New Year Alms – Beauty Habits

You're about to start a new year, and you're on that mindset of starting new chapters in your life. Why not start by thinking of all the ways you can be good to yourself? One sure way is to weed out those lifestyle habits, foods and beauty products that don’t suit your body and skin and replace them with what’s good for you. Your skin will react and thank you by being brighter, clearer and even more gorgeous than it's ever been before. 

The Ultimate Gift Of Protection- Pour On The SPF 

Winter or summer doesn’t make a difference, when out doors, layer on enough sunscreen; it’s the best way to keep skin youthful. A lot of people are confused about the dosage of the sun protection, let be sure how much to apply in 2014. Fill the hollow of your palm (about ½ teaspoon) with a broad-spectrum UVA & B sunscreen with SPF 50 to coat your face, neck and ears. Apply two coats to finish what you've squeezed out; that's how you make sure you are adequately covered.

Spray Away Dryness

To keep skin moist and supple, spray your cutis several times daily with thermal spring water (I love and recommend Avène Thermal Spring Water). Spritz your face when travelling, on the go, or when stuck in traffic! The water is packed with minerals like selenium that protect against UV damage and soothe your skin.

Exfoliate Regularly

Don't give the surface layer of dead skin cells a chance to build up and create that dull look. Reveal new, fresh skin cells for a more luminescent complexion by scrubbing regularly. No matter what your skin type, you can benefit from exfoliating, but you must be sure to use the right kind. If you have sebaceous skin, you are much more tolerant to exfoliation than someone with rosacea-prone skin. Acne-prone? You, in particular, can benefit from regular exfoliating as it will open up pores as well as help in getting rid of old acne marks.

Don’t Fall For Fads

There are a lot of trendy products out there right now, like goji berry, caviar, gold and snail body secretions packaged in creams. They’re sexy, but not clinically proven. Your focus shouldn’t be on what’s new, but on what works. Don’t jump on things until they’ve been proven. So before you rush out to spend your hard-earned dough on the latest products, do a little research and make sure that the “magic ingredient” will really benefit your skin.

Develop A Bedside Manner

Most people often find it difficult to stick to the anti-aging regimen at bed-time. To avoid missing your evening routine, store your products in a pretty makeup case and keep them on your nightstand. So if you forgot — or are just too tired to apply products at the sink — you can do it easily while in bed.

Suggested Must-Haves:

·      A prescription retinoid cream to fight wrinkles and keep skin youthful.

·      An ultra hydrating prescription moisturizer for that supple soft skin.

·      Lip balm to keep lips plush and moist plump.

·      Foot and cracked heel renewal cream with salicylic acid, as dry tootsies are not attractive by any standard.

·      Vitamin E oil to soften cuticles.

·      Teeth Whitening Strips for that bright smile.

Find A Dermatologist

If you’re looking for an expert opinion on your specific skincare needs, or have nagging skin issues that need to be addressed, it may help to seek out a dermatologist. With so many skin care experts out there, it can be difficult to know which doctor is right for you. Find someone who’s a great teacher and is invested in educating people about their skin.

You Really ARE What You Eat And What You Absorb

Of course, the MAIN secret to glowing, radiant skin is proper nutrition to 'fuel' your body.  What goes in your body reflects on the outer shell of your body.  Eat lots of fats, such as avocados, coconut oil, hemp oil and hemp seeds.  Also indulge in lots of dark RAW cacao powder incorporating it into you smoothies and sweet treats, I’d even suggest having a dark chocolate bar each day.  Dark chocolate is so yummy and actually good for your skin.  Make it organic and as dark as you can!  Yes, RAW dark cacao NOT (cocoa) is high in anti-oxidants and nutrients.  So EAT it and WEAR it!  

