| Hot Topics Nu Skin Personal Care Animal Testing Statement |
Except when mandated by law and regulatory agencies around the world, Nu Skin does not test its cosmetic products on animals nor do we request others to test on our behalf. According to the FDA, it is not possible at this time to entirely abandon animal testing and still assure human health and safety. To read more information on the FDA's role in Animal Testing, go tohttp://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/cos-205.html.
Nu Skin advocates and subscribes to the ethical and humane treatment of animals and the protection of human health and safety. Because of our efforts in this area Nu Skin is listed on PETA's "Companies That Don't Test" list. |
In the past, your face revealed how old you were. Today, it reflects how young you feel. Minimal skin care in your teens can start to catch up with you in your 30s. Due to the effects of mechanical, biological, and environmental aging, you may notice a loss in skin elasticity, an increase in uneven skin tone and texture, enlarged pores, and the development of fine lines and wrinkles. Suddenly, your reflection appears years older than it needs to. When it comes to looking older, your mother had no choice. You do. Ageless beauty is the reality of today with Tru Targeted Treatments.
Nu Skin® Tru Targeted Treatments are cutting edge, technologically advanced formulas specifically designed to address the individual needs of aging skin. The targeted approach utilizes the best and very latest in clinically proven technologies to provide precise solutions to the various ways your skin can change over time—making beautiful, youthful looking skin a reality at any age.
The Future of Anti-Aging
Introducing the newest addition to Tru Targeted Treatments, Tru Face™ Revealing Gel—formulated with gentle polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) for smoother, younger looking skin without irritation. Clinically proven to be as effective as traditional alphahydroxy acids, PHAs also chelate excess metal ions in the skin to reduce oxidative damage for brighter skin, bind to water for added hydration, and provide powerful antioxidant protection.
Ideal for everyone, even those with sensitive skin, this advanced PHA formulation features the nonirritating anti-aging benefits of gluconolactone and lactobionic acid (so nurturing it is used as a preservation solution for transplant organs) to target the biological and environmental signs of aging. Gently reveal a more youthful appearance with Tru Face™ Revealing Gel.
Experience the future of skin care today—Tru Face™ Revealing Gel is now available.
PHA CLINICAL DATA
Clinical tests* show daily usage of PHAs delivers:
- A 45% improvement in skin smoothness
- A 30% improvement in skin firmness
- A 30% improvement in skin tone
- A 15% improvement in the appearance of pore size
A Dermatologist on Skin Aging
Patricia K. Farris MD FAAD
Dermatologists have long appreciated that sun exposure is a major factor in skin aging. The most important way to prevent skin aging is to protect your skin from the damaging rays of the sun. Dermatologists recommend that you apply a sunscreen daily with an SPF of at least 15. Additionally, it is important to be certain that the sunscreen you are using blocks both the ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B rays. Ultraviolet A rays are the rays that tan the skin and ultraviolet B are the rays that burn the skin. Both UVA and UVB rays contribute to skin cancer while UVA rays are primarily responsible for skin aging. It is important to remember that sunscreens lose their effectiveness when you are sweating or swimming, so you need to reapply sunscreen every two hours while engaging in outdoor activities. Use at least one ounce of sunscreen per application. This is the amount that fills a shot glass. As part of a comprehensive sun protection program, you need to also wear sun protective clothing like hats and long sleeve shirts and make sure to schedule outdoor activities either early in the day or late in the afternoon to avoid the peak hours of the sun (between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.). This prevention strategy helps keep skin looking young and healthy.
Topical Antioxidants
Another great way to protect your skin from sun damage and premature aging is to use topical antioxidants. Scientific studies have shown that sun exposure causes buildup of free radicals within the cells causing damage to cell membranes, DNA, and collagen. It is believed that the collagen breakdown that occurs from damaging free radicals causes wrinkling. Antioxidants are compounds that can neutralize free radicals, thereby protecting skin from their damaging effects. By applying antioxidants to the skin, we can boost the skin's natural protective mechanisms and protect it from free radical damage.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a water soluble antioxidant found in a variety of skin care products. When applied to the skin, vitamin C not only neutralizes free radicals, but also encourages collagen production in the dermis. Vitamin C lightens brown spots caused by the sun, thus improving the overall appearance of sun damaged skin. Topical vitamin C is a favorite among dermatologists because it protects and repairs aging skin.
Alphahydroxy Acids
Another popular ingredient used by dermatologists and available in many skin products on the market is hydroxy acids. Alphahydroxy acids are derived from fruit and milk sugars. The most commonly used alpha hydroxy acids are glycolic acid and lactic acid because they have a special ability to penetrate the skin. The use of fruit acids to treat the skin goes back to the time of Cleopatra. Cleopatra, who was known for her beauty, bathed her skin in milk to keep it looking young. Milk is a natural source of lactic acid, a fruit acid that is popular today. Other fruit acids include glycolic acid and gluconolacotone, both of which improve that appearance of aging skin. Fruit acids work by making skin cells shed more evenly, thus leaving the skin smooth and bright. Fruit acids can also stimulate collagen production, improving the wrinkling seen in aging skin. Fruit acids pack a powerful punch against skin aging.
