Shake Your Beauty

Diminish Facial Wrinkles...Really!

Marissa Kristal — Fri, 08 May 2009 15:29:25 +0000

Desperate to smooth weathered skin and reverse the signs of aging and sun damage, I know many people who are quick to shell out the big bucks for what they hope will be miracle anti-aging creams. But do expensive products and skin restorative prescriptions really work any better than more affordable over-the-counter cosmetics?

According to a recent study published in the British Journal of Dermatology, not necessarily. No 7 Protect & Perfect Intense Beauty Serum, a reasonably priced product sold at many drugstores, has been shown to smooth wrinkles and fine lines, and produce younger, healthier looking skin after 12 months of use.

While many cosmetics claim to reverse the signs of aging and sun-damage, few actually fulfill their promises. In fact, the majority of anti-aging products on the market haven't even been rigorously tested. However, No 7 Protect & Perfect Beauty Serum, the original version of the cosmetic currently being tested, No 7 Protect & Perfect Intense Beauty Serum, was methodically assessed a few years ago and proven to stimulate the production of Fibrillin-1 (a protein that stimulates skin elasticity) in photoaged skin. Researchers wanted to make certain that the updated version also produced Fibrillin-1, as well as repaired sun-damaged skin as effectively as prescription retinoid creams.

In the study, 60 male and female volunteers with moderately sun-damaged skin between the ages of 45 and 80 participated in a double-blind randomized controlled trial to test the product's performance. 30 participants were provided with the No 7 Protect & Perfect Intense Beauty Serum, and 30 were given a placebo containing no anti-aging ingredients. Neither the volunteers nor the researchers knew who had received which formula. Participants were told to apply their cream to their face and hands once daily, for 6 months. Researchers examined their skin before the trial began to assess a baseline, then again after 1, 3 and 6 months of use. During the last 6 months of the study, all volunteers received No 7 Protect & Perfect Intense Beauty Serum. The results showed that the individuals who had used the real cosmetic the entire time had significantly fewer facial wrinkles after 12 months of daily use as compared to volunteers who had used a placebo. Thus, the findings demonstrate that this particular over-the-counter cosmetic does indeed rejuvenate sun-damaged and wrinkled skin following long-term use.

So, next time you're lured by exorbitantly priced products that claim seemingly impossible feats such as wrinkle-free, radiant skin in mere minutes, hold onto your hard-earned cash and head to your local drugstore for a cheaper remedy (that actually works) instead.

Improve Your Skin With Exercise

Marissa Kristal — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 19:20:19 +0000

We know that exercise does wonders for our body. Physical activity strengthens our heart, muscles, overall health, and keeps us looking toned and in shape. But does fitness improve the condition of our skin as well? Curious to learn more about the effects of exercise on our skin, I turned to a couple of experts to find out. Annet King is the Director of Training and Education at Dermalogica, and Dr. Helen Flamenbaum is a dermatologist who practices on Long Island in New York.

Does exercise improve our skin? If so, how?

Annet King: Any increase to the body's circulation will improve the look of the skin, as well as boost detoxification and cell renewal. I don't think there are any studies that show which exercises are best, but of course yoga and more stress-relieving exercises help to smooth lines (as the muscles are contracted in the face) and lower stress hormone levels, which could be seen as helpful for our skin.

Dr. Helen Flamenbaum: Exercise is good for every organ in the body. Since the skin is the largest organ it goes without saying that the skin benefits as well. Perspiration acts as a body cooler during exercise and this enables your body temperature to be maintained.

Are there certain circumstances in which exercise can actually be bad for our skin?

King: For people with a lot of redness in their skin tone, or who have Rosacea, aerobic (cardio) activity can exacerbate the condition as blood flow is increased. Some people believe that cardio and running can cause more oxygen or free radical damage, which can break or damage the skin's supportive fibers (collagen and elastin).

Flamenbaum: Exercise can aggravate acne and Rosacea, as well as produce different kinds of skin irritations. For example, Exercise-Induced Urticaria, which is relatively uncommon, can cause people to break out in hives after exercising. Intertrigo is a yeast-related rash triggered by two areas of the skin rubbing together and chafing, such as the groin, armpit and creases of the neck. Miliaria is another kind of fitness-induced inflammation caused by the sweat gland ducts becoming clogged with dead skin cells or bacteria, which can lead to clusters of small blisters and uncomfortable itching. Also, current rashes may become worsened due to the heat and sweat produced by exercise.