Take care when choosing that right supplements and be cautious with your food choices.  Avoid chemical laden and processed foods as well as all the artificial crap the industrial machine is trying to push down our throats. Make it REAL and WHOLE food and Organic supplements. Eat plenty of greens each day such as kale, broccoli, spinach, spirulina, barley, wheat grass, etc.  Do NOT eat GMO's, avoid MSG's and eat as clean as possibly you can.  If you must go out to eat, find an organic restaurant or find a trusted sushi restaurant.  

Eat A Skin-Saving Breakfast

Make the first meal of the day contribute towards your skin. Almonds are a great choice; they contain essential fatty acids, which help put the brakes on inflammation that accelerates fine lines, sagging and blotchiness. Not feeling like a nut? Salmon, tuna and halibut are good choices.

NOURISH your body and skin from WITH IN!

Sweat That Body

Make sure you get plenty of daily exercise, and enough exercise to 'sweat' out the toxins that clog your pores. Yoga, Pilates and a simple cardio routine at least 3 times per week will be sufficient. Develop healthy pass times biking, surfing, dancing etc. get that blood pumping through your body and skin to achieve a healthy glow. 

Sleep Enough To Nurture Your Beauty

You have always heard, "get your beauty rest".  This is so very true... you  can sleep your way to beauty.  Sleep plays an important role in activating our cells to work properly.  It is only during hours of deep sleep that our bodies are reset to run smoothly the next day.  Our cells can only properly repair them selves during our sleeping life.  Get your zzzz's, at least 8 hours of sleep each and every night.  You may also want to set one night a week to count your 'blessings' early. Try going to bed at least by 8:30 one time per week every week and waking at your normal time, 6 or 7 a.m.  

Zen Your Skin

High levels of tension can spike hormone production that leads to breakouts or aggravate conditions like psoriasis and eczema. Controlling stress keeps your skin calm — but that's easier said than done. Taking a 10-minute time-out to apply a facial mask and relax on your bed can works for some. Another trick: Ban the 'Berry’ and ‘iphone’. Turn off your cell phone after 8 at night. Every little bit helps!

Again, there is NO magic wand to wave to throw beauty your way.  YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL, you just need to nurture your inner beauty to let it radiate on the outside!

Have A Happy New Year!!!!

Holidays Special: Raising Curtain On Eyelash Drama

Long and curly eyelashes are considered a beauty gift bestowed by nature on to a few genetically lucky among the female species. 
When your lashes are distinctively lengthy and curled up your eyes appear larger and more eloquent... Don't they? ...In fact the rise of the artificial eyelash industry is a growing testament to that. High octane lashes are one Aphrodite feature most women crave, yet only an exiguous are blessed with. These are some of the reasons why long and luscious lashes are considered one of the seven desiderate beauty traits. Thanks to innovations of science and advances in cosmaceuticals now we can all attain this coveted glamor feature. A few weeks of application of AminoGenesis LashGenesis serum coupled with a good mascara and voila you can be an instant glam diva! AminoGenesis LashGenesis is a natural eyelash growth promoting serum with a unique amino acid formula that helps you grow naturally long lashes in as little as 3-4 weeks. For added drama - using an eyelash curler can further enhance the curl, adding more drama to the lash line.

Why Don’t My Lashes Grow Like Twiggy?

Hair grows and rests in cycles. The active phase is very short for eyelashes, about 30 to 45 days, compared to two to six years for scalp hair. This is why eyelashes stay short. The resting phase during which the hair follicle is dormant lasts about 100 days for scalp hair, but is much longer for eyelashes, eyebrows and other body hair. If the quality of the hair is weak, lashes break down and look shorter in some people and in some they stay intact and long. Since lost hairs aren't immediately replaced, it may seem as if they aren't growing at all.

How does LashGenesis Work?

Your eyelashes are grown by the tiny hair follicles on your eyelids. Eyelashes are made mostly of various protein (like keratin) and water. These proteins are made of tiny building blocks known as amino acids. LashGenesis uses the exact and optimal combination of these natural building blocks to stimulate your lashes to grow thicker, longer and stronger. Just like adding nutrients or fertilizer to your plants at home, LashGenesis uses natural eyelash "fertilizers" to achieve dramatic results.

