Pigmentation Conundrums – Underarms – Testing New Kids On The Block

Recently a study published in the journal of Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology has shown that topical niacinamide 4% and desonide 0.05% can help in the treatment of axillary hyper pigmentation.

Axillary (armpit) hyper pigmentation is a frequent cause of cosmetic consultations in dark-skinned women from tropical areas, including Latin America, Asia and Middle East. Currently, there is no widely accepted treatment for the disorder, but it is usually treated with bleaching agents because it is considered a variant of inflammatory hyper pigmentation. The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of two new products; niacinamide 4% and desonide 0.05% emulsions compared with placebo in the treatment of axillary hyper pigmentation.

Twenty-four women aged 19–27 years with hyperpigmented axillae (phototype III–V) were randomly assigned to receive the study treatments in the axillary region. Improvement was assessed at baseline, then clinically and by colorimetry 9 weeks later. Quantitative evaluation including melanin, inflammatory infiltrates, NKI/Beteb, CD1a, CD68, and collagen type IV content was performed by histochemistry and immunohistochemistry, assisted by computerized morphometric analysis.

Results: Both niacinamide and desonide induced significant colorimetric improvement compared with placebo; however, desonide showed a better depigmenting effect than niacinamide.

A good to excellent response was achieved in 24% of cases for niacinamide, 30% for desonide, and 6% for placebo. Authors observed a marked disruption of the basal membrane in axillary hyperpigmentation and an inflammatory infiltrate that improved after treatment. Decreased pigmentation in the desonide-treated axillae was associated with recovery of disruption at the basal membrane.

Conclusion: Niacinamide and desonide show depigmenting properties in women with axillary hyperpigmentation. These findings may be explained by their antimelanogenic and anti-inflammatory properties, respectively.

Currently we lack good treatments options when it comes to pigmentation in the underarm area, the addition of these two active agents in our treatment armament will be indeed a pleasant addition. Though more studies will be required to get these active ingredients main stream and know more about the desired and undesired effects.

Braun Silk-épil 7 SkinSpa

Recently I was introduced to Braun’s latest innovation the “Silk-épil 7 SkinSpa”, which offers self grooming skincare experience based on the spa philosophy of “Remove and Restore”. Promising to be the most efficient wet and dry epilation system in the market; which removes unwanted hair whilst its refining brush exfoliates and restores the skin’s natural radiance, SkinSpa sure sounds like the answer to any fair maiden’s self grooming needs. In the spirit of “taking the bull by the horns” I took the SkinSpa for a couple of test-drives and here’s my personal review of the product and the services it renders.

First Impression: Opening my brand new SkinSpa package I was excited as well as skeptical. The first thought that came to my mind was how many skincare services are going to covered in the menu of this smart-self-grooming-device. Going through the contents of the SkinSpa box I was more than thrilled to find out that it is a truly multi-purpose-wonder-gadget rather than being a usual one-service-&-thank-you-device.

SkinSpa Skincare Menu: Let’s briefly take a look at some of the skincare services neatly converged into the SkinSpa package:

• Epilation: Pulling hair directly from the roots gives you an epilation experience that is long lasting and satisfactory. I personally enjoyed 4 weeks of silky smooth no-hair skin. (Hair re-growth varies from person to person averaging: 4-6 weeks).

• Shaving: Removes the shortest hair stubble impossible to remove by waxing or plucking, leaving your skin with the most clean and smooth feel possible.

• Trimming: For those who don’t want to remove all hair, especially around the sensitive areas “the trim” choice is available along with pluck or shave.

• Sonic Bristle Massage: Gentle massage with the sonic brush helps improve skin circulation and also eliminates toxins trapped in skin.

• Product Uptake Enhancement: Creams and lotions applied to the skin after treating it with the sonic brush are absorbed more readily because of the improved circulation and lack of dead skin retarding product absorption.

• Exfoliation: All girls are going to say “Thank You Braun!!” for the addition of this great new feature!!! Bye bye dry rough skin and hello silky smooth contours. Exfoliation is a magical word that caters to so many skin needs. Proper exfoliation can help you unlock the realm of perfectly smooth skin and complexion in as little as 6-8 weeks.

