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A claim by The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) relating to subbed use and an increased risk of melanoma has been rejected by the Sunlight Research Forum (SRF) as spurious and misleading.

A report published by IARC, ‘Artificial UV Radiation and Skin Cancer’ claimed “using a sunbed under the age of 35 will increase your risk of developing melanoma by 75%”.

Consultations by SRF with a number of international, high-profiled scientists specializing in the effect of UV exposure on human health have confirmed this claim is misleading. Amongst those consulted, Dr. Frank de Gruijl from the Department of Dermatology at the Leiden University Medical Center in the Netherlands said, “It is extremely difficult, if not impossible, to separate the risks and melanoma incidences resulting from outdoor sunbathing and sunbed use. To separate the risks would demand at least a symmetrical way of looking at both factors. However, it is impossible to quantify sun exposure in daily life with the required certainty. To establish a casual link between UV exposure on sunbeds and melanoma occurrence, studies should show whether there are does-effect relationships and whether exposures form earlier dates are more strongly associated with melanoma than recent exposures.”

Ad Brand heads up the not-for-profit Sunlight Research Forum, which aims to facilitate and support research on the effects of UV exposure, said: “It is clear there is a stark division of opinion between IARC and other senior members of the scientific community identifying the relationship between sunbed exposure and melanoma risk. Public health campaigns and policies can be determined on the conclusions of this type of report and therefore, we believe it is very important the information is correctly presented and communicated by all the agencies involved. We do know that unlike sunbathing, sunbeds keep UV exposure within on minimal erythemal does. Sunbed use might contribute to melanoma risk but sun exposure is expected by far to be the greatest risk factor.”

Brand also criticized the IRAC report for omitting the conclusion of an important multi-centric European study on sunbed use and stated: “An EU-funded case-control study at the Luxembourg Health Institute, into sunbed use and risk of melanoma in 18-49 year olds, compared past sunbed and sun exposure of 622 melanoma cases, to the exposure experienced by 649 controls in six European countries. Levels of sunbed use were higher than in any former study on the same topic. No evidence was found for an association between sunbed use and melanoma, no results suggested a dose-response curve, no association was present for subjects who reported more than 35 hours cumulated sunbed use or who stated sunbed use at least 19 years before the interview. The study concluded ‘that if an association between sunbed use and melanoma truly existed, then it must be marginal’. At SRF, it is our belief inclusion of this study would have certainly affected the conclusion of the IARC report and so raises the question why it was left out?”

For more information on the Sunlight Research Forum visit sunlightresearchforum.eu

20 Things You Didn’t Know About Sugar

We eat it, we love it, and it may have been a chemical precursor to life on Earth.

1. The average American eats 61 pounds of refined sugar each year, including 25 pounds of candy. Halloween accounts for at least 2 pounds of that.
2. Trick: Sugar may give you wrinkles via a process called glycation, in which excess blood sugar binds to collagen in the skin, making it less elastic.
3. Or treat: Cutting back on sugar may help your skin retain its flexibility. So actually, no treats.
4. People in India have been crystallizing cane sugar for at least 2,000 years. When Alexander the Great’s companions arrived there, they marveled at the production of honey without bees.
5. In 1747 German chemist Andreas Marggraf discovered that the sugar in a sugar beet is identical to that in sugarcane. In 1802 the first beet-sugar refinery began operations, bringing cheap sweets to northern climes.
6. More than half the 8.4 million metric tons of sugar produced annually in the United States comes from beets.
7. Can you imagine eating 16 sugar cubes at one sitting? You probably have. That’s a little less than what is contained in a 20 oz bottle of soda.
8. Soft drinks with artificial sweeteners may actually help make you fat. In a Purdue University study, rats drinking liquids with artificial sweeteners consumed more calories overall than rats whose drinks were sweetened with sugar.
9. The artificial sweeteners saccharin and aspartame were found accidentally when lab workers doing research that had nothing to do with sweetening put a bit of the test compounds in their mouths and liked what they tasted.

