HAIR DYE: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Allergen Hair Dye “Hair dye” is not on published allergen lists, but most hair dyes contain PPD or para-phenylenediamine, which is a staple in published allergen lists — — so much so that it was the American Contact Dermatitis Society‘s Allergen of the Year in 2006. Reactions occur where you’d expect them (on the scalp, for example, […]
GARLIC: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Allergen…and a Photo-Allergen! Garlic Might explain why vampires avoid it (and have such smooth complexions)! While garlic is delicious and has a long history of being used as a natural remedy, it contains allicin and diallydisulphide, which are both allergens. Garlic poultice (garlic made into a moist mass that is spread on cloth or skin) […]
I Need a Moisturizer But Have Acne!
Throw me a line…I need a moisturizer but have “bumpy” issues! You’re in luck! Because moisturizers spread easily and sit on the skin for a long time, and tend to be absorbed well, they’re a great way to hit two birds with one stone: moisturization plus active therapy! How to choose? These 3 rules won’t let you down: […]
Body Acne: Why?
Some people get acne on the body, such as on the chest, arms, back (“bacne”), posterior (“butt-ne”), and thighs. Acne on the body can be less of a pain because it’s easier to hide than acne on the face. If you have both, it can be doubly (triply!) frustrating. Some common causes of body acne: Body acne […]
On Contact Dermatitis, Sensitive Skin, and Patch Testing: Interview with an Expert
Is a rash a skin allergy or an irritation? What is a patch test and why would I need one? How can I prevent rashes? To get clarity, we spoke to Jenny Murase, Chair of the CAMP Optimization Task Force of the American Contact Dermatitis Society, Associate Clinical Professor at UCSF, and Director of the Patch Test Clinic at the Palo Alto Foundation […]
Wave The “Wipe” Flag: Why You Should Give Up On Makeup Removing Wipes
Wipes are neat and quick…but for sensitive or acne-prone skin, they may not be worth the downsides. For Sensitive Skin, Residue Is a Resi-“Don’t.” Wipes cannot clean as well as makeup removers or cleansers, and usually leave residue. In addition to the acne/irritation risk, this residue normally includes leftover dirt. Wipes can rub you the […]
Cajai Fellows Johnson, Professional Dancer
Cajai Fellows Johnson Professional Dancer New York “Dance saves.” Small wonder we, whose purpose is to save the world’s skin, fell in love with this powerful — and empowering — multitalented artist! Cajai Fellows Johnson formally started performing on stage at 9 years old and grew up falling in love with the art form of dance. When […]
Gifting Ideas To Put Smiles On Faces Even Before The Unwrapping Starts!
Save time (and trees!) by creatively “upcycling” materials you may already have at home…and make each present give more! Here are a few above-and-beyond gift and customizable wrapping ideas for everyone on your nice list. 1. Map Wrap! TELL A STORY This (free!) Manhattan subway map is environmentally-friendly, clever and personal. Highlight the cross streets […]
Do Cosmetics Expire?
by Laura Verallo de Bertotto One of the most frequent questions I get from friends is: can I still use a product if it’s past its expiration date? Do cosmetics really expire? The short answer is…very often, yes! In our home, we frequently, and happily, use “expired” stock for a few reasons, some of which you might find […]