Exfoliation Under The DermaScope: Let look at the benefits of exfoliation:

o   Relieves rough dry skin by removing the upper layer of dead skin.

o   Relieves ingrown hair: It’s important to exfoliate regularly to keep skin smooth, glowing and healthy, and to also help prevent ingrown hairs. 

Braun InGrown Hair Relief Tip: If you suffer from ingrown hair, exfoliate two to three times a week with the Silk-épil 7 SkinSpa and apply tea tree oil, which has antibactierial properties, to prevent infection and reduce inflammation.

o   Relieves keratosis pilaris (small dark pin-tag like growths on upper arm)

o   Removes black heads and white heads when used on the face, chest and upper back.

o   Helps removes dark uneven colored patches and improves complexion

o   Makes skin look more clear and radiant

o   Enhances product (creams & lotions) absorption

Now that we have acquainted ourselves to the SkinSpa's services menu it’s time to dig deeper and find out more about the technology.

Braun SkinSpa Epilator – Wet and Dry Epilator

• Skin Spa epilator head epilator consists of 40 uniquely placed Close-Grip tweezers and removes the shortest hairs that wax can’t remove (upto 0.5mm), and can be used wet or dry.

Hair is removed at the root, resulting in hair-free skin up to 4 weeks
For maximum benefit: Use epilator head a few days after exfoliation to ensure skin has time to recover from exfoliation and all in-grown hair have surfaced.

Exfoliation Brush –Sonic Technology

• Operates at over 3,000 micro-vibrations per minute to remove dead skin cells and refine and improve the skin’s appearance, revealing younger looking skin that glows with natural vitality.

SkinSpa’s exfoliation attachment gives four times better results than a manual exfoliation scrub alone. By reinvigorating your circulation and stimulating dull, lifeless skin, you’ll emerge feeling smooth, conditioned and thoroughly pampered.

Comparing Braun SkinSpa To Other Hair Removal Methods: Waxing & Shaving:

• SkinSpa usage is easy, quick and non messy compared to waxing. It can be used whenever and wherever without any planning and mess. Wet and dry mode makes it more flexible than any other device.

• It plucks out shortest hair upto 0.5mm, which can’t be removed by waxing. The shaving/epilation combined feature leaves you much more smooth results compared to waxing.

• Epilation leaves you hair free for weeks compared to the shaving.

• No razor cuts and no risk of folliculitis and infections that usually ensue shaving.

• The regular use of SkinSpa’s brush exfoliation feature prevents ingrown hair a problem commonly associated with waxing and shaving.

Conclusion: Braun Silk-épil SkinSpa marks a true revolution in epilation technologies providing women with an entirely new skincare regimen – epilation and exfoliation combined in one device.

Personally having tried and tested SkinSpa I concur it delivers results comparable to a salon professional treatment in the comfort of your own bathroom or bedroom. SkinSpa in my opinion is much more than an epilator! Ladies brace yourself Braun Silk Epil Skin Spa is the ultimate muti-tasking personal-grooming must-have device that every skin savvy girl needs in her grooming closet.

Hair Diaries - Best Kept Hair Secrets

We all want our hair to look its best. There are hundreds of products available, from straightening sprays to leave-in conditioners - but what really does make a difference to our hair?

Protect Shine With Lukewarm Water

Hot water can strip the protective oils that act as a natural conditioner. And your hair's natural shine can disappear. This doesn't mean you have to suffer through cold showers to avoid dull hair. Instead, use lukewarm water to wash your hair. Pamper the scalp by massaging it while you shampoo.

Skip High-Powered Blow Dryers

When you shower, water gets inside each strand of hair. When you power up the hair dryer, all that moisture heats up and expands, and this pushes the hair fibers apart leaving open spaces. Those spaces make hair weaker and more susceptible to damage. Style hair on low heat or on cool setting to prevent the heat related damage.

Mend Split Ends With Protein

If you often style your hair with hot tools -- or you color, bleach, or perm -- you can damage hair's protective outer layer. The result is "split ends." Thankfully, there are hair products to help mend the damage.