Are there any side effects? 


No! Many prescription and over the counter eye lash products use strong, "drug like" ingredients that in some cases cause discoloration (known as tattooing) to the eye lid or the whites of the eyes. LashGenesis is made up of safe proteins called amnio acids , these gentle ingredients are the same nutrients your eyelashes are made of. LashGenesis simply supplies more of them spurring amazing lash growth! Please Note: any product that is used around the eyes can easily get directly into the eyes. Try to avoid this, and if any irritation does occur when using LashGenesis, discontinue and consult your physician.

How soon will You see results?


One of the most amazing aspects about LashGenesis is how quickly it works. In clinical studies performed in a physicians office, photographic evidence showed remarkable increase in eyelash length, thickness and density in as little as 14 days. However, the most dramatic results occur when LashGenesis is used twice daily on an ongoing regular basis.

While it is ok to apply make-up or eyeliner after LashGenesis has completely absorbed, the company does not recommend using other eyelash growth products in conjunction with LashGenesis. Other products may interfere with the effectiveness of LashGenesis or cause undesirable results or irritation.

Sophia Loren’s Mediterranean Beauty Esoteric

Sophia Loren is one of my most favorite screen sirens from 60’s. She was stunningly beautiful in her hay-day, and still today she is a vision of grace. I always wanted to know Ms. Loren’s supple skin delphian. After some digging and pressing I found olives and multitude of olive oil bottles fueling the Italian diva’s radiant skin.

Sophia’s Mediterranean diet ensured that she was able to include at least two tablespoons of the stuff in her food every day. Research has shown Olive oil contains a compound known as oleocanthal, which has been found to stop the activity of two specific enzymes (Cox-1 and Cox-2) at the heart of inflammatory conditions in the body in a similar way as ibuprofen and other NSAIDs. About 1.75 ounces (50 grams) of olive oil in your daily diet equals roughly 10 percent of the recommended adult dose of ibuprofen. Because of this anti-inflammatory action olive oil can be helpful for different types of common inflammatory skin conditions including psoriasis and different forms of dermatitis including atopic dermatitis (chronic eczema), contact dermatitis (allergic eczema) and seborrheic dermatitis (dandruff).

Sophia routinely used to rub a small amount into her skin to keep her complexion glossy and moisturized. She even added a few capfuls into a hot bath for a nourishing skin soak.

Recent studies have showed that olives and olive oil are packed with antioxidants that help to boost the body's built-in defense against free radicals, molecules that become damaged by sun exposure and other environmental hazards. Free radicals damage healthy cells, and lead to cancerous cell formation. They also lead to loss of collagen and elastin, two components in the skin that keep it looking young. All these actions make olive oil a good choice in the battle against cancer and fighting the effects of premature aging.

Sensational Stem Cells In Skincare

“Stem-cells not only have the power to cure diseases, but they also have the potential to enhance your skin and kick father Time’s butt”, is the slogan that has been inspiring the cosmetic industry into rolling out new product lines using stem cells and growth factors, plus mega revenues made during the process has kept the bandwagon roller coasting and prime talk through the grapevine. The consumers, encouraged by promises of younger looking skin, have lapped up stem cell research in beauty ever since, which of course couldn’t have been possible without mega marketing from the industry. But for those of you who need a little peace of mind when it comes to what you slather on your face, don’t rely on the glossy ad magazines and do some serious reading. I recently did a post on cosmecuticals with plant-derived stem cells in Jeddah beauty Blog with a promise to explore the animal derived stem cell products soon. So, Here I am with the controversial subject — Skincare Products Enriched With Animal Derived Stem Cells.

Bankable Sources Of Human/Animal Stem Cells

If you're into skincare, chances are you're also in a state of confusion. Because as exciting as new developments in anti-ageing are, if you want to get your head around what to use and why, you probably need to get your head into a science book, too. To get you all up to date with the bamboozling beauty subject stem cells in skincare we have to begin right at the beginning of it all — what are some of the common sources of human/animal stem cells?