Taking an Active Role in the Aging Process
Aging is a natural process and unfortunately no one can avoid it, but you can take an active role when it comes to preventing and slowing the signs of aging. Using products that contain ingredients such as vitamin C and hydroxyl acids and ensuring proper SPF protection will ensure the greatest benefits and results in maintaining healthy, youthful skin
Every Nu Skin product undergoes independent dermatological testing, including RIPT (repeat insult patch testing) on human volunteers. In RIPT, a small amount of product is applied to the skin of each individual and monitored for its effect. Over a certain interval of time, the skin is observed, graded, and tested again—at least 10 trials per product per individual. Through this process, Nu Skin works to ensure that its products are gentle and safe for the majority of skin types. A product only earns the label "Safety-allergy-dermatologist tested" when it passes this test.
Determining Skin Sensitivity
Because everyone is slightly different, no product can be tested for every possible skin type or sensitivity. Some adverse responses may be caused by interactions with medications or other products. You may already be aware of certain allergies that you have or of a tendency to dryness or breakouts. If you have known allergies, you should carefully check the product's ingredient label and avoid any product containing those ingredients you're allergic to. If you have ever had an adverse reaction to skin care products or if you have a known sensitivity, we recommend that you test the product on a small patch of your skin (usually on the underside of your arm) before applying it on your face or body.
Choosing the Right Product
Over the years, the majority of adverse responses occur because products were used incorrectly or were matched with the wrong skin type. All Nu Skin products come with usage directions as well as recommendations for which products may complement any skin regimen. Many products are formulated specifically for either normal to dry or combination to oily skin. (If you do not know your skin type, please refer to the Individualized Daily Skin Care Guide in the front of the catalog.) For many people, choosing the best product for your skin type and following the usage directions will ensure satisfaction and a positive experience with Nu Skin products.
Building Products into Your Skin Care Regimen
Various Nu Skin products are formulated to be used together to create the best overall skin quality. Usage guidelines are based on Nu Skin's testing and observations. Many adverse responses reported to Nu Skin are a direct result of misuse (i.e. using too many products at one time, using a product too frequently, or using incompatible products) and can be avoided by using the products correctly. For example, using multiple moisturizers may indeed cause a breakout because the skin may not be able to absorb such an abundance of moisturization. Certain products designed for exfoliation may not be compatible with other masks or exfoliates. For example, Nu Skin 180 is not recommended with the use of additional mask or exfoliation products. In general, exfoliating too often may cause an adverse reaction.
Allowing Time for Skin Acclimatization
For some people, introducing a new product into your regimen may require a short period of acclimatization during which time your skin will adjust. Acne breakouts, which are distinct from rashes, redness, or itchiness, may be a symptom of this adjustment. If you are adding multiple products to your skin care routine, you may want to add them at intervals, giving the skin time to adjust to each one. This adaptation period is temporary and will pass, but if breakouts occur for more than two weeks, you should contact Nu Skin Product Support at 1-801-345-7763.
Deciphering an Adverse Response or Allergic Reaction
Each person is unique, and each has certain sensitivities. If you experience an adverse response, you may have an individual sensitivity to an ingredient in a product. This sensitivity may make you prone to an allergic reaction or to increased irritation when using products incorrectly.
Although research demonstrates some basic characteristics of allergies, less is known about exactly why certain people have allergies or why certain substances affect certain people and not others. If a person is allergic to a particular ingredient in a skin care product, the defense mechanisms of the body trigger the production of histamines when the skin comes in contact with that substance. In some instances, your body could develop new antibodies to something you have been using for years. The histamines cause a physical reaction, often in the form of redness, rash, itching, and swelling within hours or days. A rash is different from an acne breakout in that a rash is characterized by red bumps with tiny white pustules that may itch or ooze.
Sometimes skin may experience irritation that is not necessarily an allergic reaction. Again, this skin irritation, which may be evident in the form of an acne breakout or redness, can mean that the skin is adapting to the new product or that the product is being misused or combined with an incompatible product.
Eliminating the Adverse Response
In spite of Nu Skin's thorough research and testing, a small percentage of individuals with unique sensitivities may experience adverse responses to a Nu Skin product. To deal with any of these kinds of responses, the following guidelines may be helpful:
-
Discontinue use of the product(s). -
Continue using mild, basic cleansing, toning, and moisturizing products and postpone the use of masks, scrubs, and treatment products. -
Read usage directions to verify that you are using the right amount at the right intervals (i.e., daily or weekly). -
Consult product information to avoid combining products that may cause irritation. -
Test the product in question on a patch of skin, perhaps on the underside of the arm to determine if your skin has a unique sensitivity to it. -
If symptoms subside, reintroduce one product every 3 to 4 days. -
Most responses will subside within 3 to 4 days. However, if symptoms do not subside, discontinue use of all products and allow the skin to recover fully from any adverse effects. You may then want to add one product every 3 to 4 days, which may allow the skin to gradually adjust to the products. It may also allow you to pinpoint the product or other factor causing irritation.
Nu Skin tests to ensure that products are safe and effective for the majority of skin types. Even ingredients that are beneficial to most skin care users may be incompatible with individual sensitivities. In rare cases, products (or a combination of products) may elicit skin irritation or an adverse response. Following Nu Skin usage recommendations and being alert to your own skin sensitivities and allergies will reduce chances of adverse reactions.
| Safety-Allergy-Dermatologist
Tested |
How to Analyze
Cosmetic ResearchNu Skin was founded on the belief that it could develop products containing beneficial and truly effective ingredients. Guided by the motto "all of the good, none of the bad," Nu Skin actively searches for innovative and effective ingredients for its formulations. With a pledge to help you live better longer, every Nu Skin cosmetic ingredient is held to a high scientific standard to ensure its safety and efficacy. In short, every ingredient in a Nu Skin product is critical in the delivery of the best result for your skin, hair, and body.
