jane you probably remember.
But new studies out of Hungary, Germany and the UK suggest that the human body naturally produces a substance known as an “endocannabinoid” – a molecule very close in structure to THC, the “psychoactive” cannabinoid found in the marijuana plant, also known as “cannabis”
Moreover, the human endocannabinoid appears to play a key role in skin health and anti aging skin care.
“ Just as THC is believed to protect the marijuana plant from pathogens, our own cannabinoids may be necessary for us to maintain healthy skin," wrote lead researcher Gerald Weissmann in a study to be published in the October issue of the Journal of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology.
Marijuana: Turning On Skin Cells
According to the new research, this human “endocannabioid” helps regulate and produce skin lipids. These are essential fats linked to oil production and believed to play a role in acne (when we over produce) or dry skin (when we under produce).
These same oil secretions are also linked to hormone production, particularly estrogen - one reason our skin looks plump and moist when we are young and estrogen production is high, and dryer and wrinkly as we creep towards menopause – a time when estrogen production is dropping.
So what’s the link between cannabinoids and aging skin? They appear to act as a kind of “signal” regulator, that turns lipid production on and off. Keeping it “turned on”, say researchers, may be one way to encourage plumper, younger looking skin.
The next step will be to isolate the human cannabinoids and, if possible, turn them into an anti aging skin care ingredient.
The other alternative: Extract the cannabis molecules we already have in the hearty marijuana plant - a move that may not be as far off as you might think.
Indeed at least one part of the cannabis plant has already made its way into several skin care products in the form of hemp oil – currently available in a number of moisturizers, creams, and other cosmetics. The Body Shop, for example, features a hemp-based line of products, as does Burt’s Bees.
But if you’re thinking you can get high on your skin care, guess again. According to Dr. David West, who holds a degree in plant breeding from the University of Minnesota (yes, they really give degrees in this!) unlike THC, which contains high levels of the psychoactive component of marijuana, industrial hemp is mostly CBD, which is the anti-psychoactive constituent of marijuana. Still, the anti aging effects on skin lipids may be similar.
But just in case you’re getting the idea that you can just “light up” and give your skin a boost of youth – not a good idea. Legalities aside, ( and won’t you feel silly telling the judge you were just trying to get rid of your wrinkles) the truth is that when it comes to skin aging, smoking marijuana is a lot like smoking cigarettes: It produces pollutants that actually gobble up collagen and cause skin to prematurely age ( think Mick Jagger and Keith Richards). Of course you might not care …but still, you will look older!
My advice for right now: Until we have more research on the role of cannabis in skin care, stay out of the sun, use sunscreen when you do go out, and when you’re indoors – put on some moisturizer and an old Joni Mitchell album and just relax. You won’t recreate the summer of love – but your skin will look a lot better.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Study: Marijuana & The Fountain of Youth
Friday, June 20, 2008
Sunscreen Caution: Are You Really Protected?
Unfortunately, unless you know what to look for in a sunscreen, you may not be getting the protection you think.
The reason? Many of the products sold today can only offer long lasting protection from the short length UVB rays of the sun.
And while that’s important – these are rays responsible for that nasty, painful sunburn - research now shows that it’s really the long length UVA rays that may be the most damaging of all.
These are the rays, say experts, that cause not only the kind of deep, penetrating cell damage that increases your risk of skin cancer, but also increases the kind of damage that linked to premature skin aging.
"UVA rays penetrate deep, not only increasing your risk of skin cancer but also causing the kind of deep collagen and elastin damage that contributes to aging skin,” says Bruce Katz, MD, director of Juva Skin and Lasers in New York City.
What’s that you say . . . your sunscreen says UVA and UVB protection?
Here’s the glitch: While the UVA protection offered in most sunscreens does work – it is effective for only a short time, in some studies offering protection for as little as just 20 minutes.
Indeed, a combination of sweat and the sun itself causes many of the most commonly used UVA defenders to degrade soon after they are applied, leaving you vulnerable and at risk faster than you can down that can of diet soda on your lunch break in the park.
Another note of caution: Don’t look to the SPF (sun protection factor) of a sunscreen a measure of its total effectiveness. The SPF is a determination of how long you can remain in the sun before you will get burned – and so it reflects only the protection from UVB rays.
The SPF of a product has no bearing on UVA exposure– so no matter how high the number, the product won’t necessarily offer you the protection you need.
Good News: The UVA Protection That Does WorkFortunately, you don’t have to spend the summer hiding in the basement- or worse still, bopping around town with one of those ruffle- y pink parasols doing your best impression of Scarlet O’Hara in Gone With The Wind.