10.  What kind of researcher sticks an experiment in his mouth?

11. At least he had an excuse. The scientists who discovered sucralose (now sold as splenda) were originally trying to create an insecticide. An assistant thought he had been instructed to “taste

CRAVINGS CONTROL

If you’ve ever jokingly called yourself a “chocoholic,” there could be some truth to that statement. A new study in the Archives of General Psychiatry found that when women who identified themselves as overeaters were shown a milkshake, they displayed increased activity in the parts of the brain that light up when drug addicts experience cravings. But just because you’re hardwired to overindulge doesn’t mean you can’t control your fate. “When you’re faced with a tempting treat, don’t tell yourself. ‘I shouldn’t eat this,’” says Gregory Jantz, Ph.D., the author of Losing Weight Permanently. “Frame the situation in a more empowering way by asking, ‘Do I really want to eat this?’” He also recommends having a plan for trigger foods: “Vow to take a 15-minute walk and drink two glasses of water, then decide whether to eat that ice cream.”

Remove stubborn sand from your scalp

You may be a beach bunny, but you hate the feeling of sand in your hair. Shampooing it out takes forever and the little granules irritate your scalp. Instead massage 1 Tbs. of baby powder into your roots, brush thoroughly, then shampoo as usual. The astringent powder will absorb the natural hair oils that bind the sand to your locks, so the stubborn grains can be washed right out.

Stay cooler on hot summer nights

There’s nothing worse than waking up sweaty and sticky. To stay dry all night, lightly sprinkle 1 to 2 tsp. of baby powder on your sheets before turning in. The granules are so small and silky, you won’t even notice them, but the absorbent ingredients-like silica, talc and cornstarch-will wick away nighttime perspiration for a sound, restful sleep. (Just toss your sheets in the wash the next day.)

Protect a summer top from sweat stains

According to this morning’s weather report, your company picnic is going to be a scorcher. To prevent stubborn sweat stains from developing on your favorite shirt, turn it inside out and sprinkle the underarms, collar and other perspiration –prone areas with baby powder. Press with an iron set on medium for 3 seconds. The powder will form an invisible barrier that will absorb moisture before it seeps into the fabric, so the day’s sweat will wash right out.

Keep pool inflatable’s from sticking

Whenever you hit the town pool, you bring along a couple of inflatable toys for the kids. The problem: After deflating and folding them up for next time, the plastic always ends up sticking to itself-you once ripped a water wing while trying to pry it apart again. For easier unpacking in the future, dust the plastic with baby powder for folding. The powder will absorb any remaining moisture and create a thin slippery barrier that will keep the plastic from sticking to itself. This trick also works for pool covers and inflatable pools.

Take the ouch out of waxing

Sure, waxing is the quickest way to smooth your bikini line, but the last time you used an at home kit, you shrieked so loudly the neighbors called! To sidestep the pain, dust the area with baby powder before applying the wax. The powder will absorb moisture and body oils so the wax can properly adhere to each hair, plus it will create a barrier to protect your skin. The result: weeks of smooth skin with much less pain. Dusting on a little powder before shaving protects against razor burn, too.

Silence squeaky wooden floorboards

Forget sneaking downstairs for a midnight treat- one of your wooden steps squeaks so loudly, it would wake the whole house. Silence it with baby powder. Use a clean turkey baster to apply the powder to the crevices between the boards of the step. The fine granules will work their way under the wood, filling in gaps to keep the boards from shifting and making noise.

Ensure your picnic stays ant-free

You love eating outdoors in the summer, but the inevitable ant infestation is enough to make you stay inside. To keep the pests away, sprinkle baby powder around the perimeter of your picnic table or blanket. The powder will stick to the pads of the ants’ feet inhibiting their ability to move, so you can enjoy your picnic in peace.

Prevent an iron from snagging delicates

Your silk tank desperately needs to be pressed, but you’re worried that your stick iron will snag the fabric. The solution: Sprinkle baby powder on a soft cloth and rub it over the bottom of the cool iron. Then heat the iron until the white residue disappears and iron as usual. The powder will leave behind a smooth, slippery layer that will help the iron glide over delicate fabrics. (Test on an inconspicuous area first.)

Clean Fido’s coat without the work

If your dog’s fur could use a pick-me-up but you don’t have the patience for the usual bath-time struggle, rub one or two handfuls of baby powder into his coat and let sit for a couple minutes before thoroughly brushing it out. The powder will sop up the built-up body oils that make pups fur look dingy without harming his skin. Plus, he’ll smell extra fresh.

Rescue a book from water damage

Less than ideal storage conditions in the basement left your treasured photo albums, which weren’t encased in plastic, with mold and water damage. The fix: Liberally sprinkle each page with baby powder, then place the book inside a paper bag, seal and leave in a cool place for three to seven days. Remove the album and dust off the powder. The absorbent baby powder particles will dry out the mold and sop up some of the more recent water damage, leaving the albums almost as good as new.