Research Standards and Testing
Each cosmetic ingredient has a history of testing and retesting. Scientists and research centers continuously study ingredient safety and efficacy. For new scientific findings to be valid, they must be replicated and substantiated by separate, independent labs. When multiple labs receive similar results using the same conditions and variables, the findings are considered "confirmed" or "valid" to the scientific community. If the study results cannot be repeated, the study is considered unsubstantiated and preliminary.
After ingredients have been researched and approved for use, Nu Skin carefully formulates and then tests individual products. A product with the label claim "Safety-allergy-dermatologist tested" certifies that it has been tested as safe for use under the supervision of a dermatologist. In a test called RIPT (repeat insult patch test), a small amount of product is applied to a test subject's skin, and the effects are monitored for sensitivity, irritation, and allergic response.
Assessing Claims, Sources, and Controversies
Occasionally, an ingredient Nu Skin uses receives negative reviews in the media, possibly due to an isolated study. Often, this negative press is generated by a study or article taken out of context and applied to cosmetic products, grossly misrepresenting and exaggerating ingredient risks. Information extracted from scientific studies can be easily misunderstood and misquoted.
When assessing any single source or article, you should consider a few criteria:
- Author and qualifications: Is the author qualified to write on the subject? Does he or she represent independent research interests or does he or she represent a particular company's position?
- Nature of publication: Is the article published in a respected, peer-reviewed scientific journal or is it in a pop magazine or Internet website? Does the article advocate products of a company that does not use the ingredient in question? Is its motivation to market to or to provide information to the consumer?
- References cited: Does the article contain scientific references? Reliable sources will usually refer to other reputable research. Has the study been validated as described earlier?
- Context of research: Does the article's specific research relate to cosmetic products? Is the ingredient in question tested in a manner similar to how a product would be used and at comparable concentrations? Is the concentration of exposure in the test comparable to the exposure in a skin care product?
- Natural vs. chemical: Many beneficial ingredients are both chemical and natural. The "all natural, chemical-free" slogan does not always mean safer or more beneficial. Many natural ingredients have not been safety tested, and their effects on the skin are undocumented.
- Preservatives: Most products contain some form of preservatives, usually in very low levels, to prevent microbial growth and thus protect cosmetic products from spoilage and the consumer from infection. Without these ingredients, products become contaminated and pose a possible health threat to consumers.
- Alcohol-free: The alcohol in "alcohol-free" refers to ethyl alcohol, which is the harshest alcohol on skin. Many other alcohols actually moisturize the skin.
As with any topic that generates a lot of opinions, it is important to understand and consider sources that provide accurate and reliable information. Consumers can rely on several sources of information to thoroughly investigate and monitor ongoing research.
- The FDA: The Food and Drug Administration is the federal department responsible for regulating the safety and efficacy of all food and drugs sold in the United States.
- The CTFA: The Cosmetic Toiletries and Fragrance Association provides specific information on ingredient safety through the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR), an independent panel of renowned physicians and scientists that has assessed ingredients used in cosmetics since 1976.
- Other good sources include: American Academy of Dermatologists (www.aad.org), World Health Organization (www.who.int/en/), and the Environmental Health Agency (www.epa.gov).
Nu Skin Enterprises, with more than 20 years of experience in the cosmetic industry, offers a proven commitment to product research and development. Nu Skin continuously monitors ingredient research to maintain the highest standard of safety and quality. The ingredients Nu Skin uses to formulate its products offer tremendous benefits to consumers when used as directed.
If you have questions about any specific product or ingredient, Nu Skin Product Support is always happy to take your call or email.
HOW DO WE AGE?
The most prominent theory accepted by the scientific community has been termed the Free Radical Theory of Aging. Free radicals are mostly oxygen-containing molecules with single electrons in the outermost orbital that are very eager to pair up with anything else that has electrons. These short-lived molecules, with an average life span of one-millionth of a second, are very potent toxins that afflict our bodies. By attacking the cell's DNA, free radicals destroy the cell, causing healthy cells to die prematurely. When we're young, our natural antioxidant defense system functions well by mopping up free radicals before they can cause damage. However, as we age, the antioxidant defense system becomes less efficient through down-regulation of oxidative enzymes. The increase in free radical damage impairs cellular regulation and functioning and triggers aging symptoms as well as many diseases.
HOW DOES THE FREE RADICAL THEORY OF AGING SPECIFICALLY AFFECT OUR SKIN?
You may be surprised to know that every day, each skin cell can be exposed to more than 73,000 damaging assaults. Our skin cells experience even heavier damage because they're a part of an external organ and are exposed to even more harmful elements.
The Free Radical Theory of Aging is particularly relevant to skin cells. The unstable free radical molecules vibrate in the skin, literally poking holes in the collagen fibers (the skin's support structure) of the dermis. After years of this free radical assault, the collagen, which is a critical structural element of skin, becomes weaker, eventually causing the skin to collapse and form wrinkles. The rapid rate at which skin cells divide causes a shorter life span for the cell, and as we mature, the number of skin cells in our bodies decreases. Over time, the process results in our skin becoming thinner and thinner. Essentially, the more skin cells in your body and the thicker these cells are, the healthier your skin will be and the less wrinkles you will have.
