DISCOVER ACAÍ (BERRY, SEED, PULP)

Posted by bellosignature on July 30, 2014
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Acaí berries come from a palm tree in South America. While a traditional food there for centuries as well as a treatment for diarrhea, acaí has recently become popular in the U.S. because of its supposed health benefits.

Why do people take acaí?

Acaí berries contain a number of substances that could boost health. For one, acaí berries seem to have very high levels of antioxidants — comparable to cranberries, but higher than blueberries, strawberries, and other fruits. In lab studies, antioxidants appear to protect cells from damage that can lead to diseases like cancer, in addition to possibly directly inhibiting the growth of some types of cancer. Substances in acaí berries may reduce inflammation and could possibly slow the spread of cancer cells. Also, some lab studies of acaí extracts led to positive effects on blood vessels that could be useful for many different medical conditions.

Acaí berries also contain healthy fatty acids, such as oleic acid, one of the same oils found in olive oil.

However, the potential benefits of acaí are based on preliminary lab studies. So far, we don’t know the extent of acaí’s possible health benefits in people.

Acaí has been sold as a dietary supplement for conditions like high cholesterol, heart problems, allergies, and cancer. These uses of acaí are unproven.

How much acaí should you take?

While acaí is an unproven treatment, it has a long history of use in traditional medicine, which offers an appropriate guide to some of its uses.

Can you get acaí naturally from foods?

Acaí fruit is a common food in some areas of South America. In the U.S., it’s available in some health food stores and supermarkets. Acaí is also an ingredient in some juices, drinks, liquors, jellies, ice creams, and other foods. It’s also used as a natural food coloring.

What are the risks of taking acaí?

Side effects. When eaten as a food, acaí seems to be safe. Since they have not been well-studied, the typical side effects of acaí supplements are not known.

Risks. It’s possible that acaí may trigger or worsen swelling, high blood pressure, ulcers, or intestinal bleeding. If you’re using acaí, check with a doctor before getting an MRI, because there’s a possibility it could interfere with the test.

Interactions. If you take any medication regularly, talk to your doctor before you start using acaí supplements. They could interact with over-the-counter drugs like ibuprofen and other NSAID painkillers, as well as prescription drugs for pain. Don’t take acaí without first speaking with your doctor if you’re taking cancer drugs, because it could block their effectiveness. Don’t use acaí along with other antioxidant supplements without your doctor’s approval.

When acaí berries are eaten as food, they appear safe. But given the lack of evidence about the safety of acaí supplements, they are not recommended for children or for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Reviewed by Kimball Johnson, MD
Source: WebMD

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT GINKGO BILOBA

Posted by bellosignature on July 30, 2014
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For thousands of years, leaves from the Ginkgo biloba tree have been a common treatment in Chinese medicine. In the U.S., many take ginkgo supplements in the belief that they will improve memory and sharpen thinking.

Why do people take ginkgo?

Ginkgo improves blood flow to the brain and acts as an antioxidant. These effects may translate into some benefits for certain medical problems, but the results have been mixed.

Some studies have found that in healthy people, ginkgo might modestly boost memory and cognitive speed. Other studies have not found a benefit.

Several ginkgo studies have shown that it can help with memory problems caused by dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. It seems to help prevent the progression of dementia symptoms, especially if the dementia is thought to be the result of atherosclerotic vascular disease. It does not seem to prevent dementia or Alzheimer’s, however.

There’s good evidence that ginkgo might ease leg pain caused by clogged arteries. It might also help with some other circulation problems. In addition, ginkgo may relieve PMS symptoms, like breast tenderness and mood changes.

Researchers have studied ginkgo for many other conditions, including ADHD, depression and other psychological conditions, multiple sclerosis, and tinnitus from a vascular origin. Some people are also using ginkgo to prevent high altitude sickness, though studies have not yet established that it’s effective for that. Many uses of ginkgo show promise, but more research needs to be done.

How much ginkgo should you take?