Look for conditioners with protein. They sink into the hair shaft and repair split ends. The fix only lasts until the next shampoo, so you'll need to use them regularly.

Boost Thin Hair With Silicone

Thin, lifeless hair is a common complaint, yet few women know the best remedy. Heavy conditioners will  just leave your hair limp. A better bet is to use products with silicone, such as dimethicone or cyclomethicone. These coat the strands with a thin film, creating fuller hair that doesn't look greasy. The silicone stays put even after you rinse.

Brush Less to Limit Hair Loss

Don't believe that myth about 100 brush strokes a day. Too much brushing will snap off hairs. Some hair loss is normal – most people lose 50 to 100 hairs every day. These have stopped growing and have reached a resting stage. To keep from losing any more hair than normal, use a brush with ball-tipped bristles. And never brush wet hair, use a comb instead.

Take Care With Tightly-Wound Hair

Ponytails and braids are great way to showcase your personal style. But when they're too tight, they can break off hair and damage the roots. Wearing a tight style around the clock can even make your hair fall out. Set your hair free every night! For braided styles meant to last months, leave hair a little loose at the scalp. If you wear heavy extensions, give your hair a break after three months.

Use Gentle Color to Cover Grays

Hair doesn't just change color as we get older – it also becomes weaker and grows more slowly. That means damaged hair won't be snipped off as quickly by haircuts. Chemicals used on "mature" hair should be weaker to avoid damage.

Avoid Extreme Color Changes

Perhaps you're a brunette who always wanted to be a blonde, or a blonde who wants to go darker. Be aware that you're risking damage to your hair with more extreme color changes. Some dermatologists recommend staying within three shades of your natural color.

Calm Frizz

Humidity gets the rap for causing frizzy hair days. But there's more static electricity when the air is dry. This means frizz also flies in winter months and in the desert climates. Use conditioner to stop static electricity. Shampoos that are pH-balanced also can calm the frizz for hair that's colored or relaxed with chemicals.

Don't Treat Dandruff With Oils

Dandruff is not a type of dry skin at all -- despite the white flakes that float down to your shoulders. Dandruff is a scalp infestation with a fungus called Malassezia furfur. Rubbing oil into the scalp can just make it worse.

Shampoos with anti fungal medicine are the best fix -- from a drugstore or a dermatologist. Leave the shampoo on for 5 minutes to soak into your scalp. Be sure to rinse thoroughly.

Eat Fish and Nuts for Healthy Hair

The same nutritious foods that are good for your body promote stronger, healthier hair. Load up on salmon and nuts! Their protein and omega-3 fats help create a healthier scalp. Leafy vegetables, beans, and carrots are also good for your tresses.

Beware of fad diets aimed at quick weight loss. They can starve your body of important nutrients, which can lead to brittle hair or hair loss.

All Acne Bacteria Are Not Created Equal

Certain Strains Of Acne Bacteria May Actually Protect The Skin

The bacteria that cause acne live on everyone's skin, yet one in five people is lucky enough to develop only an occasional pimple over a lifetime. What's the secret?

The results of a study published in the Feb. issue of the Journal of Investigative Dermatology indicates that a strain of Propionibacterium acnes may contain properties that protect the skin from harmful bacteria.

Investigators from the David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles, examined P. acnes bacteria from 49 patients with acne and 51 subjects with clear skin. After extracting microbial DNA, researchers followed a genetic marker to identify bacterial strains and assess whether the patient suffered from acne.

After UCLA researchers isolated more than 1,000 strains of bacteria, scientists with Washington University sequenced genomes of 66 P. acnes strains to enable researchers to then target genes unique to each strain.

Two unique strains were found in one out of five patients with acne, but these strains were rare in subjects with clear skin, researchers noted. A third strain of P. acnes was common in healthy skin, but was rarely found in those patients who had acne.

“We suspect that this strain contains a natural defense mechanism that enables it to recognize attackers and destroy them before they infect the bacterial cell,” said Huiying Li, Ph.D., assistant professor of molecular and medical pharmacology at UCLA.