·      Human, sheep and bovine placenta

·      Umbilical cord blood

·      Human bone marrow, blood, skin, ova and more recently fat cells

Biggest Hype — Placenta Derived Stem Cells

The popular placenta derived stem cells used widely around the world have their root in the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) techniques, where the placenta is considered a powerful and sacred medicine.  TCM holds the placenta as a ‘full of life force’ organ offering those who consume it ‘jing’ energy only obtainable at birth and consuming placenta is comparable to “drinking from the fountain of youth”.

In search of the proverbial fountain of youth, a more advanced way of using the afterbirth for adults was conceived of in South Korea back in 2008. RNL Bio, a bio-technology venture based in Seoul has been advertizing cosmetic creams from human stem cells obtained from placentas since more then five years now. The incorporation of these placenta derived stem cells in youth imparting products doesn’t stop in skin creams, the homosapian desire to stay young has also created the bizarre trends of drinking liquefied placenta and of getting placental extract injections among the aged. Putting dried placenta powder into empty vegetable capsules, known as placenta encapsulation, has also been very popular in recent years.

The companies involved with the placental encapsulation process so far, have refused to guarantee results with placenta capsules or any other placenta products and remedies.

Some of the reported side effects of the ingested placenta have been:

·      Mild headaches (a lower dose is recommended to solve this problem).

·      Stomach cramping or abdominal pain (as a result of improper storage of capsules).

·      Diarrhea, loose stools or constipation (may be caused by the high levels of iron in the capsules).

·      PUPPPs rash returning after 3 days of consuming capsules.

·      Pelvic girdle pain (PGP) sufferers feel less relief (due to the high level of relaxin hormone in the placenta, which is the cause of PGP).

·      Unexplained lack of milk production.

·      Emotional symptoms similar to PMS.

Big hype yet no guaranteed results or proven studies showing efficacy and/or side effects of these products is the main reason why these products are still controversial and have not become full on mainstream.

Bone Marrow Derived Stem Cells

Stemage Skincare is a company started by a surgeon affiliated with the Washington University School of Medicine, which uses stem cells from anonymous bone marrow donors. Kathy Ireland has been their spokesperson and venture partner. In an interview with the Forbes Magazine recently the supermodel-turned-supermogul has professed her love for the three-step product line, as she had been searching for a skin care product that met her high standards and Stemage has finally come through for her. They have a small batch of users reporting satisfaction as efficacy of the products and no true clinical trials backing all the claims.

Oocytes The Ethical Stem Cells:

On the brave-new-world end of the stem cell spectrum, there's new buzz-brand Lifeline, who is incorporating human stem cells derived from unfertilized eggs into their skincare concoctions. The non-embryonic stem cells in Lifeline stem cell serums are derived from unfertilized human oocytes (eggs), which are donated to the company from several IVF labs and clinics in California. So far they have enjoyed great media lime light and popularity among consumers. Clinical trials are still clearly missing.

Fat Derived Stem Cells:

Liposuction may yield more than just a leaner figure – it can potentially produce stem cells for tissue reconstruction and this my friends is the latest and biggest hype in the stem cell industry currently.

U Autologous, is the latest range of anti-aging lotions and potions named by Forbes as one of 2012’s top fashion and beauty start-ups. Unlike Lifeline and other stem cell product lines, it sources the cells from each patient’s own fat tissue, which has generated a lot of interest in the research circles. If you’re intrigued you can get more info on their parent company American CryoStem’s website. I am definitely captivated with the idea, as we are talking about autologous stem cells here — derived from your own body not taken form someone else. After some digging up this is what I uncovered…

How does the process work?