There is no standard dose of ginkgo biloba supplements. However, in medical studies, almost all clinical trials have used a standardized extract of ginkgo, standardized to 24% flavone glycosides and 6% terpene lactones. A common dose in people with dementia is 40 milligrams of that extract three times daily. For improving cognitive function in healthy people, studies have used between 120 milligrams to 600 milligrams of the extract daily.

No matter why you’re using ginkgo, experts suggest starting at a low dose (120 miligrams daily) and increasing gradually. Get advice from your doctor.

Can you get ginkgo naturally from foods?

The only source of ginkgo is the ginkgo tree. Most ginkgo supplements are derived from the leaves. Ginkgo seeds can be dangerous, especially when raw.

What are the risks of taking ginkgo?

Side effects. Ginkgo leaf supplements are generally safe. In some people, they can cause headache, dizziness, heart palpitations, nausea, gas, and diarrhea. Allergies to ginkgo can trigger rashes or more serious effects.
Risks. If you have a bleeding disorder, or are planning surgery, talk to your doctor before using ginkgo. Don’t take ginkgo if you have any medical conditions — especially diabetes, epilepsy, or fertility problems — unless your doctor recommends it. Do not eat untreated parts of the ginkgo plant. Uncooked ginkgo seeds can cause seizures and death.
Interactions. If you take any medicines or supplements regularly, talk to your doctor before you start using ginkgo supplements. They could interact with blood thinners, aspirin, NSAID painkillers, anti-platelet drugs, anticonvulsants, antidepressants, diabetes medicines, drugs that affect the liver and supplements like garlic, saw palmetto, St. Johns wort, and yohimbe. Ginkgo might reduce the effectiveness of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT.)

Given the potential risks, ginkgo is not recommended for children or for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Reviewed by Kimball Johnson, MD
Source WebMD

THE MOISTURIZER AS A VEHICLE FOR MEDICATION

Posted by bellosignature on July 30, 2014
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It is not easy to penetrate the skin’s protective barrier, as it is our defense against toxins and other external damage. But the fact that certain components in moisturizers can cross this barrier could be used to deliver medication for certain skin disorders.

US researchers have used regular shop-bought moisturizer as a vehicle to deliver anti-cancer particles to within the epidermis. The scientists prepared, and mixed in with moisturizer, gold cores surrounded by nucleic acid nanoparticles (siRNA) that targeted the genes responsible for rapid cancer cell growth. Once applied to the skin, the active ingredients proved to be highly effective. The simplicity implied by using moisturizers rather than liposomes or peptides for delivery opens up a new avenue for gene therapy to treat skin inflammations and melanoma.

Sources: PNAS & New Scientist
By Fede Montagud

THYROID DISORDER AND THE FACTS

Posted by bellosignature on July 30, 2014
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When Your Thyroid Goes Awry

Does fatigue drag you down day after day? Do you have brain fog, weight gain, chills, or hair loss? Or is the opposite true for you: Are you often revved up, sweaty, or anxious? Your thyroid gland could be to blame. This great regulator of body and mind sometimes goes haywire, particularly in women. Getting the right treatment is critical to feel your best and avoid serious health problems.

What Is the Thyroid Gland?
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland in the front of the neck. It produces hormones that control the speed of your metabolism — the system that helps the body use energy. Thyroid disorders can slow down or rev up metabolism by disrupting the production of thyroid hormones. When hormone levels become too low or too high, you may experience a wide range of symptoms.

Symptom: Weight Gain or Loss
An unexplained change in weight is one of the most common signs of a thyroid disorder. Weight gain may signal low levels of thyroid hormones, a condition called hypothyroidism. In contrast, if the thyroid produces more hormones than the body needs, you may lose weight unexpectedly. This is known as hyperthyroidism. Hypothyroidism is far more common.

Symptom: Swelling in the Neck
A swelling or enlargement in the neck is a visible clue that something may be wrong with the thyroid. A goiter may occur with either hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. Sometimes swelling in the neck can result from thyroid cancer or nodules, lumps that grow inside the thyroid. It can also be due to a cause unrelated to the thyroid.