How much water does skin really need?

 You’ve probably heard that drinking eight to ten glasses of water per day will give your complexion a dewy glow. But is this really true?

WATER INTAKE AND DRY SKIN

                Every system in the body needs water to function, and the skin is no exception; however, whe it comes to dry skin, it’s not how much water you drink that’s important, it’s how well your skin retains moisture.

                All of us have a natural “skin barrier” that locks in moisture, keeping our complexions hydrated and supple. Environmental factors – such as extreme cold, dry heat or the use of harsh cleansing products – can damage this barrier and make skin dry, flaky and more prone to wrinkling. Taking flax seed supplements and eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon, can help your skin barrier lock in moisture.

SO HOW MUCH WATER DOES SKIN REALLY NEED?          

                There’s no harm in drinking eight glasses a day; just keep in mind that we get 20 percent of our water through food, and other beverages count toward our daily requirements as well (this includes coffee and tea, but not alcohol, which is dehydrating). There’s no hard and fast rule on how much water you need – it really depends on your body size and level of activity.

THE BEST LIQUIDS FOR YOU SKIN

                To truly drink for your skin, try replacing liquids that harm the complexion – like soda, alcohol and sugary juices – with those that are good for it, like antioxidant-rich green tea and sugar-free pomegranate juice.

It’s that time of year again; time to welcome a new school year. If you suffer from acne this time of year can be very stressful. Let Tan’ology help you put your best face forward this school year, use this coupon and schedule your back to school acne facial!

Nearly 10 years ago, the FDA approved the anti-depressant prescription drug Zoloft for the treatment of pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS) and one expert believes that is 10 years too long, especially when natural alternatives have been proven to reduce PMS symptoms without drugs.
“It seems almost alien to me why someone would take a drug to relieve PMS when the drug’s list of potential side effects – drowsiness, nausea, headache, loss of appetite, anxiety, panic attacks, hostility, aggressiveness, restlessness, and depression – are almost an identical match for the symptoms of the ailment they’re trying to relieve,” said Michael Mooney, director of research and education at SuperNutrition Life Extension Research.
“There is a solid base of research that has shown that women can reduce PMS without taking a prescription drug. In fact, there are six simple, safe nutrients that body uses all the time that have been shown to reduce PMS discomfort – but they need to be taken in adequate potencies. These nutrients don’t have a list of side effects that sound worse than the PMS itself.”
Mooney cited six natural nutrients that have been shown to relieve PMS:
•Vitamin B6 – According to a study of 630 women published in the British Journal of Clinical Practice, 100 mg to 150 mg of supplemental vitamin B6 reduced PMS in about 66 percent of the women, while 160 mg to 200 mg of vitamin B6 reduced PMS in about 79 percent of the women.
•Vitamin D – The Archives of Internal Medicine published a study in 2005 which concluded that women with a higher median vitamin D intake of 706 IU per day had significantly less (or no) PMS than subjects who got a median of the least amount of vitamin D, 112 IU per day. So it is not just about getting some vitamin D, but rather getting a potent dose.
•Chaste tree berry – This extract has been shown to reduce PMS, based on a randomized placebo-controlled three-month study of PMS in 170 women (average age 36) which was published in the British Medical Journal. The results showed that 20 mg of chaste berry extract reduced PMS about 28 percent better than placebo. The women noted significant reductions in irritability, mood disturbances, anger, headache, and breast fullness compared to the placebo group.
•Calcium carbonate – The Journal of General Internal Medicine published the results of a study that concluded that calcium carbonate could reduce pain and water retention before and during a women’s cycle. This randomized placebo-controlled study of 78 women showed a 58 percent better reduction in PMS with 1,000 mg of calcium carbonate than with placebo during the luteal and menstrual phases of the reproductive cycle.
•Magnesium – Two double-blind, placebo-controlled studies published in the Journal of Women’s Health showed that magnesium at 360 mg per day reduced headaches and pain, and at 200 mg reduced weight gain, fluid retention, swelling of extremities, breast tenderness, and abdominal bloating.
•Vitamin E – The Journal of Reproductive Medicine published a study that showed vitamin E reduced 15 categories of PMS symptoms. This randomized, placebo-controlled study confirmed a previous study that showed all major categories of PMS symptoms are improved with a daily supplementation of 400 IU of vitamin E. In all 15 categories of symptoms, vitamin E supplemented women reported 27 to 42 percent reduction in severity.
“The effects of these nutrients start the first month and generally reach maximum PMS reduction levels by month three,” Mooney added. “Women deserve to share the fruits of modern nutritional science and be informed that they can reduce their PMS discomfort without relying on drugs with all their dangerous side effects, but instead, by using nutrients that are natural to the body in the proven effective potencies.”