Investigators plan to next explore whether a probiotic cream could block “bad” bacteria from invading the skin and help to prevent acne breakouts.

Acne affects a majority of population at some point in their lives, yet scientists know little about what causes the disorder and have made limited progress in developing new strategies for treating it. Dermatologists' arsenal of anti-acne tools — benzoyl peroxide, antibiotics and Accutane (isotretinoin) — hasn't expanded in decades. Most severe cases of acne don't respond to antibiotics, and Accutane can produce serious side effects we are in a dire need of a new treatment option for acne in derma circles.

Natural Breast Enhancement

A new alternative to breast implants

--> — reverse liposuction!

Natural fat assisted breast enhancement is the cosmetic procedure that sounds like ultimate-female-dream 

--> — Increase the size of your breasts by up to a cup size, while taking inches off your tummy and thighs. The operation, carried out under local anesthetic, involves the patient having fat removed during liposuction, mixed with other body cells, and then reinjected into the breasts.

Implants have been the gold standard of breast augmentation of decades. But, in the wake of the recent health scare surrounding the PIP (Poly Implant Prothèse) silicone breast implants, consumers are more wary of putting foreign objects in their bodies, which makes fat grafting an appealing concept. Logic dictates people prefer to have their own tissue to something synthetic if it gives comparable results.

Surgical fat transfer is nothing new. Like many cosmetic operations, it was developed in the late 19th Century as a reconstructive procedure - and is considered the gold standard in post-mastectomy breast reconstruction.

In theory, fat should be the perfect filler because as it is taken from the patient's own body, there is no chance of an allergic reaction. And, as the fat is injected, no incision is needed. Yet it is only relatively recently that surgeons have deemed it safe to offer it for breast enhancement, due to worries that the volume of fat needed may result in hard lumps forming, deformities. But, so far the early results from procedures performed around the world have been very encouraging with minimal to no side effects and fat augmentation has become a hot subject in aesthetic enhancement circles.

How it works?

The first stage of fat grafting usually requires the patient to wear a special bra for about a month, for several hours each day. The bra has a suction device, which helps to expand the breasts in preparation for extra fat. Then the surgery is done, usually under local anesthesia, where fat is removed from one section of the body and reinserted into the breast.

During the 2-3 hour procedure, liposuction is used to remove fat from the patient's stomach or thigh area. Traditional liposuction involves the surgeon manually breaking up the fat with a cannula, though some doctors are using Vaser or Laser Lipo, machines that use ultrasound waves or laser to liquidize the fat, to remove fat cells with minimal damage. Around two-and-a-half pints of fat are needed to boost the breasts by one-cup size.

Post fat harvest, patient's own blood is used to separate cells known as platelets, which contain stem cells, which are mixed with harvested fat and injected into the breasts. The platelets slow the re-absorption process. Traditional fat transfers last approximately six months in total and require top-ups once a month. The PIFT enhancement should last for up to two years.

Average recovery time is 2-4 days, a lot quicker than implant surgery.

After the surgery, the suction bra is worn again for a week or so.

Extra fat is usually refrigerated safely in sterile conditions for up to two years before it starts to decompose. Patients are expected to have a first top-up at eight weeks and then one every six months, or until the supply runs out. There is evidence that fat transfers could provide augmentation in the breast but normally only 65 per cent of the grafted tissue survives that’s why top ups are planned and scheduled.

As I mentioned earlier, fat grafting itself is not new. In the late 1980s and 90s, it was widely used in facial augmentations and began to be used for breast enlargements. However, it fell into disrepute because of the risk of the fat tissue calcifying and forming hard lumps when transferred in large amounts. This not only affected how the breasts looked and felt, but was also a problem for mammograms, as the lumps were often mistaken for breast cancer and led to unnecessary biopsies.

Since then, fat-grafting techniques have been refined, as have mammogram interpretation techniques. In 2010 the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons published a review of evidence that stated fat grafting was as safe as other forms of breast augmentation, though more high-quality studies were needed. Last year a US study found that after six months, the majority of fat-grafting patients had no masses or abnormalities in their breasts.