Do you have any suggestions for maintaining a healthy, youthful looking glow, and is there anything else we should know about exercise and our skin?

King: The best advice is to work out without make up on, especially if you are prone to breakouts. Thoroughly cleanse you skin after a workout as toxins from sweat and oil increase when we exercise. Keep some skin purifying wipes in your gym bag. Drink plenty of water as you exercise so your skin does not become dehydrated. For someone who is an exercise junkie and also suffers from acne, try to incorporate some yoga into your routine to bring down the stress adrenal hormonal levels. This will help clear the skin, because stress hormones and acne are very much related.

Flamenbaum: An interesting point regarding exercise and skin is that many people assume they can rid themselves of cellulite with physical fitness. Not so! Cellulite is not improved by exercise. Unfortunately, there is no cure for cellulite at this point.

Work Out Your Fitness Frustrations With beYOU.tv

Marissa Kristal — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 21:31:39 +0000

Are you bored with your fitness regime because you do the same monotonous workout every day? Or, would you like to exercise more often but can't seem to find the time to hit the gym during your busy day? Or, are you interested in trying a variety of fun and flab-fighting fitness classes but aren't sure which to try, or where to find them?

Enter beYOU.tv, a website that hosts over 250 different types of exercise videos, from boot camp, to street dance, to Masala Bhangra to yoga, led by today's top fitness experts, as well as searchable listings of all the various aerobic classes and gyms near you.

This site helps you keep your workout interesting - you can choose a different style of exercise every single day! - and also allows you to sweat it out on your own time, instead of having to carve out time for the gym. Plus, some people are more apt to try different exercise routines in the privacy of their own homes, rather than with a group of people at a fitness center. But, if you are the type of person who gets a more productive workout outside of your living room, beYOU.tv will point you in the right direction. From abs to Pilates to spinning to body conditioning to step, you can search for all kinds of studios, gyms and classes in your area.

So say goodbye to your list of excuses - "I'm sick of my routine" "I don't have time" "I can't afford a gym membership" "I don't know where to find classes" - and log on to beYOU.tv for a sound solution to all your workout woes.

Yoga vs. Pilates – What’s The Difference and Which Is Best For You?

Marissa Kristal — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 21:42:18 +0000

Ever wonder what the differences are between yoga and Pilates? If the answer is yes, you're not alone. People confuse these two workouts all the time. But the truth is, while they share some similarities -- enhancing strength, flexibility, posture, etc. -- fundamentally they are worlds apart.

I recently published an article with FOX News entitled Yoga vs. Pilates: What's Right For You? I think it will clear up some of the confusion. Check it out to learn about the core elements of both practices, such as their principles and purposes, techniques, and health benefits, so you can determine which exercise is best for you. Or, if you're anything like me, maybe they both are!

Top Tips For Soothing Chapped Wintertime Skin

Marissa Kristal — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 18:23:04 +0000

It doesn't matter how much lotion I lather on. From November through April, my hands looks a lot like Heath Ledger's face in The Dark Knight: a dry, cracked, splotchy mess. Desperate to learn how to keep my skin sufficiently hydrated during the winter months, I turned to Annet King, Director of Training and Education at Dermalogica, for help.

In order to solve the problem, it's important to first understand why our skin becomes so chapped and flaky during the chilly months. According to King, the low humidity and cold temps create gaps between the cells in the epidermis, which leads to the evaporation of moisture. Irritants can seep in, which causes skin to become sensitive and flaky - especially in areas that get more friction than others, like the sides of the nose due to tissue use. Because the hands are always exposed and are constantly being washed, they tend to get the most chapped. And the lotions and heavier winter clothing that we all layer on in the winter can trap dead cells, instigating breakouts and the appearance of dull skin.

King recommends the following steps to soothe parched skin, and maintain a healthy looking radiance:

For the hands and body:

- If you get manicures, ask for a paraffin dip at your next appointment. Paraffin dips soften skin and lock in moisture.
- Moisturize your skin while you sleep! Wear 100% cotton gloves to bed over an emollient cream. The gloves will aid in the absorption of the hand cream.
- Avoid nylons, wool sweaters and dry central heating systems as these all worsen dry skin, and may exacerbate eczema.
- Use tepid water instead of hot, and pat skin dry - never rub! Apply body lotion immediately after showering, avoiding those with artificial colors and fragrances.
- Steer clear of bath products with artificial fragrances and high foam, which will further dehydrate the skin. Alternatively, add a few pumps of oil to your bath.
- Slough off dead cells that tend to accumulate more during the winter months by adding mineral salts to the bath for a relaxing and exfoliating soak. Or, if you prefer the shower, use an exfoliating body wash. Massage in gentle circular movements paying special attention to drier areas like the knees, elbows and hands.