Symptom: Changes in Heart Rate
Thyroid hormones affect nearly every organ in the body and can influence how quickly the heart beats. People with hypothyroidism may notice their heart rate is slower than usual. Hyperthyroidism may cause the heart to speed up. It can also trigger increased blood pressure and the sensation of a pounding heart, or other types of heart palpitations.

Symptom: Changes in Energy or Mood
Thyroid disorders can have a noticeable impact on your energy level and mood. Hypothyroidism tends to make people feel tired, sluggish, and depressed. Hyperthyroidism can cause anxiety, problems sleeping, restlessness, and irritability.

Symptom: Hair Loss
Hair loss is another sign that thyroid hormones may be out of balance. Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can cause hair to fall out. In most cases, the hair will grow back once the thyroid disorder is treated.

Symptom: Feeling Too Cold or Hot
Thyroid disorders can disrupt the ability to regulate body temperature. People with hypothyroidism may feel cold more often than usual. Hyperthyroidism tends to have the opposite effect, causing excessive sweating and an aversion to heat.

Other Symptoms of Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism can cause many other symptoms, including:
• Dry skin and brittle nails
• Numbness or tingling in the hands
• Constipation
• Abnormal menstrual periods
Other Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism can also cause additional symptoms, such as:
• Muscle weakness or trembling hands
• Vision problems
• Diarrhea
• Irregular menstrual periods

Thyroid Disorder or Menopause?
Because thyroid disorders can cause changes in menstrual cycle and mood, the symptoms are sometimes mistaken for menopause. If a thyroid problem is suspected, a simple blood test can determine whether the true culprit is menopause or a thyroid disorder — or a combination of the two.

Who Should Be Tested?
If you think you have symptoms of a thyroid problem, ask your doctor if you should be tested. People with symptoms or risk factors may need tests more often. Hypothyroidism more frequently affects women over age 60. Hyperthyroidism is also more common in women. A family history raises your risk of either disorder.

Thyroid Neck Check
A careful look in the mirror may help you spot an enlarged thyroid that needs a doctor’s attention. Tip your head back, take a drink of water, and as you swallow, examine your neck below the Adam’s apple and above the collarbone. Look for bulges or protrusions, then repeat the process a few times. See a doctor promptly if you see a bulge or lump.

Diagnosing Thyroid Disorders
If your doctor suspects a thyroid disorder, a blood test can help provide an answer. This test measures the level of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), a kind of master hormone that regulates the work of the thyroid gland. If TSH is high, it typically means that your thyroid function is too low (hypothyroid). If TSH is low, then it generally means the thyroid is overactive (hyperthyroid.) Your doctor may also check levels of other thyroid hormones in your blood. In some cases, imaging studies are used and biopsies are taken to evaluate a thyroid abnormality.

Hashimoto’s Disease
The most common cause of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto’s disease. This is an autoimmune disorder in which the body attacks the thyroid gland. The result is damage to the thyroid, preventing it from producing enough hormones. Hashimoto’s disease tends to run in families.

Other Causes of Hypothyroidism
In some cases, hypothyroidism results from a problem with the pituitary gland, which is at the base of the brain. This gland produces thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which tells the thyroid to do its job. If your pituitary gland does not produce enough TSH, levels of thyroid hormones will fall. Other causes of hypothyroidism include temporary inflammation of the thyroid or medications that affect thyroid function.

Graves’ Disease
The most common cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves’ disease. This is an autoimmune disorder that attacks the thyroid gland and triggers the release of high levels of thyroid hormones. One of the hallmarks of Graves’ disease is a visible and uncomfortable swelling behind the eyes.

Other Causes of Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism can also result from thyroid nodules. These are lumps that develop inside the thyroid and sometimes begin producing thyroid hormones. Large lumps may create a noticeable goiter. Smaller lumps can be detected with ultrasound. A thyroid uptake and scan can tell if the lump is producing too much thyroid hormone.

Thyroid Disorder Complications
When left untreated, hypothyroidism can raise cholesterol levels and make you more likely to have a stroke or heart attack. In severe cases, very low levels of thyroid hormones can trigger a loss of consciousness and life-threatening drop in body temperature. Untreated hyperthyroidism can cause serious heart problems and brittle bones.

