Eyelash Extensions This is a technique for increasing the length and fullness of eyelashes on a lash-to-lash basis with natural or hair-like synthetic material being glued on top of your natural lashes.  They are designed so that you can go about your daily activities looking fabulous while requiring little care. Eyelash extensions are popular since you can achieve better results than with mascara alone without the usual issues associated with mascara.  Clients love that they can determine how long and how full they want their new look to be.  They are light and look natural.  Once on, you can even wear contact lenses and swim. There are some tips and considerations you need to know before you go for your new look:

1. Choose a certified eyelash extension specialist.  This is a person who has relevant training in application and client safety. They use professional products.  Ask how long they have been doing eyelash extensions since you will want someone with adequate experience.
2. Learn about the glue that is used.  Those with sensitivities may not be able to have extensions applied or if you have allergies that cause you to rub your eyes.
3. When applied correctly, extensions will not ruin your natural lashes.
4. Each strand is attached directly to a single natural lash and will fall out during the natural growth cycle of each lash, about 3-4 weeks.  A skilled technician will never apply an extension to a clump of your lashes.
5. Picking or pulling the lashes can cause them to fall out with your natural lashes.
6. The rule is for the first 12-24 hours after application or touch-ups you should not expose your lashes to water or oil-based makeup.  Water can weaken the adhesive.
7. You will be able to wear non-waterproof mascara on the tips of your lashes to make your eyes pop.
8. The most common types of eyelash extensions are synthetic, silk and mink.  Mink is the most expensive and the lightest.
9. Application of eyelash extensions takes about 2 hours.
10. There are different glues that can be used.  Check to see that the glue being used does not contain formaldehyde.
11. To keep your new look, you can expect to go for lash maintenance every 3-4 weeks.

Finding the Right Product for Your Dry Skin It’s not unusual to buy a moisturizer for dry skin that actually makes your condition worse or just doesn’t work.  If you know what to look for when reading the ingredient list, you can avoid wasting money and get the results you are looking for. Hyaluronic Acid This is one of the most desirable ingredients for good reason since it can absorb 1,000 times its own weight in water.  It’s lightweight, not oily and it helps keep collagen and elastin moist so that it functions better, giving skin a more youthful look.  Best of all, this one ingredient is safe for all skin types. Essential Fatty Acids These are the fats that help fuel cells for keeping skin moisturized and healthy.  The only way these nutrients can be produced is through diet or skin creams. Ceramides These lipid molecules help maintain and restore the skin barrier function of skin by locking in moisture. Glycerin, Glycols, and Polyols These ingredients help the skin draw in and bind extra moisture.  These are favorites in cleansing products since they don’t strip moisture.  They are often seen on ingredient lists as propylene glycol and butylene glycol. Sodium PCA This humectant is found naturally in skin’s proteins and is an outstanding ingredient for dry skin since it has excellent water-absorbing properties.  A moisturizer with Sodium PCA offers long-lasting hydration.

Test Your Knowledge of the Regulation of Cosmetics

True or False

1. The FDA (Federal Food and Drug Administration) is responsible for the safety of cosmetics.   T/F
2. Cosmetic products and ingredients do not need FDA premarket approval.  T/F
3. The FDA can recall hazardous cosmetics from the market.    T/F
4. When cosmetics are imported they are subject to review by the FDA at the time of entry through U.S. Customs.   T/F
5. The FDA cannot inspect cosmetic manufacturers.   T/F
6. The FDA tests cosmetics and can also recommend testing labs.  T/F
7. Cosmetic manufacturers are required to register with the FDA and get an FDA license to operate.   T/F
8. All cosmetic imports that come into the U.S. are inspected by the FDA.  T/F

Answers:

1. FALSE.  Companies and individuals who manufacture or market cosmetics have a legal responsibility to ensure the safety of their products.  Neither the law nor FDA regulations require specific tests to demonstrate the safety of individual products or ingredients.  The law also does not require cosmetic companies to share their safety information with the FDA.
2. TRUE.
3. FALSE.  In general, the recall of cosmetics are voluntary actions taken by manufacturers or distributors to remove from the marketplace products that represent a hazard or gross deception, or that are somehow defective.  The exception is when a company is not willing to remove dangerous products from the market.
4. TRUE.  The FDA works closely with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection to monitor imports, yet they do not inspect every shipment.
5. FALSE.  The FDA can and does inspect cosmetic manufacturing facilities to determine if the products are adulterated or misbranded.
6. FALSE.  The FDA does not subject cosmetics to premarket approval.
7.  FALSE.  Under the law, manufacturers are not required to register their cosmetic establishments or file their product formulations with the FDA, and a registration number is not required to import cosmetics to the United States.
8. FALSE.  The FDA does not inspect all imports of cosmetics coming into this country.

Listerine for Dry, Cracked Feet

As many have asked, does this recipe for a Listerine and vinegar foot soak really work for dry, cracked feet?  Most that have used it say it does.  I agree, they are unusual ingredients; let’s explore them.

• Listerine contains Thymol, an ingredient that kills bacteria and fungi, and probably some germs as well.
• Vinegar is actually acetic acid with antibacterial properties.

When you combine these ingredients with water they act as a mild exfoliate. The recipe is: 1 cup Listerine (try the gold-colored one to prevent blue feet) 1 cup Vinegar 2 cups of warm water Soak your feet for about 20 minutes. You can add more hot water to keep the water at a comfortable temperature.  If your feet are really rough, don’t expect a miracle from one or two soaks.  You may still need to use a pumice-type scrubber after soaking, but you should find that the dead skin does remove easier. Listerine can also be combined with sugar and vinegar for a foot scrub.

Sandi’s Q & A

Q:  I keep reading that AHAs are beneficial for my skin.  My question is, what are they? A:  AHAs are Alpha Hydroxy Acids used for exfoliating the skin.  All skin types and conditions can benefit from some method of exfoliating.  As skin ages the cells don’t desquamate (shed) as frequently which in turn creates a dull, dry appearance.  The most common AHAs are lactic, glycolic and mandelic acid. Q:  Is there a guide to SPF protection from UVB rays? A:  It is a requirement by law that each product for sun protection provide information regarding SPF protection in their packaging.  Here is a quick guide: SPF 2 blocks about 50% of UVB rays SPF 10 blocks about 85% of UVB rays SPF 15 blocks about 95% of UVB rays SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays Q:  I have sun damage on my face and I wondered if a product with retinol could help me at all or if I would just be wasting my money? A:  Yes it could help. Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A, which is unquestionably effective in treating sun-induced wrinkles and hyperpigmentation associated with aging skin.  The benefits of retinol are:

• Speeds up the production of collagen
• Enhances the immune system
• Decreases inflammation
• Stimulates new growth of tiny blood vessels

Q: Can I shower or swim right after I get lash extensions? A:  Most glue used for eyelash extensions require that you don’t expose them to water for 12-24 hours after application or touch-ups.  Water can weaken the adhesive.  Look for the follow-up care on the tube or bottle if they are being applied at home or check with the professional before they are applied.  It’s important to know about the glue before you begin. Q:  Help!  I used a self-tanning product and now I have streaks.  How can I fix it fast? A:   Cut a lemon; then squeeze the juice onto a cotton ball.  Wipe the cotton ball on the streaky areas.  You should see the areas begin to lighten within a few minutes.  If you don’t have a lemon handy, try making a paste from baking soda and water.  Massage the paste into the streaks.  To avoid this from future applications, apply a moisturizer to areas that are extra dry, especially the knees, elbows and fingers.  If you would like to read more about how to successfully apply a self-tanning product, you can look at past editions of Sandi’s Skin Talk in Bellesprit Magazine. Q:  Is there a way I can make my lips look fuller without using a product that is supposed to plump them up? A:  Yes.  Try a lip gloss or go several shades darker on your lips.  Rich red shades make lips look fuller than neutral ones. Views:]]>