HOW DO YOU SLOW DOWN THE AGING PROCESS?
Scientist have come to a realization through many years of study that to prevent accelerated aging and to keep your skin for getting old and wrinkled, you need to protect your DNA from both outside and inside aggressors.
So, if you want to live to 100 or at least improve your quality of life on the way to 100, I have a formula for you. Here's my "inside out" approach to a lifetime of health and beauty: Change to a healthier lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, and a positive attitude. Along with a healthy diet, add daily supplements such as Pharmanex® LifePak® and Tegreen 97® to strengthen your antioxidant defense on the inside.* Protect skin from outside oxidative damage by including the newest generation of antioxidant ingredients such as polyhydoxy acids and alpha lipoic acid, as well as vitamins A, C, and E.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
| The Truth about
Aging Michael A. Chang PHD Pharmaceutical Advisor |
Prescription-grade tretinoin (aka Retin-A) was the first of these breakthrough products. Then came alpha-hydroxy acids, which speeded cell turnover and prompted the appearance of healthy new skin. Though derived from fruit acids and other food sources, these powerful skin-sloughers were also essentially lab-made.
The nought-nought years of the new millennium mark the start of a kinder, gentler phase of the skin care revolution with ingredient philosophies like Nutricentials,™ "a promising new generation of rejuvenators that are driven by the world of nutrition rather than cosmetic science," says Lori Bush, Nu Skin Advisory Board member. Nutricentials ingredients are derived directly from foods. And though they're easy on the skin, they are proving able to help ward off future damage from the sun, from pollutants in the air, from smoking, from internal stress, and from general wear and tear.
So just what are these new skin rejuvenators? They're key tissue-nurturing antioxidants, and yes, they appeared in small doses, as vitamin A, C, and E additives, in late '90s beauty creams. But now that antioxidants have won mainstream scientific acceptance, Nu Skin and its sister company, the natural nutritional supplement supplier Pharmanex, are combing the world for unique food sources for these free radical fighters and skin fortifiers, and are beginning to use them in pure, concentrated doses in Nu Skin treatment products. The idea, explains Bush, "is to identify key nutrients found in local diets that contribute to the qualities of healthy skin, and then to leverage the differences in skin care around the globe by gathering together the best the world has to offer."
New Benefits from Olive Oil
Take the Mediterranean region for instance, where an all-important food basic is olive oil. For centuries, olive oil has also served locally as an excellent moisturizer for soothing parched skin. But recently it's been discovered that extra-virgin olive oil from that region contains a rich supply of polyphenols, amino acid derivatives that function as powerful antioxidants. One of those polyphenols, hydroxytyrosol, patented by Nicholas Perricone, M.D., assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Yale University, is now a key component (high up on the ingredient list) in Nu Skin's Celltrex® Ultra Recovery Fluid. This lush-to-the-touch, rapidly-absorbed serum helps diminish fine lines and ruddiness and gives the skin a new-found radiance.
Advantages of Algae
Moving eastward, Nu Skin is making use of another class of skin-protecting, food-derived antioxidants. These are carotenoids, natural vitamin A derivatives from algae that thrive in intense sunlight in the waters off the coast of Israel and are packed with powerful protectants. In the 1990s, carotenoids extracted from tomatoes and other food sources were mixed into skin care products, but without much success, as their characteristic orange, yellow, or dark green color made them highly impractical for topical use. Nu Skin's Israeli carotenoids, however, are unique in that they are colorless and therefore aesthetically pleasing in treatment products. Again, high on the ingredient list, they are the star constituents in Nu Skin's Moisture Restore™ Day Protective Lotion SPF 15, available in formulas for normal to dry and combination to oily skin. These are ideally suited as day light moisturizers that enhance the skin's natural resistance to the environment.
Preliminary scientific testing being performed at Stanford University in conjunction with Nu Skin shows promising results for several additional skin protectants and rejuvenating nutrients. The reason for such variety? "Each antioxidant has its own unique route and its own timetable for treating the skin," says Michael Chang, Ph.D., Pharmanex's founder, who now serves as Nu Skin Enterprises' Chief Scientific Officer and is a new member of the Nu Skin Professional Advisory Board.
Nutricentials™ raise the ante on skin care as healthy lifestyle components. They are not intended as temporary stopgaps, but as preventive maintenance. Indeed, these ingredients take effect gradually, over a period of weeks or months. What's more, they need daily replenishing, says Dr. Chang, who explains that once an antioxidant molecule makes its all-important free-radical linkage, it is spoken for, so to speak.
An Antioxidant-Rich Diet
Of course, we can certainly get antioxidant supplies from our food intake, particularly if it's rich in vegetables and fruits and low in sugar and saturated fats. And we can also top up our antioxidant supplies by taking nutritional supplements. But the benefit of antioxidants in creams and serums is that they're sent to work directly at their target areas, wrinkles…brown spots…sallowness, and, as a bonus, they feel extraordinarily good on the skin.
Flawless Skin: Protecting a Precious Asset
One month old Ashley Freeman of Greenwich, Connecticut, has pouty little rosebud lips and skin "just like silk," sighs her proud mom, Kiyomi. Two week old Alejandro Lopez of Boynton Beach, Florida, "has skin like butter—no, make that cream cheese," says his mom, Patti. Meanwhile, in Seattle, Washington, Zelie May Wynne-Jones's skin at eight months is "so soft and delicate—as if it hadn't been anywhere or done anything yet," says her father, Michael.