Treating Hypothyroidism
If you are diagnosed with hypothyroidism, your doctor will most likely prescribe thyroid hormones in the form of a pill. This usually leads to noticeable improvements within a couple of weeks. Long-term treatment can result in more energy, lower cholesterol levels, and gradual weight loss. Most people with hypothyroidism will need to take thyroid hormones for the rest of their lives.

Treating Hyperthyroidism
The most common treatment for hyperthyroidism is antithyroid medication, which aims to lower the amount of hormones produced by the thyroid. The condition may eventually go away, but many people need to remain on medication for the long term. Other drugs may be given to reduce symptoms such as rapid pulse and tremors. Another option is radioactive iodine, which destroys the thyroid gland over the course of 6 to 18 weeks. Once the gland is destroyed, or removed by surgery, most patients must begin taking thyroid hormones in pill form.

Surgery for Thyroid Disorders
Removing the thyroid gland can cure hyperthyroidism, but the procedure is only recommended if antithyroid drugs don’t work, or if there is a large goiter. Surgery may also be recommended for patients with thyroid nodules. Once the thyroid is removed, most patients require daily supplements of thyroid hormones to avoid developing hypothyroidism.

What About Thyroid Cancer?
Thyroid cancer is uncommon and is among the least deadly. The main symptom is a lump or swelling in the neck, and only about 5% of thyroid nodules turn out to be cancerous. When thyroid cancer is diagnosed, it is most often treated with surgery followed by radioactive iodine therapy or, in some cases, external radiation therapy.

Source: WebMD

CERAMIDES, ESSENTIAL FOR THE SKIN

Posted by bellosignature on July 30, 2014
Posted in: Beauty Tips, Healthy Living, Skincare Tips & Knowledge. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Leave a comment

The ceramides are natural body components that have been demonstrated to be excellent moisturizers and a valuable ally against ageing and certain skin conditions. Given these properties, they are included in the formulations for many currently available cosmetic products.

Ceramides are essential components of the outermost layer of the epidermis, the stratum corneum, which acts as a barrier and helps keep the skin hydrated. The ceramides represent about 40% of the lipids (fats) in this layer (the other lipids are mainly cholesterol and fatty acids). Acting something like cement in a brick wall, the ceramides bind dead cells to each other and so slow down water loss and block penetration by harmful substances from the exterior. They also improve skin elasticity and cohesion.

It has been found that ceramides inhibit the action of certain substances, such as elastase and collagenase, which degrade collagen, elastin and other skin proteins that ensure that the cement that holds the horny cells remains in good condition. The loss of ceramides from the skin causes dryness, peeling, cracking and itchiness.

My cosmetic contains ceramides
Given their excellent moisturizing and firming properties, the cosmetics industry, in its endeavour to treat skin dehydration and the appearance of wrinkles as a result of ageing, has included the ceramides in the composition of many products, including soaps, moisturizers, shampoos, conditioners, sunscreens and a long list of other products. And, since the ceramides can also regenerate the cuticle cells of the scalp, they are also included in shampoos for damaged hair.

Ageing, sunlight, weather and skin disorders like eczema, psoriasis and atopic dermatitis reduce or otherwise alter the production of ceramides. Continuing with the wall analogy above, cracks appear in the cement holding the bricks together. Skin affected by eczema is poor in ceramides, whereas psoriatic skin is imbalanced in its composition. A number of clinical studies endorse the use of lotions containing ceramides as a complementary treatment for these conditions.

Natural or synthetic ceramides
Natural ceramides are very unstable substances that are costly to obtain, so synthetic ceramides are frequently used instead. Although the pseudo-ceramides are harmless and act in a similar way to natural ceramides, they have the drawback that they do not permeate the skin as well as the natural ceramides. However, penetration improves substantially if the ceramides are integrated in liposomes.

Ceramides appear on labels under the following names: Ceramide PC-102 (Hydroxypropyl Bislauramide MEA), Ceramide PC-104 (Hydroxypropyl Bispalmitamide MEA), Ceramide PC-108 (Hydroxypropyl Bisstearamide MEA), Ceramide 1, 2, 3, III, 6-II, etc.