For the face:

- Instead of a foaming cleanser, use a soothing and non-drying gel cream.
- Protect and hydrate the face by applying light non-greasy moisturizer. Switch to a heavier weight cream if your skin is dry to very dry.
- Use a moisturizing, vitamin-rich cream masque once per week to heal chapped skin, abrasions around the nose, and to get a healthy, dewy looking glow.
- In severely cold weather, rub hydrating balms on exposed areas like the lips, nose and cheekbones for extra protection and healing.

Improve Communication In Relationships With Partner Yoga

Marissa Kristal — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 21:15:19 +0000

Whether Mom's lectures about your "questionable" lifestyle leave you livid, or you're exasperated with your significant other for forgetting an anniversary, bickering with loved ones from time to time is normal. But instead of throwing damaging verbal punches, maybe a more constructive way to work through arguments is by hitting the mat together for a few minutes of partner yoga?

"Partner yoga is the medium to building stronger communication and intimacy between human beings in any relationship," explains Cain Carroll, co-author of Partner Yoga: Making Contact for Physical, Emotional, and Spiritual Growth. "Postures and flow sequences are designed to bring communication into a tangible, physical form, and help you witness the dynamic of relationships."

Whether you practice periodically, or flow together in the midst of a fight, partner yoga compels companions to lay aside their differences and work to achieve a common goal. The simple act of breathing together and participating in a practice grounded in acceptance, unity and love translates to more productive, open and caring communication between partners. So, though disagreements are still bound to occur, you'll be less likely to shout, and more likely to communicate effectively.

Jason Nemer, co-founder of AcroYoga, a practice combining yoga, Thai massage and acrobatics to bring individuals into a state of union with themselves and each other, recalls a combative couple that came into his class a few years ago. "They were fighting non-stop. I suggested we do some flying, postures that utilize gravity to open the spine of the flyer (partner who is lifted), while empowering the base (partner who lifts). I designated the base the talker, and the flyer the listener. I promised they'd switch roles, giving them both opportunities to speak and listen. After that initial class, they kept coming back. It became their therapy. It brought up so much in their relationship they hadn't faced before, and helped them discover what wasn't working in their communication patterns."

The practice also re-establishes weakened bonds, because on the mat, partners must have complete faith in each other. "You rely on each other for the very creation of poses," says Carroll. "Postures are dependent on two people showing up for one another and giving equal effort. It's a great metaphor for the nut and bolt aspect of all relationships."

Don't fear that your relationship is doomed if you can't do the poses perfectly. It's not about perfection, assures Carroll. "It's a process of working it out - there's no finished, perfect pose. It's about how you connect, cooperate, support each other and figure out the pose based on what works for the two of you."

Want to communicate better in your various relationships? Carroll recommends the following partner poses for:

Couples
Double Straddle
1. Sit facing one another with legs open in a straddle position. Press feet together.

2. Hold hands or arms. The backs of the knees are pressing toward the ground, and the spine is lengthened.

3. Further the stretch by inching closer together. If you can, release hands or arms, and hold the backs of each other's legs (don't pull on them).

4. This wide-legged seated posture establishes a resonance between couples: the legs and pelvis are open, hearts are facing, and the gazing and shared breathing deepens intimacy, increasing sensitivity to self and other. Hold for 30-60 seconds.

Parents and Children
Heart Opener
1. Partner 1 sits upright, legs extended forward. Partner 2 kneels with his or her back touching Partner 1's.

2. Partner 2 bends forward into Child's Pose.

3. Partner 1 exhales and lies gently on Partner 2's back, keeping legs together or slightly apart.

4. Partners stretch their arms to their sides and touch each other's hands.

5. Partner 2 gently presses Partner 1's arms toward the floor. Hold for up to a minute or two.

6. Switch positions and repeat. This pose gives the child the feeling of being supported and loved, as well as being the supporter. (If there is a big weight difference, parents shouldn't lay all their weight on their children.)

Friends
Lifted Cobra
1. Partner 1 lies on his or her back, bends knees and lifts feet off the floor.