Roughly two ounces of stem-cell-rich fat are removed from the hips or abdomen via liposuction at the office of a participating cosmetic surgeon, then “safely stored in cryopreservation tanks” for a monthly fee. Stem cells isolated from this fat are multiplied in a lab culture until they begin to produce abundant growth factors, which are then incorporated into individualized face creams that can be made to order for as long as the stem cells are banked.

The price for this personalized product is high—more than $3,000, versus $190 for a Lifeline serum—but is it more effective? - I would say intuitively that it makes a lot of sense that your own growth factors would be more biocompatible with your skin than something that’s generic. But, no formal studies have been done yet, that could put an efficacy seal on the procedure.

How Good Is The Evidence?

There is a very obvious paucity of real data on topical creams that claim to impact stem cells so far. The results of U Autologous clinical trials so far have received “wow” compliments form the participants. Studies with 19 patients who applied the product on one side of their face and their normal skin care on the other showed that the U Autologous–treated sides had less wrinkles, better skin texture, less sun-damage pigmentation, and less redness, after eight weeks, biopsies confirmed an increase in elastin levels in the dermis.

So Far, So Amazing, But There Is Another Concern We Need To Tackle Here:

Among the molecules produced by stem cells are cytokines, which are responsible for healing damaged cells and promoting cell division but can also affect cell shape and metabolism—meaning that they also might be able to stimulate tumor growth in predisposed individuals. The studies that have looked at stem-cell products and growth factors haven’t shown that as a risk in any trials so far. What’s reported is just an improvement of skin health, and its natural defenses and abilities being magnified. We haven’t seen any negative structural occurrences in the skin, but it is something companies working with stem cells need to continuingly to look at.

Bottom line: If you were to look at the array of stem cell based skin care products on the market, you’d quickly become confused and overwhelmed because they all hold the promise of the “Youth”. Which one is better than the other? No one knows! Each of the “stem cell” products currently available contains a different type of stem cell line: animal, plant, or human stem cells. But which of these types of stem cells is truly effective in producing real, long-term, definitive, results? The proof…will be in the clinical results…where are they?

What If I Told You One Serum Can Turn Back The Hands Of Time & Reveal Remarkably Smoother Skin In Just 12 weeks? Would You Say Bring It On!

Let me Introduce you all to the concept of laser precision skincare — Meet the NEW Clinique Repairwear Laser Focus, which Smooths, Restores, & Corrects single bottlely.

The new and improved Laser Focus delivers the same powerful results…but, now it does so with much more panache.

Wrinkles & Lines Be Gone

To address lines and wrinkles, a leading skin care concern, Clinique developed Repairwear Laser Focus Serum delivering 63% of the visible wrinkle reducing power of a dermatological laser in just 12 weeks — Impressive by any standards!!

Research has shown that in addition to lines and wrinkles, skin’s uneven texture attributes to the visible signs of aging. As a leader in dermatological concerns, Clinique scientists have added even more innovative technology to its powerhouse serum with the new Repairwear Laser Focus Smooths, Restores, Corrects – It is now a newly reformulated serum that delves one step beyond lines and wrinkles to deliver twice the smoothing results as before.

What Motivated The Change In The Formula?

“In talking with our Guiding Dermatologists, we learned that patients with lines and wrinkles also had poor skin texture. This prompted us to re-evaluate the original formula to see how we could improve the serum to address poor surface texture,” says Dr. Tom Mammone, Executive Director of Skin Physiology and Pharmacology, Clinique Research & Development, Worldwide.

New ingredients for remarkably smooth skin texture.

As the skin ages, cell turnover slows and dead cells accumulate on the top layer of skin, making lines and wrinkles more noticeable. When the cell renewal process is normalized and encouraged, skin appears smoother and more refined. Repairwear Laser Focus Smooths, Restores, Corrects contains new skin resurfacing technology that encourages gentle yet effective exfoliation to reveal smoother, more radiant looking skin.

The New Ingredients In The All New Formula

Acetyl Glucosamine: This multi-functional amino-sugar and building block of hyaluronic acid aids in naturally breaking the bonds that hold dead skin cells on the surface of the skin for a more natural shedding process.