That's right, agrees Amy S. Paller, M.D., professor of pediatrics and dermatology at Northwestern Memorial School of Medicine in Chicago. We have a million reasons for hugging and kissing our precious little ones, but all it takes is the gentlest caress of their adorably plump cheeks or their darling little Buddha tummies, and you can have no doubt that babies possess the world's softest, lushest, most huggable skin. The reason for that? "Baby skin is what fresh, new skin looks like—no DNA damage, no wrinkling or brown spots from the sun," Dr. Paller explains. Many pediatricians and dermatologists claim the layer of waxy vernix that coats their skin in the womb also contributes to that softness. They point, as well, to the rich stores of collagen in newborns' skin, and to the fact that babies (unlike the rest of us) don't yet have a history of taxing their facial muscles. Sure, they're famous for laughing, crying, squealing, frowning, and generally making the world's funniest faces. But they're just getting started; those facial muscles they're trying out are brand new.
Of course, baby skin is delicate too, and needs extra-loving attention and care. According to Jerome Litt, M.D., a Cleveland, Ohio-area dermatologist, infants and babies under one year of age have skin with fewer oil and sweat glands. It can get dry—especially on the arms and legs, which may need added moisturization, proposes Ellis Gottesfeld, M.D., clinical assistant professor of dermatology at New York University Medical Center. Their skin also contains less pigment—meaning it has less ability to ward off sun exposure. And it's more porous—meaning it's easily affected by irritants such as harsh detergents. So whatever you do, keep your baby out of the sun and wash his or her clothes in a hypo-allergenic detergent or laundry soap, proposes Dr. Litt. He also suggests dressing baby in soft, loose-fitting garments that don't chafe or irritate the skin.
As for how best to care for and nurture your munchkin's skin, no doubt you're aware of the numerous pre-toddler consumer options now available: super-absorbent diapers…the softestever muslin onesies…Jaguar-class strollers with state of the art sun canopies. But the latest trend, arriving in the wake of a whole new generation of independent cosmetic lines for grownups, is "boutique" quality skin care for babies.
Not surprisingly, some of these baby product lines fit into the ultra-gentle, pure and natural botanical category. The most recent of them, Epoch Baby® from Nu Skin, takes botanical products a giant step further. Epoch Baby's trio of skin and hair products is the first-ever ethnobotanical skin care collection for tiny ones. This means that its key plant based ingredients have been used and trusted for centuries by traditional, indigenous cultures around the world to protect their offspring's skin.
The three products from Epoch Baby® are scientifically qualified, too. Their botanicals are blended into ultra-gentle, high-performance formulations. So not only do you and your baby join a global tradition of mothers and babies from remote South Sea Islands, Indomalaysia, and rural South America, but you do so knowing these products have been prepared using the highest standards of modern skin care. Overall, Epoch Baby® provides a new generation of skin care products to protect your baby's flawless skin—a most precious asset.
Lighten Up on Sun Exposure
Did you know that you can take control of one of the most significant skin cancer risk factors by consciously reducing your exposure to UV light? And if youthful, healthy looking skin sounds attractive, you've just discovered yet another good reason to stay in the shade. UV damage to the skin is largely responsible for the lines, wrinkles, and discoloration associated with premature aging.
To prevent the danger and damage associated with sun exposure, experts recommend avoiding direct sunlight whenever possible and protecting your skin when exposure is necessary or inevitable. And don't be fooled by indoor tanning's false promise—some studies indicate that the UVA and UVB radiation of tanning beds and booths may be more dangerous than natural sunlight. Your best bets for safe fun in the sun are sunscreens (when correctly applied and reapplied) and protective clothing (including hats).1
Sunless Tanning Lotions Get the Gold (and the Bronze)
In the quest for a safe, healthy glow, sunless tanning lotions deserve a medal. Advances in skin care product technologies have made the once streaky-orange alternative to a natural tan a beautiful, authentic looking reality. The latest sunless tanners utilize cutting edge formulas that go on evenly and develop into warm, natural tones. For providing the look of an afternoon by the pool without the damaging effects of sun exposure on your health and appearance, sunless tanners get a perfect 10.
So whether you're spending time outdoors for relaxation, recreation, or because it's a part of your job, using a sunless tanner and sun protection is the smart way to work and play!
1http://www.cancer.org/docroot/home/index.asp (July 2003) http://www.nci.nih.gov/cancer_information/ (July 2003) http://www.aad.org/ (July 2003)
| IS THERE ANY
HEALTHY TANNING? |
The Best Things under the Sun
Sun protection should be a component of every skin care regimen to protect skin from the damaging and premature aging effects of the sun. Sunright® products deliver powerful protection and are water-resistant, nongreasy, and safety-allergy-dermatologist tested.
Sunright® BodyBlock (SPF 15 and SPF 30): Formulated with Parsol® 1789, Sunright® BodyBlock products—available in SPF 15 and SPF 30—provide protection against UVA and UVB radiation. Also contain Sealastin® to keep skin looking and feeling youthful by protecting collagen and elastin.
Sunright® Lip Balm (SPF 15): Lip Balm guards against cold-weather chapping and helps prevent damage caused by UVA and UVB rays. Features SeaLastin® to keep lips looking healthy and smooth.