2. Partner 2 stands in front of Partner 1, and places Partner 1's feet on his or her hips.

3. Partner 2 leans forward onto Partner 1's feet.

4. Partner 1 bends knees toward his or her chest to better hold Partner 2's weight, and touches palms with Partner 2.

5. With feet aligned over the hips, Partner 1 straightens his or her legs and arms and lifts Partner 2 off the ground. Partners 1 and 2 press their hands together. With arms and legs straightened, Partner 2 arches back slightly to come into full Lifted Cobra.

6. Hold for 10-30 seconds. This pose requires trust, overcoming the obstacle of being afraid to fall, or that your friend won't hold you up (literally and figuratively). It also boosts the excitement of friendship by adding a playful, physical element to your relationship.

Siblings
Double Tree
1. Standing hip-to-hip with feet about 10 inches from your partner's, reach arms around each other's waists.

2. Lift your outside leg and place your foot against the upper part of your opposite inner thigh.

3. Touch the palm of your free hand to your partner's.

4. Hold for 15-30 seconds, and repeat on opposite side. This pose promotes cooperation. If partners push, pull or attempt to dominate the other, the posture won't work. It also creates a sense of equality, connection and harmony, which is crucial in terms of improving communication between siblings.

Patricia Moreno Discusses intenSati: Fitness For The Body And Mind

Marissa Kristal — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 22:40:32 +0000

Founded by accomplished fitness instructor, Patricia Moreno, intenSati is a vigorous cardio-sculpting workout that combines aerobics, martial arts, yoga, dance and intentions. More than just physical exercise, intenSati fuses movement with positive mantras and powerful affirmations to condition the mind and spirit as well as the body.

I recently took intenSati for the first time, and found it to be a challenging and dynamic workout centered on cardio, strengthening, toning and balance. As we moved through the routine, we repeated encouraging phrases reminding us that we own the power to create our realities, and are each strong and capable of greatness. At first I felt a little funny shouting affirmations while working out, but as the class continued it began to feel more natural, and even empowering.

Eager to learn more about this unique physical, mental and spiritual fitness regime, I reached out to Moreno with some questions about the practice.

What sets intenSati apart form other workouts? Will it really better my life?

intenSati has revolutionized how people are training. It brings the philosophy of positive psychology into the gym, or your home if you have the DVD (available at http://satilife.com/). Many people are inspired when they read self-improvement books, but don't have a practice in place to truly incorporate the motivational wisdom into their lifestyle. Information without action is useless. intenSati puts it all into motion so you can actually practice becoming a more positive, inspired, enthusiastic, courageous and happy person, while experiencing the best workout you've probably ever had!

What inspired you to create this form of mental, spiritual and physical exercise?

I wanted to create a workout that showed people that diet and exercise aren't the only factors that affect health and weight. After studying the power of positive thought and affirmations, it became clear to me that we really are what we think. I was inspired to share this notion with people all over the world, and that's how I developed intenSati. It connects uplifting mantras with movement, and really helps people train their minds and bodies.

What results, physical and mental, can one expect from intenSati?

Immediately after taking an intenSati class, students will feel inspired, energized, motivated and acutely aware of how upbeat, positive expressions impact the quality of their lives. Students have reported finding better jobs, falling in love, feeling a boost in self-confidence, greater weight loss, and an overall stronger dedication to improving their bodies and lives.

How often should one practice intenSati in order to see and feel these results?

Like any exercise, the more often you do it, the faster you will see results in your body. But even just practicing intenSati once a week can be enough to see mental and emotional improvements. It's about remembering to think better thoughts, take positive action and do your best now. The more often your practice, the more it becomes ingrained and a part of who you are.

Where are classes offered?

In NYC and LA classes are offered at Equinox. And check the SatiLife website for a listing of all the classes we offer worldwide.

Old Or Tired? What The Eyes Reveal

Marissa Kristal — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 20:22:44 +0000

It's human nature to make snap decisions about people based on appearances. We're quick to judge whether or not we find someone attractive, how old we think they might be, and if they look weary and worn, or youthful and energetic. But what are the specific facial features we focus on to make these quick calls?

In a recent study published in Ophthalmology, 47 male and female subjects viewed digital full-faced images of standard looking individuals with neutral facial expressions. The photos were uploaded to an eye-tracking system, which measured the direction and duration of their gazes. In the first part of the experiment, after five seconds of viewing each photo subjects were asked to estimate age. In the second part, subjects determined how tired they thought each person was.