Benefits and risks

There are always risks with surgery, even though the procedure is usually not done under general anesthesia - but the risks of an allergic reaction are minimal. The procedure mostly does not cause any complications. It is also safe for women who are worried about breast-feeding because it is entirely natural.

Apart from the appeal of using one's own tissue, the main benefits of fat grafting are that if successful, the transplant will feel more natural and last longer than an implant. A silicone implant will wear out. But it's possible to have this kind of enlargement for life.

Time and money needed for a successful graft are steep which is hindering the procedure popularity with doctors as well as patients. While an implant is one surgery that lasts one to one and a half hours, a fat-grafting surgery takes twice that time. Multiple surgeries are sometimes required, especially if enlarging the breasts by more than one cup size, because about 30 per cent of the fat transferred will be reabsorbed, and there is a limit to how much fat can be safely grafted in a single surgery.

The procedure is also not suitable for very thin, flat-chested women, as they won't have enough body fat, and it does not have the 50 years of refinement silicone transplants have.

Theoretically in someone who is genetically susceptible to breast cancer, the introduction of stem cells may accelerate the biological process and could even cause the disease though there are no reported cases. It is also possible to get calcification in the breast tissue. 

Bottom Line:

Fat grafting for breasts is still in its infancy, the procedure is more expensive and time-consuming than implants, and can only provide a modest enlargement. You're going to get a more predictable result with a silicone implant, but there's now an alternative for people who don't want implants.

Interested In Anti Aging Skincare -Better Get Familiar With Inflammaging

It is clear that the simple fact of growing older -chronological aging- is relentless and unstoppable. But experts studying the science of aging say it is time for a fresh look at the biological process –this fresh perspective recognizes “Aging” as a condition that can be manipulated, treated and delayed –just like any other disease condition. If aging is seen as a disease, it changes how we respond to it -Exciting stuff right!!! - currently scientists worldwide are busy finding ways to slow aging down and/or cure it completely.

One day soon we will be looking at the prescription of “Eternal Youth” but, before the dream of getting a youth-prescription at our local doctor’s office can come true, we need to understand the aging as disease more closely. Today our exciting antiaging topic-of-the-hour is: “Inflammaging”!

(Sounds almost alien & quiet a mouthful -I agree! Pay close attention and you’d find out it’s a smart combo of two words: inflammation and aging.)

Studies have shown that as we age, our immune system becomes less effective and its capacity to manage the inflammatory activity is reduced.  This can lead to chronic unchecked inflammation characterized by a slow but continuous production of free radicals and Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMP) that break down collagen and elastin fibers – in simple words -causing wrinkles and skin sagging. The term “inflammaging” simply describes the aging phenomenon induced by chronic (persistent) inflammation.

Acute VS. Chronic Inflammation:

Most people are familiar with the visible inflammation that can be seen on the surface of the skin, with redness representing a sign of infection, irritation or discomfort. However, inflammation can also be invisible. We live in a polluted world where all skin (and certainly weakened or aged skin) is subject to inflammation, at low intensities. It is this underlying inflammation that ultimately exhausts the body’s defense system, dismantling key youth-sustaining skin structures and resulting in collagen and elastin degradation and breakdown of the skin’s barrier function –ultimately manifesting in the form of deep wrinkles, hyper-pigmentation, flaccid, and inelastic tissue. 

What causes the cascade of inflammatory responses that lead to chronic inflammation?

The level of chronic inflammation increases with:

·      Aging

·      Unhealthy lifestyle (smoking, poor dietary habits, lack of exercise)

·      Environmental factors or stressors including smoke, pollution, and UV radiation.

Inflammation and Skin Aging

Today, the direct link between extrinsic skin aging and inflammation is well established and documented. Studies have demonstrated the reciprocal effect of many chronic inflammatory diseases–such as psoriasis, atopic and Seborrhic dermatitis–on the stratum corneum barrier, which maintains healthy hydration levels in the skin.

The integrity of this barrier is maintained by metabolic balance (i.e. synthesis of collagen fibers, replacement of old and worn out fibers) by enzymes called MMPs (Matrix Metalloproteinases) and is regulated by TIMPs (Tissue Inhibitors of Matrix Proteinases).