Rising temps can trigger a trio of health hassles. Use these strategies to nip them in the bud.
•A THROBBING HEAD
-Your headache risk jumps 8 percent each time the temperature climbs 9 degrees, a recent study found. Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center say it’s possibly because heat makes the blood vessels in your skull expand and press up against surrounding nerve endings. FIX IT FAST: Drinking a large glass of water and moving to cooler quarters might prevent an oncoming headache from turning into a real pounder, says Matt Benton, a spokesperson for the National Headache Foundation. In addition to dehydration and heat, sunlight can also spark headaches, so always wear sunglasses when outside.

•SKIN FLUSHING
-In a recent survey, heat ranked as the number-one trigger for rosacea. This chronic condition causes blood vessels to dilate, making you look ruddy. FIX IT FAST: Anything that cools you down – moving to an air-conditioned room, splashing your face with cold water, using a fan, or chewing on ice chips – will help take the redness down, says Richard Odom, M.D., a professor of clinical dermatology at the University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine. UV rays are another trip wire, so minimize sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when it’s strongest. Need to be outdoors during the day? Be sure to slather on a broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen.

•“LIME” DISEASE
-Exposure to compounds in limes and lemons can make skin extra sun-sensitive – causing a rash, burn, or blisters. FIX IT FAST: Cold compresses and hydrocortisone creams can ease mild symptoms; severe cases may require oral steroids. To avoid the reaction in the future, wear sunscreen and wash your face and hands immediately after drinking or preparing lemonade or a margarita.

The world has experienced some economic downfalls

these past couple of years. However slow, the U.S.

market is showing some positive signs of recovery.

According to market research firm The NPD Group, prestige skin care experienced the biggest dollar growth in

2010, compared to other prestige beauty categories,

even surpassing pre-recession levels. We can only

hope that these trends continue to improve at all levels.

However, consumers still have tight budgets and continue

to be cautious with their spending. Some may have

even traded down to mass market or drugstore brands.

Is there a difference between mass market products

and professional products?

The answer is yes. Although we cannot speak for every

company out there, generally, mass market brands

are more sensitive to pricing and will therefore use

cheaper or fewer active ingredients. For example,

a mass market brand will opt for a very low concentration

of an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) to avoid potential

issues with irritation in the general population.

Professional products like Dermalogica products are

sold with the added benefit of a thorough skin analysis

and education from a professional skin care therapist.

Therefore, these prescribed products will have higher

(and efficacious) levels of actives that will deliver results

to those clients in need. Furthermore, some ingredients

are very expensive and inevitably bring up

the total cost of the product. Peptides are a great example.

Mass market brands will either have no or very

low concentrations of synthetic peptides, compared

with professional lines that devote a greater amount

of the formulation to these target-driven ingredients.

The Dermalogica Way

Products that make a visible and tangible difference on

the skin are in demand. Mass market brands tend to be

more ‘beauty-oriented’ and rely heavily on marketing.

Dermalogica has the unquestionable benefit

of being primarily an education company,

with a devoted research and development

team that examines the scientific data closely to

provide safe, efficacious products that garner real

results. We don’t use cheap fillers,

comedogenic ingredients commonly found in the

drugstore aisles like mineral oil and lanolin, or

artificial fragrances and colors. The light scent in

Dermalogica products come from essential oils, which

come with their own set of beneficial effects as well.

Complex formulations using stabilized vitamins,

silicones, peptides and anti-oxidants are often

difficult to work with and can take years to

develop fully into a stable and working formula. This

kind of process is not cost effective, and is thus not

part of the typical mass market product development.

Today’s consumers are savvy and

results-oriented, increasingly aware of the active

ingredients poised at treating various skin

conditions. Not willing to be duped by marketing hype,

they are willing to spend extra on products which deliver

results for specific skin concerns. At Dermalogica, our

education via the professional skin therapist allows

us to go more in-depth with ingredients than

a mass market brand. We pride ourselves behind

the multi-functional ingredients found in our

products prescribed for specific skin concerns