Results showed that the participants looked longest at the eye region when judging both age and fatigue, and focused mainly on the brows and lower lids when doing so. Other facial regions they looked at, though not nearly as hard or for as long, were the forehead and nose. Also, subjects spent more time staring at the cheeks of those they rated as looking less tired, and more time fixated on the brows, and area between the eyebrows, of the individuals they believed to be the oldest.

So aside from remembering to wear sunglasses when we feel fatigued, what are the implications of these findings for us? Since the eye region plays a key role in revealing our age and level of exhaustion (or - eek! - I suppose in some cases it may make us appear even older and more tired than we actually are), researchers suggest that cosmetic surgery to the eye area may be a sound solution for people who want to look younger and more vivacious.

Re-Do Your Resolution To Get Fit

Marissa Kristal — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 23:46:30 +0000

If you're anything like me, New Year's means making bold resolutions to get fit and healthy. You promise yourself that you're going to exercise at least 3 times a week, take the stairs instead of the elevator, learn to cook wholesome, delicious meals, and stave off the sweets. But once February rolls around, you find that your enthusiasm for the gym starts to wane, while your passion for sitting on the couch with a carton of ice cream resurfaces.

It can be hard to stay committed to our fitness resolutions, but it is possible. The Pump Energy Food, located in New York, is offering a solid solution for people who have trouble sticking to their health-related New Year's goals. It's called the "New Year's Resolution Do-Over."

It's a 30-day challenge, beginning on February 15th, for people who literally need to "do-over" their resolutions to get in shape and eat healthier. To help participants achieve their goals, The Pump has created an online social networking forum where people can list their fitness aspirations, as well as get connected with a panel of health and fitness experts who will answer any questions and offer tips for staying on track. The hope is that by being part of a community, participants will feel more motivated to stick with the program and reach their goals. And, as if the chance to feel healthy, fit, and incredibly fulfilled isn't prize enough, on the last day, participants will vote for the person who has accomplished the most, and the winner will receive $1,000, a month's worth of free food from The Pump Energy Food, and a one year free membership to Crunch Gym.

Even if you don't want to participate in the Pump's challenge, you can still do your own at home. Why not turn February into fitness month (as well as all the months following)?

I've decided that my personal goal will be to stick with yoga. I've only recently gotten into it (I've become a big fan of "hot yoga" - yoga practiced in a heated room - at Prana Power Yoga in New York City), and in addition to the significant improvements I've noticed in my strength, muscle tone, flexibility and stamina, I love how peaceful the practice makes me feel. I don't want to lose sight of this goal in 2009. Hopefully, The Pump (and maybe that awesome prize - uh, the part about feeling fit and fulfilled, of course!) will help me.

Did you make any fitness resolutions in January that you've already broken? What goals would you like the chance to "do-over" in ‘09?

Get Fit Quick

Marissa Kristal — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 20:13:56 +0000

"I don't have time." It's the standard excuse we give when we don't want to work out. And it's believable, too. After all, we're very busy people who are constantly multitasking everything from careers to families to social lives. We know that exercising is crucial to our health, but we've been taught that we need to devote at least 30 minutes to cardio each day in order to adequately rev our heart rate and reap any serious benefits. Who has that kind of time? As it turns out, everybody.

Recent research reveals that performing 6 30-second sprints, with a rest in between, for a total of just 3 minutes of high intensity exercise will boost your metabolism. The study involved 16 otherwise inactive males who were asked to perform a series of sprints on stationary bikes at their maximum intensity levels. Results confirmed that quick bursts of vigorous exercise, lasting only about 30 seconds each, improve metabolism and insulin action, and lower the risks for heart disease and diabetes.

This method of exercise is called High-Intensity Interval Training (HIT), and if performed regularly (a few times a week) researchers say people should notice dramatic improvements in their metabolism in only two weeks.

While these findings certainly don't dismiss the effectiveness or merit of the more traditional mode of exercising - moderate to brisk aerobic and resistance activity for 30-60 minutes a few times a week - the study's authors hope that these results will provide a fast and easy fitness alternative for those who claim they can't find time to work out.

So whether you choose to do a few sets of jumping jacks in your living room, or sprint in place while watching the evening news, there are plenty of ways to effectively implement fitness into your day and quickly boost your metabolism.

You know what this means, right? It's time to exercise. Well, either that, or, find a new excuse.