Sources: American Journal of Clinical Dermatology & Dfarmacia.com
By Andrés Martínez, science journalist

WHY SHOULD YOU EAT BREAKFAST

Posted by bellosignature on July 30, 2014
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When you first wake up, your body needs energy to start the day. A nutritious breakfast can provide enough energy to kickstart your day in a healthy way. Research has confirmed that people who skip breakfast have a low total daily energy intake.

Breakfast and your body weight
A study out of Obesity Research, suggests that people who skip breakfast are more likely to be overweight. The study continued to say that eating breakfast is something that’s common in people who have lost significant amounts of weight. Talk to to your doctor about healthy breakfast options.

Skipping can increase your bad cholesterol
According to research conducted by Harvard University, skipping breakfast can lead to a rise in blood pressure and cholesterol, increasing the chances of developing heart disease. Talk to your doctor about your blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Breakfast and your heart
According to a large, 16-year-long study, men who skipped breakfast had a 27 percent higher risk of heart attack or coronary heart disease compared to men who did not skip breakfast. Eat a heart-healthy breakfast every morning.

Breakfast and diabetes
Research has suggested that eating a large breakfast may help people with type 2 diabetes gain better control of their hunger and blood sugar levels. Ask your doctor about what is a healthy, large breakfast.

Eat a balanced breakfast
Eating a nutritious, balanced breakfast with sensible amounts of protein, carbohydrates and vitamin C is a great way for you and your family to start the day. Talk to your kids about the importance of starting every day with healthy foods that will give them energy for the day ahead.

Breakfast increases brain activity
According to a study presented at the Learning Connection Summit, children who ate breakfast had more activity in their brains than children who skipped the first meal of the day. Talk with your children about the importance of eating a nutritious breakfast each day.

Breakfast replenishes blood sugar
When you wake up in the morning, it’s usually been 8 to 12 hours since your last meal and your brain and body need food to replenish blood sugar levels. This is especially important for people with diabetes, who need to watch their blood sugar levels carefully.

Breakfast is great for fiber
Breakfast is a great place to make sure you and your family are getting the daily recommended amount of fiber. If your family likes cereal, try buying cereal that is high in fiber and has whole grains.

Parts of a good breakfast
To ensure your body and heart stay healthy, eat a nutritious breakfast. Stay away from the high-fat, high-sugar biscuits or donuts that many think are appropriate for breakfast. Instead, try combining sensible amounts of protein, complex carbohydrates, fruits and vegetables for breakfast.

Making time for breakfast
Many people don’t eat breakfast because they think they don’t have time in the morning. But getting up just 15 minutes earlier can give you enough time to make a healthy meal. This is especially important for people with type 2 diabetes, who benefit greatly from balanced meals.

Breakfast and your immune system
During cold and flu season, breakfast is even more important. Research has shown that people who ate breakfast boosted their immune system, while those who skipped breakfast ended up weakening their immune system.

Reviewed by: Beth Bolt, RPh
Source Daily Rx

HEALTHY SUBSTITUTES FOR BAKING

Posted by bellosignature on July 30, 2014
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It may seem impossible to find a delicious dessert that’s also good for you, but healthy dessert is possible — you just have to know the right ingredients to use. Knowing the ingredients you’re using will also help you understand how many calories you’re taking in, something many people misjudge. According to an article published in the British Medical Journal, two-thirds of people who responded to a survey underestimated how many calories they were taking in. By using healthy ingredients and knowing their nutritional information, you can make better choices while baking.

Apple sauce
Tasty treats tend to be high in fat. Unfortunately, foods that are high in fat can trigger symptoms in patients with MS. One way to lower the fat in your treats and make them healthier is to use applesauce instead of oil. Just replace the oil with three-quarters the amount of applesauce.

Avocado
Everyone is crazy about avocados these days, but have you ever tried putting them in your dessert? Avocado is a great substitute for butter (just make sure your friends know where the greenish tint is coming from) and your desserts will have the same consistency. As an added bonus, avocados have many health benefits, including reducing inflammation, which could be beneficial for patients with osteoarthritis.