M.D., M.P.H., Assistant Professor of Dermatology and Director of the Clinical Trials Unit, Stanford University
Does eating chocolate give you zits? What about stress? Or the weather? You only have a breakout here and there so you don't have acne, right? It's time to reveal the truth about breakouts. While it's a myth that chocolate causes pimples, stress can aggravate your skin. By kicking off the release of androgens—hormones that produce a sticky oil in hair follicles—stress can be the culprit behind breakouts weeks before they surface. As far as the weather goes, breakouts are more likely to occur on hot, humid days because your skin can be aggravated by heat and friction. And yes, even one pimple is considered acne.
It actually takes about two weeks for acne to reach the surface of the skin. That's why, when you start treating acne, it's normal to see flare-ups. Usually you won't start to see results until the third or fourth week. For this reason it's important to be patient with a new acne treatment regimen.
Acne begins when hair follicles get plugged by sebum, an oily substance made by your skin. In those who are acne prone, this oil gets trapped in the narrow follicle, causing cells to clump and form a plug—phase one of a blemish.
Phase two occurs when bacteria, which love the air-tight environment created by the plug, start feeding and breeding inside the pores. The body responds by sending white blood cells to fight these bacterial invaders. This results in phase three: inflammation—small pink bumps, pimples, and sometimes nodules and cysts. It is this inflammation that results in scarring, dark marks, and discoloration.
When does acne stop? Most people see their acne improve as they get older. However, some people don't get acne until they are in their 20s, 30s, or even 40s. The bad news is some of the effects of past acne can last a lifetime. The good news is breakouts and the signs of past acne can be treated with the help of modern science so everyone can enjoy clear, healthy skin.
| The Truth about
Breakouts |
Jeannette Graf
M.D., F.A.A.D., Clinical and Research Dermatologist
WHAT IS ENVIRONMENTAL SKIN AGING?
Environmental skin aging is a process whereby ultraviolet light, the sun, and other free radical generating environmental exposures cause changes in your skin.
WHAT IS MECHANICAL AGING?
Mechanical aging is caused from repetitive movements: the contraction of muscles, frowning, pursing your lips, squinting, etc.
HOW DOES THE SUN DAMAGE YOUR SKIN?
Every single day it sneaks into your skin and causes a variety of different changes. Now don't be fooled, it doesn't take a sunburn for the sun to cause damage. In fact, every day during the year there is something called UVA, which is a longer wavelength, low energy light. It is the same all year round. It gets into the skin, and because it doesn't have the burning effect like other types of rays, it can get deeper into your skin, which is where your collagen and elastin are. UVA rays then destroy the collagen and the elasticity of your skin. It wreaks havoc on the pigmentation of your skin, so you can get freckles. You can get sagging skin, lines, and diffuse wrinkling, which is environmental skin aging and sun damage.
DOES SMOKING CAUSE WRINKLES?
Smoking is a wrinkle-causing behavior for many reasons, the least of which is pursing your lips every time you put a cigarette in your mouth. Think about how the lack of oxygen and deadly carcinogens affect the health of your skin.
CAN SLEEPING POSITIONS AFFECT YOUR SKIN?
If you look at anyone you'll notice that no two sides of the face are alike. Everyone has a side where the wrinkles are deeper, where the naso-labial fold is deeper, even the left profile is different from the right. Chances are, the side you sleep on is the side that looks the oldest. Always start by sleeping on your back, and try to avoid sleeping on your side. If it is unavoidable, use softer pillows.
CAN WEIGHT FLUCTUATION AFFECT YOUR SKIN?
We all know someone who has lost 30 pounds and gained it back. Every time your weight increases it causes the skin to stretch, and as you lose weight the skin will sag. All of this pushing and stretching will cause the skin to wrinkle and sag. Keep your weight steady through healthy internal factors. You are what you eat.
Paul Alan Cox, Michael J. Balick, and Vanessa Penna
From Cleopatra's obsession with kohl eyeliner and fragranced oils to Indian henna painting rituals and Japanese Geisha makeup, traditional cultures have shaped our vision of modern beauty. These ancient rituals and recipes have been practiced since the earliest times and are now being revived by people searching for the natural path to beauty.
These days it's not difficult to find exotic ingredients like Ayurvedic herbs from Nepal, babassu nut from Brazil, or shea butter from Ghana in your everyday shampoos and shower gels. Just browsing the cosmetics aisles can leave you with the feeling of having trekked across the globe. And you can't pick up a beauty and fashion magazine today without reading about the newest botanical ingredient featured in everything from facial cleansers to hair gels. The obvious connection between these "exotic" extracts is that they all come from Mother Nature, and nearly all of them are plant-based. The ideas behind many of today's best selling beauty potions come not from the laboratory, but from the knowledge of indigenous peoples—ancient cultures that have age-old knowledge of the environment and the plants that surround them. The future of the beauty industry, it seems, can be found in the past. So, what beauty editors may dub as the newest anti-aging formula might just be a recipe that's been kicking around for a thousand years or more. As ethnobotanists—scientists who study the use of plants by indigenous cultures—we suggest that plants in nature produce a more dazzling array of beneficial molecules than could the most modern chemical laboratory, and that indigenous peoples, so-called "primitive tribes" living in remote villages, are more sophisticated in their choice of these plants, their preparation, and their utilization than highly trained beauty consultants in our most modern cities.
