According to a study recently published in the Environmental Health Perspectives online journal, prenatal exposure to high levels of low molecular weight phthalates (including those that are found in some cosmetic products, for example diethyl phthalate (DEP)) were associated with behavioural problems in children. The study, led by Dr Stephanie Engel of the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, took urine samples from 177 women who were enrolled for prenatal care either at the Mount Sinai Diagnostic Treatment Center or at two private practices on the Upper East Side of Manhatten. These urine samples (which were taken between 25 and 40 weeks into the pregnancy) were analysed for ten phthalate metabolites that were divided into two groups, high molecular weight and low molecular weight, to limit the number of statistical tests performed.

Women were invited for three follow up visits when their children were between 4 and 9 years old, and behavioural questionnaires were administered. Parental judgements on behaviour The parent-report sections of both the Behaviour Rating Inventory of Executive Functioning (BRIEF) and the Behaviour Assessment System for Children (BASC-PRS) were completed by the mothers at each visit. Poorer scores on BASC indexes such as aggression, attention problems, conduct problems and depression, were associated with higher maternal levels of low molecular weight phthalates, the scientists claimed. In addition, higher scores on the BRIEF scales such as emotional control were also associated with higher phthalate levels. The behaviours recorded in the study do not meet the ‘at risk’ or ‘clinically significant’ criteria, note the researchers.

However, they argue that the findings warrant additional study on the role of prenatal exposure to low molecular weight phthalates in the emergence of disruptive behaviour problems in children. Although the researchers are unsure of a mechanism behind these effects, they postulate it could be linked to phthalates’ potential endocrine effects and conclude the more research is ‘urgently needed’ in order to replicate the findings. If the findings were to be replicated, limits to prenatal exposure may need to be put in place, the researchers argued.

The propsed Bill, number HB 1248, argues that ‘many personal care products contain chemicals known to cause cancer and reproductive toxicity’. If passed the act would prohibit, in the state of Colorado, the sale and distribution of personal care products that contain such ingredients, in addition to a fine of $5,000-10,000 for offending manufacturers. This, the bill argues, is necessary in order to protect the citizens of the state as neither the FDA nor the Colorado Department of Public Health reviews and approves personal care products before sale.

The bill proposes to use existing lists of ‘harmful chemicals’ from bodies such as the US Environmental Protection Agency, the international agency for research on cancer and the national toxicology program, in order to determine whether an ingredient is a carcinogen or a reproductive toxin.

A hearing to be held in late February,  will see sponsors of the bill set out the supporting case, and those opposing the act, including the US trade association the Personal Care Products Council, challenging it, before it will be voted on by the committee.

Qantec has been working on the Immune Defence Proteins (IDP) for three years and is now ready to launch the products onto the skin care and supplements market with research being applicable to both human and animal health related products.

Rod Claycomb, managing director of Qantec, explained how the proteins form part of the cow’s own  natural defence system to a common problem among milking cows.

“After milking, cows are quite prone to bacterial infection of the mammary gland called mastitis. This suite of proteins is nature’s own way of helping to protect the cow,” he said.

It is thought that the antimicrobial action of the proteins could help acne sufferers.

• Apply after cleansing when the skin is still moist to better retain moisture and hydrate the skin.

• Use a moisturiser that effectively plumps and hydrates the skin and has ingredients called humectants that draw moisture from the air to provide long lasting hydration.

• Use the third and fourth fingers to apply products – this will provide less pressure and therefore less drag and pull on the skin.

• Warm skin absorbs moisturiser more effectively – apply a warm towel or wash in warm water first.

2. The cascade of free radicals generated by smoking and physical action of smoking will cause wrinkles to form.

3. If you can, try to sleep on your back.  Pressing the face into the pillow can cause puffiness and creases to form.

4. Don’t strip the skin of natural oils with hot water, soap or scrubbbing at the skin.

5. Reduce squinting in the sun – get a good pair of sunglasses with a high UV rating.

6. We are what we eat – pay attention to a well rounded, well balanced diet to provide all the nutrients the skin needs to function optimally.

7. Hydrate – both by drinking lots of water  and using an effective moisturiser that has no chemicals that are known to irritate and cause inflammation.

All the sunless tanners use the same basic chemical ingredient to turn the skin brown.  – dihydroxyacetone (DHA).  DHA is a simple sugar that browns the skin by means of its interactionnwith the amino acid arginine which is found in skin cells

They do vary in the amount of DHA as in how fast you will turn brown and how dark you will go with one application.  The products also vary with the method of application, you can choose from mousses, sprays, sponge and creams.

It may take some experimentation to find what works for you but if you are new to tanning, choose one that goes gradually brown. Better to perfect your technique than with a self tan that goes dark quickly.

Most important is the technique you use:

• Leave yourself plenty of time to apply the self tanner – this is not a job to rush!
• To have as even a tan as possible – exfoliate first.
• Moisturise the knees and elbows that tend to go darker.
• Be sparing and take care to evenly apply on the feet, ankles and backs of the hands.
• Wash your hands immediately  afterwards to avoid those tell tale orange palms.

Waxing, shaving, lasers, microdermabrasion, chemical peels, IPL and lasers can all be effective but also hard on our skins.

xxxskinsaviour is formulated to calm, soothe and help return the skin back to its normal conditon helping to reduce inflammation and redness.  Antioxidants in the moisturiser can help to intensify the effect of the treatments such as IPL.

Acne starts when oil and dead skin  cells begin to clog the pores of the skin. Acne is a broad description that can range from a few pimples or whiteheads to hundreds of pimples that can cover the face, neck and back.

If bacteria gets into the pores, it can cause redness and swelling and also lead to the formation of pus. This can be quite painful and it these cystic lesions that can lead to scarring.

To help control acne:

• Keep the skin clean but don’t overclean with harsh soap and detergents that can strip the natural oils of the skin.
• Try blotting papers to keep the shiny oily look at bay rather than over cleansing the skin.
• Try not to scrub at your pimples or pick them.
• If you must squeeze them do so very gently and be careful not to introduce bacteria as this can make the pimple worse and even cause a scar.
• Use a moisturiser that does not block the pores of the skin.

The skin is the body’s largest active organ and is constantly required to replace and protect itself against foreign invaders that can affect the condition of the skin.

Protein is an important nutrient to help support the basic structure of the skin. Good sources include, fish, chicken, lean red meat, egg whites and dairy products.

Antioxidants are also important in helping to repair and protect against free radical damage with Vitamins A,C and E being helpful to include in our diets and include in our skin care products as  a topical application.

Vitamin C, copper and iron are all integral nutrients for the production of collagen,  a key protein in the actual structure of the skin.

Essential fatty acids found in foods such as avacados, olive oil, walnuts, salmon and tuna amongst others help to plump the skin and give it a healthy glow.

Water is also needed to be drunk plentifully to avoid the dry, sallow look of skin that is dehydrated .

The study, recently published in  a recent issue of the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology showed that topical antioxidants had a two fold benefit in helping to improve the desired effect of the IPL and to help ease the side effects of treatment.

The top layer of the dermis was measured to be thicker  in the group who received both antioxidant and IPL therapy.