Mashed banana
You might think we’re bananas for suggesting this substitute, but bananas can actually take the place of butter in some recipes! Not only do bananas offer lots of potassium, a study reported at the 2014 annual meeting of the American Thoracic Society found that COPD patients who ate more bananas tended to have better lung function and fewer symptoms. Start by using half as much mashed banana as you would butter.

Greek Yogurt
Plain nonfat Greek yogurt is high in protein and calcium, which makes it a perfect substitute in baked goods. It can be used in place of sour cream, butter and even oil. For those with HIV/AIDS, lowering fat in recipes can ease diarrhea symptoms. When you’re substituting for sour cream, you can use the same amount, but when substituting for butter, use only half the amount of Greek yogurt. For example, replace 1 cup butter with a half cup Greek yogurt, or substitute a cup of oil with three-quarters cup of Greek yogurt.

Reduced sugar
Here’s the not so sweet truth about sugar – too much of it in your diet may increase your risk for heart disease. But don’t worry, there’s good news! You don’t have to weigh down your desserts with lots of sugar to make them delicious, most treats can still be just as tasty with half the sugar a recipe calls for.

Sugar substitutes
We’re all too familiar with the not-so-sweet facts about sugar, such as bigger waistlines and higher risk of heart disease. For patients with diabetes, sugar can lead to dangerous increases in blood sugar. In most recipes, you can substitute sugar with low-calorie sweeteners. Make sure to check the package of your sweetener to see how to convert the amount for your recipe.

Dried fruits
Chocolate can be very delicious, but for people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and similar conditions, chocolate might trigger symptoms. A good replacement for chocolate chips in baked goods is dried fruit, such as raisins or dried cranberries.

Dark chocolate
For people who don’t have IBS and would like to have a little bit of chocolate every once in a while, here’s some great news: Dark chocolate is full of antioxidants! So try replacing milk chocolate with dark because antioxidants offer great benefits, especially to those with rheumatoid arthritis. Studies have shown that antioxidants have anti-inflammatory effects.

Almond flour
For those who have celiac disease, glutenous products can’t be used in baking. Almond flour is a great alternative to regular all-purpose flour and is gluten free.

Bean flour
Bean flour is another great alternative to all-purpose flour because it provides a good source of fiber and protein. High fiber foods can help prevent constipation. Bean flour is also gluten-free and can be a great option for patients with celiac disease.

Almond milk
Lots of baking recipes call for milk. Although milk can have health benefits for many people, it may not be the best option for those with IBS. Luckily, there are many liquids that can work just as well in your sweet treats. Almond milk is a great substitute and a friendly choice for patients with IBS.

Source Daily Rx
Reviewed by: Joseph V. Madia, MD

HYDROTHERAPY ACTIVATES THE SKIN’S PROTECTIVE FUNCTION

Posted by bellosignature on July 30, 2014
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Whether it takes the form of a purifying sauna or relaxing Turkish bath, hydrotherapy is an ancient ritual that has health benefits for the whole body. A frequent sauna often also improves the barrier function of the epidermis, as it helps block germs and increases hydration.

The atmosphere in the dry sauna of the northern hemisphere or in the Turkish bath of the Mediterranean region, whether used for quiet repose or animated conversation, fosters deep relaxation of the body. Saunas have been used in Scandinavia and Russia since 2500 years ago and Turkish baths have witnessed the passing of numerous civilizations. Their potential for repairing skin cells are only beginning to be known.

Heat and humidity
Inside a Finnish sauna the thermometer is set to over 80°C, but the relative humidity remains very low (no more than 15%). The body defends itself by creating an artificial state of fever (its temperature rises to over 40°C) and this stimulates the immune system and opens the blood vessels in the skin.
In a Turkish bath (hammam) the temperature is maintained at about 46°C and humidity soars to 100%. The steam combined with skin exfoliation opens the pores and removes impurities from the skin. In both types of hydrotherapy, the body’s tissues are oxygenated by sweating and by the switch between heat and cold. The outcome is that our most visible organ, the skin, becomes smoother and more elastic.