Salvia Sclarea (Clary) Extract: Derived from the Salvia Sclarea plant, supports the final steps of cell differentiation and exfoliation by promoting the reformation of the skin’s barrier layer.

Peptide Complex To Restore Skin’s Youthful Appearance

Deterioration of skin from both the natural aging process as well as harmful UV rays results in fine lines and wrinkles. As skin becomes damaged over time, natural collagen synthesis is reduced, resulting in the overall loss of skin’s structural integrity. Repairwear Laser Focus Smooths, Restores, Corrects contains a high-level peptide complex that boosts natural collagen production and helps maintain existing natural collagen with essential ingredients. Skin becomes more firm and the appearance of lines and wrinkles is diminished.

Whey Protein: a natural, high-quality polypeptide rich in amino acids helps skin look and feel more firm and resilient while minimizing the appearance of lines and wrinkles.

Acetyl Hexapeptide-8: this bio-peptide helps stimulate natural collagen production and encourages repair.

Encapsulated Enzyme System To Visibly Correct UV damage

Additionally, a potent blend of repair enzymes encapsulated in a liposome delivery system works to correct the appearance of existing UV damage and protects the skin from further breakdown by helping to fight free radicals from environmental aggressors.

Micrococcus Luteus (Ultrasomes V): these liposomes work to support skin’s ability to visibly repair damage from UV exposure.

Plankton Extract (Photosomes V): absorbs visible light to promote natural cellular repair, helping to improve the appearance of sun-damaged skin over time.

Vitamins C and E (Aminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate and Tocopheryl Acetate): provides antioxidant protection from free radicals induced by UV exposure.

Arabidopsis Thaliana Extract (Roxisomes): repairs by targeting free radical damage.

Clinique Believes In A Second Chance For Every Skin

Dermatologist tested and oil-free, NEW Repairwear Laser Focus Smooths, Restores, Corrects is uniquely formulated to work day and night to reveal a dramatic smoothness of skin’s texture with significant improvements in radiance and luminosity. Apply evenly over face morning and night and around eye area after the 3-Step Skin Care Regimen. With continued use, troublesome lines and wrinkles are visibly reduced. As a result, skin is left smoother and a youthful appearance is restored.

Repairwear Laser Focus Smooths, Restores, Corrects is suitable for all skin types and ages. It is allergy tested & 100% fragrance free. Since November launch it is available at Clinique counters across the MiddleEast.

 

SKIN-TASTIC Vitamins — Learn Your ABC

In the beauty community, the loudest buzz these days is about the power of vitamins, tailor designed to your benefit they can give your skin a more radiant, healthy, and yes! youthful glow. The excitement is focused not only on creams, lotions and potions you put on your skin but what you put into your body as well. Health experts universally agree that vitamins and minerals in all forms play an integral role in a healthy complexion, whether the source is food, supplements, or a jar of cream.

If following latest scientific researches is your thing, I am sure you know there is a lot of important new research showing tremendous power of antioxidants in general, and some specific nutrients in particular that can make an important difference in the way your skin looks and feels and even in how well it ages. Experts say if you feed your skin from the inside and out, you can't help but benefit. Combined with a good diet, the right dietary supplements can help keep your skin looking not only healthy, but also years younger.

Sifting Through A Long List OF Alphabets — Which Vitamins Have The Strongest Impact On Skin?

Studies show that the vitamins C, E, A, K, and B complex all play special role in your skin health and appearance.

Vitamin C — Among the most important new dermatologic discoveries is the power of vitamin C to counter the effects of sun exposure. It works by reducing the damage caused by free radicals, a harmful byproduct of sunlight, smoke, and pollution. Free radicals gobble up collagen and elastin, the fibers that support skin structure, causing wrinkles and other signs of aging. Vitamin C also helps smooth and firm skin and fade brown spots. In one study, women who treated sun-damaged skin with a C cream for six months saw significant improvement in fine lines and discoloration.