Inflammaging destroys this balance, decreasing cellular metabolic activity and collagen renewal. Externally, the skin loses its suppleness and elasticity and becomes flaccid. It is also known that inflammaging generates Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), causing age-accelerating oxidative damage, which further perpetuates a chronic, pro-inflammatory state.

Prevention & Treatment Plan Against Inflammaging

Anti-Inflammatory Treatments
Inflammaging can be prevented, and even reversed, by using a wide spectrum of topical products formulated with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant ingredients. Treatment would be more comprehensive if in addition to inhibiting the key mediators of inflammation and aging processes, these ingredients can also help reinforce, protect and boost the Anti-Oxidant Response System.

Two different classes of anti-inflammatory agents have shown promising results: COX inhibitors and 5-LOX inhibitors. Boswellic acid (found in the Boswellia serrata tree), resveratol (found in grapes) and tamanu oil (found in Tamanu tree nuts), are just some of the natural inhibitors that can help slow down the inflammaging.

Reinforcing & Protecting The Integrity Of The Barrier Function:

While anti-inflammatory ingredients are essential in the fight against inflammaging, successful treatment must also address two major skin issues. The first is reinforcing and protecting the integrity of the barrier function, which can be achieved through targeted topical care.

Sun Protection:

The use of broad-spectrum UV protection is an integral part of prevention program against inflammaging. As with any skin concern, inflammaging can worsen with prolonged sun exposure. Combined with treatments that target the source of inflammation, proper UV defense and barrier support can help minimize the visible effects of inflammaging.

Avoiding Common Skin Irritants & Using Alternatives
It is equally important to avoid aggressive ingredients that can further wound the skin and prolong the inflammaging cycle combined with using anti-inflammatory ingredients.

Acids–particularly those of smaller molecular size, like Glycolic Acid–are a major source of irritation in many cosmetic products. Because of their size, they have been shown to reach the dermis where inflammation takes place. Molecularly larger acids (like Lactic, Malic, Pyruvic and Tartatric Acids), however, don’t tend to penetrate the dermis, making them far gentler on the skin and less likely to spark inflammation. Using charily correct acids for your skin needs can further minimize the risk of adverse side effects, including irritation.

Another common irritant to avoid is Benzoyl Peroxide. A mainstay of professional and everyday acne treatments, Benzoyl Peroxide can contribute to irritating oxidative damage. However, gentler alternatives exist in the form of Salicylic Acid and Sulfur, which have been shown to be just as effective.

Of course, no discussion of inflammaging would be complete without addressing skincare’s anti-aging hero: Retinol. The gold standard in renewal, Retinol achieves its goal often at the cost of irritating the skin. While retinoids themselves aren’t likely to change, science has found new ways to deliver these key ingredients through encapsulated systems that bypass their inflammatory side effects.

Inflammaging And The Future Of Skincare 

As science continues to explore the dynamics of inflammaging, new products and treatments will emerge to address this nascent concern. In an industry that moves at breakneck speed, the advent of inflammaging serves as both a wakeup call and an ultimatum to product developers and cosmetic companies alike. The skincare game is changing.

Summarized Combat Plan Against Inflammaging:

• Choose your acids wisely: Avoid acids of small molecular size, like Glycolic Acid, that can penetrate the dermis. Instead, choose acids of larger molecular size that work in the epidermal layer, like Lactic, Malic, Pyruvic and Tartaric Acids.

• Support the skin’s barrier function: After the exfoliation, reinforce the barrier function by protecting the NMF to guard against trans epidermal water loss (TEWL). This can be achieved with ingredients including ceramides, squalane, fatty acids, phospholipids, amino acids, lactates and PCA.

• Don’t forget your anti-inflammatory and antioxidant ingredients: Soothe and replenish the skin with ingredients that counteract irritation and inflammation. And, since oxidation is an age-accelerating side effect of inflammaging, make sure you pack the skin with protective antioxidants. See sidebar for a list of recommended ingredients.

• Protect your results: Inflammaging can worsen with prolonger sun exposure, so be sure to end every treatment with sunscreen application of SPF 30 or higher.

