I’ve written so many times over the last few years about AtoPalm products and how impressed I am by them. The MLE (Multi-Lamellar Emulsion) technology AtoPalm brand uses helps to maintain the skin’s barrier function which is essential for repair and treatment of dry and sensitive skin. It also helps the skin thrive by infusing precious lipids which in turn protects and rejuvenates the skin from many environmental attacks, such as, free radicals and moisture stripping chemicals.

But today I wanted to share with you the crème de la crème of ATOPALM products. ATOPALM Intensive Moisturizing Cream is an amazing paraben free product that also offers all the benefits I mentioned above, but also hydrates better than any moisturizer I’ve ever used. And it’s much less expensive…SkinStore.com sells it for $32.50! Your skin will feel extremely soft, beautifully hydrated and incredibly supple. This is definitely a beauty must-have! Get two and throw one in your purse!

I’m pretty sure I’ve told you all (in past articles) about how my sister has always teased me because I’m a neurotic freak about my breath and I have probably given you all the tips and oral care treatments I’m aware of that have helped to freshen my breath. But I recently found the underlying cause of what I consider to have been why my breath felt unfresh to me. Whether my breath issue was real or imagined (as my sister would say) it was a very real concern for me. Problem was I found many products that felt like it treated it well…I wasn’t aware of the underlying cause so at the end of the day I was probably only masking it which made me feel as though I had treated it. I’ve always known there are physiological reasons for halitosis such as gastric issues and the obvious reasons such as eating onions and garlic but I never figured out what had caused mine.

I started realizing that I seem to be thirstier than everyone I’m around. I have such a dry mouth that I would literally have to pull over my car to buy a water even if I were late for something important. I always have a gallon of water near my bed because I wake up all night long needing drinks of water. I also noticed that I’ve always had difficulty in swallowing my pills and my thirst was usually just plain unquenchable. Excessive thirst can also be the underlying cause of many illnesses so if you can relate you would need to let your physician know about it. However, I had been tested for things such as diabetes and other issues that can cause excessive thirst and I had none of them. But it soon came to me that my dry mouth was probably contributing to my perceived or actual bad breath. On top of the fact that it’s just miserable to worry about my breath…having an extremely dry mouth is just down right uncomfortable.

I had heard about Biotene products as well as other mouth lubricating products in the past but had always thought they were prescriptions and just never thought to ask one of my doctors to get one written while I was at my appointments. I would only think about it that night or the next day that my dry mouth would return with a vengeance.

It turned out that Biotene has dry mouth products that are not prescription after all. My relief ended up being only a click away. I decided to search for dry mouth washes and lubricants one day when the southern California Santa Ana winds were blowing like crazy and the air was as dry as a bone. As you could imagine it was all I could do to swallow the limited amount of saliva I could even muster up.

That’s when I discovered Drugstore.com offered Biotene products and they were over the counter products, not written prescriptions as I had thought. I ordered Biotene Oral Balance, Dry Mouth Moisturizing Liquid and it truly changed my life! It contains five different moisturizers and 18 amino acids and milk protein. My mouth is now lubricated, comfortable, rarely ever dry, and my breath is as fresh as can be. And I can even swallow now with ease. I’m so blown away it has taken me virtually my whole adult life to figure out something so easy and for less than ten bucks no less!!

I just got back from Europe and now am reminded of just how hard air travel is on the skin. The dry air, the fatigue and jet lag as well as stepping out of our usual regimen can take a real toll on the complexion. After experiencing all of this recently, I decided to put together a list of dos and don’ts that can make the process a little more bearable with minimal effort.

1. Drink lots of water – Skin is always at its best when the body is properly hydrated so drink up and steer clear of alcoholic and caffeinated beverages that can actually cause dehydration. Lots of water can also help shake jet lag with leads to better sleep which in turn makes for better skin. If you’re worried about disturbing your seat partner running to the bathroom, ask for an aisle seat.

2. Keep the skin hydrated – Regularly spritzing the face with mineral water can help the skin from drying out. Evian Spray Purse/Travel Size Spray is small enough to take on airplanes and can be used anytime it’s needed. In addition to the face, the hands also tend to suffer from airline dryness. L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream Trio contains travel size hand creams that are perfect for airplanes.

3. Avoid makeup – This is a difficult rule for those of us that don’t like to be seen in public without our full faces on but you’ll be in a situation where you can’t easily remove your makeup and this can lead to problems. Eye makeup in particular can end up on your face and in your eyes, causing irritation. If you have to wear foundation to camouflage imperfections, stick to non-comedogenic formulas like mineral foundations. Colorescience Suncanny Foundation Brush SPF 20 provides great coverage in a non pore-clogging formula with much needed sun protection when flying above the clouds. The brush makes it easy to reapply as needed.

4. Use cleansing cloths or wipes - When traveling, it’s important to keep the skin free of impurities, especially if you’re prone to breakouts. Because it’s difficult to thoroughly cleanse, use cleaning cloths or wipes to remove oil, dirt and makeup. This won’t provide a complete cleanse but it will tide you over. Skyn ICELAND Glacial Cleansing Cloths do a great job at removing impurities while also hydrating the skin.