Make sure your diet includes plenty of vitamin-C rich foods (citrus and vegetables, among others), which can replace the loss of the vitamin through the skin. You can also take vitamin C supplements, up to 500 to 1,000 milligrams of per day. Word of warning - over dosing of vitamin C has been linked with kidney stones.

You can also try a topical vitamin C cream to encourage collagen production, just as your body does naturally when you are young. The trick here is to use a formulation containing the L-ascorbic acid form of vitamin C, the only one that can penetrate skin layers and do the job.

Vitamin E —A slew of skin care studies document its superstar status. In one, E significantly reduced the number of these unstable molecules created after exposure to cigarette smoke. Others show that when it's used before UV exposure, skin is less red, swollen, and dry.

Vitamin E can also help reduce wrinkles and make your skin look and feel smoother.

According to studies published by the AAD, taking 400 units of vitamin E daily appeared to reduce the risk of sun damage to cells as well as reduce the production of cancer-causing cells. Some studies show that when vitamins E and A are taken together, people show a 70% reduction in basal cell carcinoma, a common form of skin cancer.

Golden rule of caution applies strictly as far as vitamin E dosage is concerned. Recent research has raised red flags reporting large doses of vitamin E can be harmful, so please stay within 400 international units per day or less to be on the safe side. Used in a cream, lotion, or serum form, vitamin E can soothe dry, rough skin. When combined with vitamin C in a lotion, it's highly protective against sun damage.

Vitamin A — If your vitamin A levels are up to snuff from the foods you eat, adding more probably won't do much more for your skin. That said if those levels drop even a little below normal, you're likely to see some skin-related symptoms, including a dry, flaky complexion. That's because vitamin A is necessary for the maintenance and repair of skin tissue and if you are deficient, you'll notice the difference. Fruits and vegetables are loaded with vitamin A.

Topical vitamin A is the form that makes a real difference in your skin. Medical studies show a reduction in lines and wrinkles, good acne control, and some psoriasis relief, all from using creams containing this nutrient. The prescription treatment is called Retin A, and it's used primarily as a treatment for acne. The less potent, over-the-counter formulations are sold as retinols and used as anti-aging treatments.

Vitamin B Complex — When it comes to skin, the single most important B vitamin is biotin, a nutrient that forms the basis of skin, nail, and hair cells. Without adequate amounts, you may end up with dermatitis (an itchy, scaly skin reaction) or sometimes even hair loss. Even a mild deficiency causes symptoms.

Most people get enough biotin without even trying. It's found in many foods including bananas, eggs, oatmeal, and rice, plus your body also makes some biotin on its own.

But recently, greater attention is being paid to topical preparations containing B vitamins. These creams can help give skin an almost instant healthy glow while hydrating cells and increasing overall tone. Niacin, a specific B vitamin, helps skin retain moisture, so creams containing this nutrient can help your complexion look plumper and younger in as little as six days. Niacin also has anti-inflammatory properties to soothe dry, irritated skin. In higher concentrations it can also work as a lightening agent to even out blotchy skin tone.

In one study presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology in 2003, a topical form of vitamin B was shown to dramatically improve aging in human skin.

Vitamin K — Studies presented at the American Academy of Dermatology in 2003 showed that topical vitamin K works well to reduce circles under the eye as well as bruises. In research published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology in 2002, doctors from the University of Miami School of Medicine found that skin treatments with vitamin K cream after laser surgery significantly reduced bruising. When combined with vitamin A in a cream, vitamin K can be even more effective for those dark circles. In a study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, doctors from the Nippon Medical School in Tokyo found that the topical application of a gel containing a derivative of vitamin K, as well as vitamins A, C, and E, was effective in reducing dark under-eye circles while also decreasing wrinkles.

Follow The Golden Rule While Supplementing — Too much of a good thing can be bad, over dosing on vitamins can have serious side effects, so while supplementing it’s vital to stay within the recommended dosages.