Instead, look for sunscreens that contain one of two key ingredients: Helioplex or Mexoryl sx (emcamsule). Hailed by the medical profession as the first real breakthroughs in sun protection in more than 20 years, each of these ingredients is designed specifically to defend skin against those short but deadly UVA rays with protection that lasts.
"These two ingredients are truly the best we have and they are a major, major advance in not only sun protection but also in protection against premature skin aging, “ says Katz.
Mexoryl SX contains the unique UVA blocker emcamsule. Developed by the scientists at L’Oreal it is currently available in several sunscreen formulations, as well as being included in a number of anti-aging creams designed to both treat and protect the skin at the same time.(Click here to learn more.)
Helioplex, is a technology developed by Neutrogena and it works to stabilize two traditional sunscreen ingredients - avobenzone and oxybenzone- so the UVA protection they normally offer does not break down. And that means protection that lasts, without having to reapply as often. (Click here to learn more).
Whichever ingredient you choose, you’re sure to end up with a sunscreen that both protects your health – and helps you look younger longer. What’s not to love?
For more information on the specific sunscreens with this top-level protection click here.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
How To Look Younger Instantly!
Okay, so not really instantly ...like right this second...but pretty darn fast! After years of interviewing top make up artists and skin care experts - including some of the world's best dermatologists, I've come up with this list of 8 things that every woman can do to look younger and prettier, and feel more confidant! So put on that red dress and get ready to GO!
Anti Aging Tip #1:
Never go to bed with make-up.
No matter how tired you are, no matter how late it is, take just 2 minutes to slather on and tissue off a facial cleanser and your skin will thank you. Not only will it help remove surface bacteria that could encourage breakouts, most make up is drying to the skin, so removing it will help reduce wrinkling while you sleep.
Anti Aging Tip # 2:
Never leave the house without sunscreen on your face.
Take this two minute step for enormous health benefits ( like reducing your risk of skin cancer) as well as protecting against aging. Sunscreen is the biggest gun in your wrinkle defense arsenal!
AntiAging Tip # 3 :
Protect your lips - and look younger and sexier!
Want those juicy, sexy, full Angelina lips? Then protect your pucker with a lip gloss or balm containing sunscreen. When lips are hydrated and protected they will automatically look fuller - and you'll look younger! You can capitalize on the protection if you swap out a matte lipstick for a high wattage gloss in a medium warm tones in colors that suit you. Do not, as Charla Krupp points out in the new book How Not To Look Old- automatically switch to pink lipstick. You will look like a cupie doll gone wild. Wear pink only if it's your color - and wear it in a sheer gloss.
Anti Aging Tip# 4:
Whiten your teeth.
It's the quickest, most inexpensive way to take years off your appearance, and give you a polished, well groomed look - for just minutes a day.
Anti Aging Tip# 5
Keep up with your hair coloring - and lighten up 1 to 2 shades every 5 years after 40. The 2 inches of "roots" look popularized on "Sex and the City" is going, going, gone! In it's place is more natural, highlighted color. And lighter is definitely more youthful - just a shade or two every 5 years or so will make a HUGE difference1 If you're wearing a shade you just can't bear to change, make sure you touch up those roots every 4 weeks .
Anti Aging Tip # 6:
Trade in your shower gel for a moisturizing bar of soap.
Did you ever wonder why the ingredient label on your shower gel is 2 inches long and filled with chemical terms you can't pronounce - while the average bar of beauty soap is just two lines long? Chemicals, dyes, foaming agents, and lots of drying alcohol are all things you skin doesn't need. Try a daily shower with a moisturizing soap - and see your entire body complexion come alive in just 14 days or less. And - you'll save a ton of money too!
Anti Aging Tip # 7
Wear a bronzer all year long.
While most gals think of that powder bronzer as a summer time treat, it's also the Hollywood secret that keeps many an aging starlet from looking her age - or letting on how little sleep she really gets! Just a quick pouf of powder on the bridge of your nose, the tops of your cheers, and round the outer rim of your forehead will give you a glow that will leave everyone wondering . . .is she in love . . . again ?
Anti Aging Tip # 8 :
Take a calcium/vitamin D supplement every day. While many women believe calcium is only important if you're pregnant - or post menopausal - the truth is gals of all ages need calcium. You probably already know calcium will help you maintain a strong and healthy skeleton - and protect you against broken bones. But you may not have realized that studies show women in their 20's need that protection as much as women in their 50's! But that's not all! The latest research shows getting adequate calcium may also help keep skin looking younger longer ! And since we're all staying out the sun, the vitamin D is essential to make sure the calcium you take is absorbed. Try it for a month - you'll see a difference!
FREEBIE: For A quick, personalized skin care analysis click here