From the tropics and deserts to arctic regions, indigenous tribes have relied on plants and their remarkable chemistry to treat and prevent illness, and to help protect and increase their own natural beauty. But how do they identify which plants are useful as medicine or beauty aids? In our ethnobotanical studies with traditional healers around the world, we have found that the sources of discovery are often hidden in the mists of time. Some scientists believe that through trial and error, indigenous peoples who have been resident for generations in a single area, have learned which plants are useful and which are not. Sometimes indigenous peoples tell us that the uses of the plants were revealed in dreams, or by their ancestors. Regardless of how plant uses were originally discovered, when specific plants are used for generation after generation, their accumulated knowledge begins to approach the results of thousands of human clinical trials and years of market research.
As more people seek environmentally friendly and safer ways of making themselves feel better about the way they look, they are turning to plant-based beauty products; many of the ingredients in these products are based on centuries-old knowledge of traditional cultures. Our vision, as ethnobotanists, is to ensure that companies share the benefits from these discoveries and products with the indigenous peoples who have developed them.
| Ethnobotany and Beauty Care |
Epidermolysis Bullosa
Nu Skin—A Force for Good
Alfred T. Lane
M.D. F.A.A.P.
In line with its mission to create a better world for children, the Nu Skin Force for Good Foundation™ supports the Epidermolysis Bullosa Medical Research Foundation (EBMRF). EBMRF supports research to find a cure and treatment for Epidermolysis Bullosa at Stanford University.
What Is EB?
Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a term used to describe a group of skin diseases where the attachment between skin cells is abnormally weak. Mild trauma pulls the skin cells apart, forming small cavities of fluid within the skin; eventually small and large blisters form. This disease derives its name from "epiderm," which means skin; "lysis," which means breakdown; and "bullosa," which means blister or collection of fluid in the skin. EB can be mild, causing blisters to form on the feet after short hikes. It can also be severe, causing blisters and sores to form easily from minimal trauma to the skin; sores can also form inside the mouth, esophagus, and trachea. Children with the most severe form of EB may die an extremely painful death soon after birth because routine handling of a child can strip off large areas of skin. In addition, patients who do survive may have recurrent wounds and infections, and inadequate nutrition due to sores in the mouth or esophagus.
Who Is Affected by EB?
EB affects all ethnic and racial groups. It occurs in about one in 20,000 to one in 50,000 births. In recent years, new hope has arisen for families with children who have EB. Researchers at Stanford and other centers have identified several of the absent or incompletely made proteins that act as glue to hold the skin together. Depending on which protein is defective, the disease may be mild or severe. The protein defect is caused by an error in the child's DNA that directs the manufacture of a specific protein. EB is therefore a genetic disease associated with specific genetic mutations. We have no precise therapy for this disease other than avoiding blister-causing trauma and treating blisters and wounds that develop. Gene therapy is the best hope for the future of individuals with EB. Gene therapy involves transferring human genetic material (DNA) into cells. In EB patients, the transferred DNA would allow the skin cells to produce the correct "glue" that the diseased cells normally cannot make.
What Research Is Being Done?
Research at Stanford University School of Medicine's Department of Dermatology—funded by the National Institutes of Health, the Epidermolysis Bullosa Medical Research Foundation (EBMRF), and the Nu Skin Force for Good Foundation™—is directed at identifying new strategies for the treatment of EB. These strategies have displayed promise at the preclinical levels in experimental models; however, key scientific challenges remain to be overcome before bringing these efforts forward to the U.S.F.D.A. for initial clinical trials in human patients. Use of these research methods on children with EB will begin once we have completed the necessary tests to confirm safety. Funding from the Nu Skin Force for Good Foundation™ has allowed us to hire additional research scientists to complete the necessary projects in a more rapid and comprehensive manner. The Nu Skin Force for Good Foundation™ has shortened the path to therapy by more than three to five years already.
Are cosmetic products safe?
Introduction
This is a very important question. Our appearance is our first impression to the world, so of course, we all want to apply only the very safest products to our skin. In doing so, we expect the end result to be better skin, not skin which is irritated or damaged. To ensure this, most reputable personal care companies perform a barrage of tests prior to launch and Nu Skin is no exception. Despite this assurance, consumers are increasingly concerned about products in the marketplace - both foods and cosmetics - as more information becomes available about what is healthy and what is harmful. While some of this information can be classed as 'misinformation', the use of the web means that it is readily available and it is often difficult to sort out reliable data from bad. This all leads to more confusion over what to choose to provide the best care for skin. At the same time as there is growing array of product choices for today's consumer. This article outlines the Nu Skin philosophy to only develop and sell 'safe' personal care products and discusses some of the hot items getting attention in the press and online.
"All of the good, none of the bad"
As the most basic consumer desire, producing safe, yet effective products is at the heart of Nu Skin's philosophy. In fact, the company was founded on a principle of using "all of the good, none of the bad". This means using only the safest of safe ingredients which prove to be beneficial for skin. In fact the original 13 products were specifically formulated to contain not only skin ingredients known to be beneficial to skin, but also to omit any ingredients that could potentially cause harm to the skin. This philosophy is still followed by all Nu Skin products today. Table 1 gives the original list of ingredients not used in any Nu Skin products to this day.
Table 1: Original list of
ingredients that Nu Skin does not use
| NU SKIN INGREDIENT PHILOSOPHY |
| Talc |
| Mineral Oil |
| Petrolatum |
| Paraffin Wax |
| Lanolin and Lanolin
derivatives |
| Alcohol (approved as
anti-microbial in hand sanitizer) |
In today's products, Nu Skin ensures that all ingredients are
obtained from reliable suppliers who have thoroughly tested the
ingredients and established a good safety profile. Additionally,
once formulated in a product, Nu Skin R&D performs a battery of
clinical testing which confirms the safety of the final product.