Under The Magical Umbrella Of Mushrooms - Skin & Health

Hallucinogenic mumbo jumbo aside many studies have shown that mushrooms have special antioxidant and anti inflammatory properties that can keep us feeling and looking young - whether you are eating them or applying to your skin.

The Japanese have used mushrooms for medicinal purposes since the Nara Period, which began in 710. In particular, the shiitake mushroom - growing in the wild since prehistoric times - has played a critical role in Asian medicinal traditions for over 6,000 years. Recent research has confirmed the old wisdom; shiitake mushroom boosts immunity, lowers cholesterol and treats cancer. And it also has many benefits for your skin.

Whatever your favorite—crimini, enoki, oyster, portobello, shiitake or white button—all mushrooms are loaded with essential nutrients. Many varieties of mushrooms contain selenium and, like humans, they produce vitamin D when exposed to sunlight. Oyster mushrooms are a good source or iron. Plus, they're low in calories: six medium white, for example, have just 22 calories. 

Trip Down Magical-Shroom-Land

Surprisingly, mushrooms have health benefits that many people are unaware of so, today lets just upgrade our health info and look at some of the many health benefits of mushrooms.

Increase your vitamin D - Good For Bones Good For Hair

Yes, vitamin D! Mushrooms are the only fruit or vegetable source of this critical vitamin. Like humans, mushrooms produce vitamin D when in sunlight. Exposing them to high levels of ultraviolet B just before going to market converts more of the plant sterol ergosterol into the so-called sunshine vitamin. In the U.S., portobellos fortified with vitamin D are already being sold, with a three-ounce (85-gram) serving providing about 400 IU of vitamin D. Osteoporosis associations recommend that adults under 50 get 400 to 1,000 IU daily.

Boost your immune system - Enjoy Clear Skin

 A study done on mice and published by the American Society for Nutrition found that white button mushrooms may promote immune function by increasing the production of antiviral and other proteins that are released by cells while they are trying to protect and repair the body’s tissues. A later study showed that these mushrooms promoted the maturation of immune system cells–called dendritic cells–from bone marrow. According to the researchers, this may help enhance the body’s immunity leading to better defense systems against invading microbes.

Shrooms are loaded with riboflavin; which is a potent natural anti-inflammatory agent. It cuts down the reaction time of any inflammatory lesion/zit or break out. So, if you suffer from acne, rosacea, or any other recurrent infections mushrooms can be your natural remedy. Shiitakes help exfoliate, they have potent antioxidant ingredients, and are an excellent source of kojic acid, a natural skin lightener that helps fade spots from the sun and acne.

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Eat your antioxidants - Stay Young

When it comes to antioxidants—the substances that help fight free radicals that are the result of oxidation in our body—we’re more likely to think of colorful vegetables than neutral-hued mushrooms. But a study at Penn State University showed that the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC)—a measure of a food’s total antioxidants—of crimini and portobello mushrooms is about the same as for red peppers. The Reishi mushroom is packed with antioxidants too it was originally only available to Asian royalty and often referred to as mushroom of immortality.

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Kick up your metabolism - Stay Thin

B vitamins are vital for turning food (carbohydrates) into fuel (glucose), which the body burns to produce energy. They also help the body metabolize fats and protein. Mushrooms contain loads of vitamin B2 (riboflavin) and vitamin B3 (niacin): 100 grams of crimini have 44 percent and 30 percent of your daily recommended amount, respectively, white button have 36 and 30 percent, and oyster mushrooms have 32 and 39 percent.

Be good to your bladder - Cancer Prevention

An analysis of seven studies—published last year in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention—showed that the higher the level of selenium, as measured in blood serum and toenails, the lower the risk of bladder cancer. Selenium had a significant protective effect mainly among women, which the researchers believe may result from gender-specific differences in this its accumulation and excretion. Several types of mushrooms are rich in this essential trace mineral: 100 grams of raw crimini have 47 percent of your daily needs, cooked shiitakes have 45 percent and raw white button have 17 percent.

Selenium has powerful anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and immune boosting properties and is essential for healthy skin and healthy body.