Water for the skin
A study by the Friedrich Schiller University in Jena (Germany), published in Dermatology, demonstrated that frequently taking a sauna increases the water-retention capacity of the stratum corneum (the outermost layer of the epidermis). Frequent saunas, as well as improving skin hydration, also regulate the skin’s pH, thereby blocking germs from entering the body.

Hydrotherapy and skin disorders
The protective effects of hydrotherapy centres, spas and similar establishments have also been reported for individuals with chronic skin disorders such as atopic dermatitis and psoriasis.

A number of studies have demonstrated that balneotherapy strengthens the skin’s immune system. One study concluded that three weeks of spa hydrotherapy may reduce colonization by Staphylococcus aureus, a bacterium that inflames the skin in patients with atopic dermatitis. Another study showed that hot springs prevented keratin-producing cells from releasing chemicals that stimulate skin inflammation.

Visiting a spa or a hot spring for the simple pleasure of relaxing the muscles and the mind is undoubtedly a source of lasting health for our skin.

By Núria Estapé, science journalist
Sources: Dermatology

SYNDETS: SOAPFREE SOAPS

Posted by bellosignature on July 30, 2014
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Nowadays we are no strangers to skin care concepts like “cleansing bars” and “dermatological bars” as the cosmetics industry has managed to develop “soapfree soaps”. We wash our hands with bars that contain no soap and our gels are “soapfree”. Soap’s day has passed: welcome to the “syndet”.

Soap is the result of a chemical reaction (saponification) between a fatty acid and an alkaline base. If quantities are not right, the reaction produces alkali remains and a basic pH soap that is detrimental for our skin. But even a perfectly formulated and manufactured soap is distinctly alkaline in an aqueous medium.

The fact that our skin is mildly acidic is the result of the combination of lactic acid and lactate that make up sebum (the lipid mantle). Skin has the ability to regulate pH changes and, because of this self-regulating function, occasional soap use does not affect pH. However, using soap on an ongoing basis removes oil from our skin and the resulting destruction of the lipid mantle undermines the skin’s barrier function.

What is a syndet?
The word “syndet” is derived from “synthetic” combined with “detergent”. Technically it refers to the binding that occurs between different detergents, also called surfactants or tensioactive agents. These detergents, which have an affinity for oils and repel water, surround dirt with small structures that are then removed by water.


The detergents used in these gels and bars are mild anionic surfactants, used to develop high quality products. The most commonly used surfactant is Sodium Laureth Sulfate. Because anionic surfactants are potentially irritating, in formulations they are combined with other more dermocompatible surfactants. Syndets also contain suitable quantities of emulsifiers, humectants and preservatives.
From a technical viewpoint, syndets have other advantages over soap, such as the fact that they admit the possibility of using additives (colorants and fragrances) that are not suitable for soaps.

Soap vs. syndet
Syndets are recommended for cleansing sensitive skin and even baby skin, as they are far more gentle and skin-friendly than traditional soaps. But remember that the anionic surfactants contained in syndets may cause sensitization problems in reactive skins. Nonetheless, even though syndets might prove to be a source of irritation for a small segment of the population, they are undoubtedly much more recommendable than traditional soaps.

Syndets in the market
Syndets are available in two forms in the market: as a bar or as a gel. The bars are called “cleansing bars” or “dermatological bars”. Gels are labelled as being “soapfree”. Both bars and gels in this form are “soaps without soap.”

The vast majority of products available in the market today are syndets. Soap itself has been relegated to the traditional crafts sector – a memory of a time when cosmetics were not widely used and when people used the same soap for their bodies and their clothes.

Lourdes Varadé, chemical engineer
Source: The Healthy Skin Blog

PERFUME: WHY DOES IT SMELL DIFFERENT ON EACH PERSON?