This means the products are tested on human volunteers to ensure
that the products are safe. Even the slightest report of skin
irritation is followed up, thoroughly investigated and understood.
In many cases this will result in changes being made to the
formulation with more testing until we are convinced that the
formulation is safe for consumer use. These tests include, for
example, skin irritation, patch testing to ensure the product does
not cause allergic reactions and ocular irritation to ensure the
product does not cause any eye irritation if the product is applied
to the face. These tests do come at a price - many run into
thousands of dollars, adding to the cost of product development.
Oftentimes, these studies are conducted on a panel of subjects with
different ethnic diversity to ensure the products are safe for all
skin types.
"Natural"
products
In recent years there has been an
increase in consumer awareness of "green" issues and the
"naturalness" of a product for environmental and health reasons.
Another trend gathering popularity is consumers wanting health
focused, holistic products (which are often also organic) in their
lives. This trend parallels the desire to return to the simple life
and "get back to basics", and there is increasing consumer demand
for plant-based simple, formulations that are mild yet very
effective.
Consumers becoming more and more informed on natural trends have
generated an increased demand for these natural and organic
ingredients in the skin care market. This has resulted in a boom in
organic products available, i.e. those grown without pesticides for
food categories, and we are seeing this expanding to include
cosmetic products. In fact, more organic and/or "all natural"
products and cosmetic lines are entering the market at a very rapid
rate. It's important to note that there is presently no
standardized government controlled definition for a cosmetic
product to put 'natural' on its package or in its advertising.
Companies make their own definition of natural and often use it
liberally as a consumer 'buzzword'. Thus, it's important that
consumers understand that "natural" does not ensure safety or the
best efficacy. For example, a "natural" facial mask could be
cooked, soft mashed carrots blended with a little honey. The
consumer would apply, wait and rinse for a rich carotenoid facial.
While this is a natural product, it not a very convenient one: it
takes time to make and would only be good for one application as
bacteria will easily contaminate these 'unpreserved' products. If a
product like this was marketed and no preservatives were used, the
product would not survive the journey from factory to consumer. By
the time it reached the consumer, the microbial growth would be at
very harmful levels and this product would be dangerous to apply to
the skin. Because of this ambiguity and lack of clear definition
surrounding 'natural', Nu Skin feels it is important to educate
consumers on its products and provide information on their
ingredients, instead of using currently ill-defined, trendy words
on the packaging or in advertising claims.
The word "organic" has not been as carefully regulated on personal
care products as it is on food. When the "USDA Organic" seal
appears on the packaging it indicates that the product contains 95
percent organic ingredients. The USDA started applying organic food
standards to personal care products in August 2005. To achieve the
USDA seal, the product must contain ingredients from crops grown a
certain distance from conventional farms, so there is in theory no
chance of cross-contamination and any processing must be done in an
organic-exclusive factory and be made almost entirely from organic
ingredients. While the USDA certifies organic personal care
products, the food standards being leveraged have not been designed
to fit the personal care industry.
In March of 2008, Organic And Sustainable Industry Standards
(OASIS) launched the first U.S. certification program for personal
care products. The founding members from an array of manufacturers
felt that the USDA standards were too stringent and did not allow
for "green chemistry" commonly found within the industry. OASIS
certification is more strict than is presently found in other
countries with its "Organic" standard needing 85 percent organic
content and "Made with Organic" mandating 70 percent. As this field
develops these percentages will likely increase. If the product
claims 'organic' without a seal, then some organic ingredients may
have been mixed with non-organic ingredients and the organic claim
has not been regulated. Similarly, in other countries, a product
can be called organic and only contain a few organic
ingredients.
Of course, consumers do want products to provide a skin care
benefit and natural "treatment" ingredients are being called for
more and more. Nu Skin's line of Epoch products is a great answer
for this desire. Each of our Epoch products contain ethnobotanical
ingredients known to provide a benefit by incorporating them into
safe and effective skin care products.
What about
parabens?
This philosophy to marketing more
"natural" and safe products has led some companies to attempt to
find replacements for preservatives. This is in part driven by the
growing concern regarding media reports on parabens as being not
natural, not safe and potentially harmful. When, in fact, parabens
are crucial to provide quality products which do not have
contamination from potentially very harmful microbes. All products
containing water have the potential to harbor and grow dangerous
bacteria. Parabens are among the most widely used preservatives in
cosmetic products and have a safety record spanning more than fifty
years… parabens are even used widely as preservatives in food.
Parabens are actually made from modifying naturally occurring
chemicals found in plants. Moreover, products which have
insufficient preservation are very dangerous and could potentially
cause very severe damage to the skin. Due to the rapid microbial
growth in the absences of proper preservation, skin can become
contaminated by unpreserved products.
Currently there is no substantiated research indicating that
topical application of parabens is harmful in any way. While we
continue to research and utilize the latest technologies,
ingredients and manufacturing processes, we believe some of the
best and most proper preservation of cosmetics includes
parabens.
Conclusion
In
keeping with the Nu Skin philosophy of "all of the good, none of
the bad", Nu Skin continues to use ingredients with proven safety
information. Final products are tested to ensure they are safe.
Additionally, all sources of information including new developments
reported in the research literature are constantly assessed and if
necessary, Nu Skin will modify its ingredients in line with the
latest discoveries.