Posted by bellosignature on July 29, 2014
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Have you ever wondered why people smell different even though they wear the same perfume? Individual skin naturally contains a particular cocktail of chemicals that, rather like a fingerprint, leaves a unique aroma. When perfume blends with a person’s body odour it takes on a life of its own and creates a unique mark of identity.

At perfumeries, fragrances always smell just as their creator designed them. But they take on a different life on individual skin. We now know that we all give off a different body odour because everyone’s skin is composed of various chemical substances that, on evaporation, are transmitted by air and can be perceived by smell. These substances, known as volatile organic compounds, are part of all living organisms. Humans secrete them though two types of skin gland that produce sweat: eccrine and apocrine glands. When we apply a perfume, our natural body odour and the fragrance blend together and produce a specific, unique cocktail. But how do they blend? And why, once we are wearing it, does a perfume smell nothing like its creator planned?

Chemical cocktails
The underarm areas (axillae) are the parts of the body that perspire the most and so contribute most to body odour. Whether pleasant or unpleasant, body odour is the result of a mixture of volatile chemical substances from underarm perspiration — steroid hormones, fatty acids and sulfur-containing compounds — that react when they come into contact with the microbial flora of the skin.

The flora contains bacteria from a wide variety of species, such as staphylococcus or coryneform bacteria, whose main function is to protect and nourish the layers of the skin. In coexisting in varying amounts and combinations in our skin, these microbes leave a different trace in each person. They transform non-odorous natural secretions into volatile molecules that smell.

What happens if perfume is added to this cocktail?
When fragrances are mixed with the cocktail of skin molecules, they trigger a series of chemical reactions that produce a unique smell. The quality and intensity of the smell depends on the amount of fragrance the skin absorbs and how much evaporates. By placing clothes on perfumed skin, we ensure product absorption and less evaporation.

The degree of moisture emitted by the pores of the skin can also influence the amount of fragrance that evaporates. Perfume applied to well-hydrated skin that produces a lot of moisture in a dry room at a high temperature will evaporate more quickly. Covered skin is also hotter and probably the stratum corneum stays well hydrated.

All these factors determine our body odour when we use perfume. But let’s take a look at what other substances in our skin modify our body odour when they blend with our perfume.

Fatty acids and microflora
Perfume molecules, which dissolve when mixed with fatty acids, also interact with other epidermal fats (ceramides and cholesterol). These substances, present in individual skin in varying amounts and proportions, are the first barrier to perfume being absorbed through the skin.

And, as we have already said, skin microflora — with species that vary from person to person depending on several factors such as age, lifestyle, diet and stress — react with the molecules of fragrances and create different smells.

Science has already identified nearly 100 volatile organic compounds produced by human skin. Various combinations between the characteristics of our skin, the environment and perfume molecules create an endless number of smells, each virtually unique.

Smell: a distinguishing feature
We recognise and remember the smell of people close to us because our sense of smell has developed to detect odours that have an emotional or sexual meaning. That’s why choosing a good perfume is vitally important for many people who use the lingering trace of perfume as their mark of identity.

How to choose a perfume

On the day of purchase don’t wear any kind of perfume, cologne or lipstick.

Only use the paper test strips to rule out the fragrances you don’t like. Choose just two perfumes.

Place a small amount of perfume on the inside of your wrist. Wait two or three minutes for the alcohol to evaporate and for the perfume to interact with your skin.

Do the same with the other fragrance on the other wrist.

Wait a few seconds before smelling each one so as to avoid mixing aromas.

A word of advice: it’s best not to buy a perfume the same day as you test it. It’s a good idea to let it act, check its effect after a few hours and then go back to the store when your mind is made up. Better still, take home a few samples and test them at your leisure.

Once on the skin, all perfumes are released in three aromatic phases. During the first (lasting around 15 minutes), we perceive citrus notes. In the second phase (after around two hours), we notice the core of the fragrance (woods, floral aromas). And finally, we identify spices, sweet aromas and musk. If you like a perfume during all three phases, then that’s the one for you.

Not all perfumes are suitable for all kinds of skin. Choosing the right one for you can be a difficult task — some even say it’s an art…

By Núria Estapé, science journalist
Sources: British Journal of Dermatology