Taking a few simple steps can help keep your skin in good shape during and after your travels.

After a few recent health issues (not to mention just feeling the aches and pains of getting older) I finally made a resolution to start taking my health more seriously and just try and remember what it feels like to have energy once again. I knew I needed to start with going to the doctor as well as the dentist to first treat some existing issues before I started a regimen of vitamins and exercise. That way I would be starting at a better place and be better able to set myself up for success as opposed to failure. If I didn't feel well...I certainly couldn't get the optimum benefits of changing my lifestyle. After I got a clean bill of health I decided to start my new healthier way of living with a good detox. I did a whole lot of research to find a product that would not only increase my health and well being, but also give my skin the luminosity and peaches and cream glow I had back when I was healthier and younger. I hit the jackpot with GliSOdin Skin Nutrients Advanced Detoxification Formula. It cleansed and rejuvenated my liver, kidneys and intestinal tract which made me feel a sense of well-being that I hadn't felt in so long. It also helped my skin look clear and healthy. I feel removing toxins from the body is key to good health and great skin. It just makes sense. And as an added perk, GliSOdin Skin Nutrients Advanced Detox Formula also controls water weight and aids in weight loss. The formula is an amazing free radical fighter and neutralizer, aids in digestion and elimination, chelates heavy metals and has a host of other health benefits which gives you an incredible head start on a new healthier lifestyle. I'm so thankful for GliSOdin Skin Nutrients!

Peter Thomas Roth does it again! Yes...Peter Thomas Roth Products pull off another amazing anti-aging product feat by formulating Peter Thomas Roth FirmX Growth Factor Extreme Neuropeptide Serum. The miracle serum moisturizes brilliantly, brightens up even the dullest of complexions, banishes fine lines and wrinkles and firms up sagging skin. It works by containing a patent-pending Growth Factor (Extreme NeuroComplex) along with multiple peptides, neuropeptides, and many more potent antioxidants and ingredients. Thank you Peter Thomas Roth for stepping up to the skin care plate (again!) and slamming it right out of the park!

Are you ready for this? Want to wear your necklines like you used to? Are you tired of hiding your neck? Here’s how to make your neck look youthful like it used to be!

Thanks to Perricone MD Cold Plasma Sub-D you can have the neck you used to have! You know...the neck that doesn’t look all wrinkled, ringed with lines and a part of your anatomy that you don’t hide with a scarf. I thought those days were gone short of a neck-lift via plastic surgery. But alas…Perricone MD has graced us with a product that is truly a miracle product for the neck. I love beauty industry science!!!

Go to www.skinstore.com and click on this link and check out the Perricone MD Cold Plasma Sub-D (before and after pictures) because they are the real deal! I’m so impressed with Perricone MD Cold Plasma Sub-D because it is absolutely incredible!!!

The best way to make your eyes look gorgeous for less than ten bucks is just a click away. Go to www.drugstore.com and check out their CoverGirl Store. Specifically CoverGirl LashBlast Length Mascara, Very Black! It’s only $7.79 and it is freaking amazing! I’ve never had such gorgeous long, luscious lashes. And believe me, I’ve tried a few…as well as spent a heck of a lot more than 8 bucks on a tube (or thousand) in my life!

I’ve used many types of mascara in my day that have made my eyelashes long and beautiful but they’ve always looked kind of thick and globby or even worse…resembled spider legs! With CoverGirl LashBlast Length Mascara they are long and beautiful, but the lashes are not clumped together and the look is natural yet stunning. I’m so glad my girl Debbie shared this little secret with me and so I just had to share the wealth with you!

I told you all in yesterday’s blog entry that today I would do for the guys what I did for us girls by compiling a list of the "must-have" bathroom products that make our lives easier and much more gorgeous. I know you boys like convenience, ease and speed as opposed to lengthy regimens, too many steps, too many products and have different skin care needs than women do, so with that in mind…

Check out my top-five-list for the ultimate shower room product “must-haves,” for men. That is, if you guys too want to make your life easier and be even more handsome than you already are!

All of these primo products for men can be found on www.AtHisBest.com.

Entice your woman with the amazing scent from Dolce and Gabbana!

5. Dolce and Gabbana The One Eau De Toilette Spray for Men

Thoroughly cleanse your face while reducing fine lines and wrinkles with Anthony Logistics!

4. Anthony Logistics for Men Glycolic Facial Cleanser, All Skin Types, Fragrance Free

Have one amazing product in the shower that combo's as a shampoo and a body wash thanks to Addidas!

3. Addidas 2-in-1 Shampoo & Body Wash for Men

Treat and repair the skin on your face without the greasiness of a cream with Kinerase Lotion!

2. Kinerase Lotion

Whiten your teeth and freshen up your breath in one quick visit to your bathroom with Go SMILE Touch Ups!

1. Go SMILE Touch Up Smile Perfecting Ampoules with Carrying Case, Assorted

Check out my top-five-list for the ultimate shower room product “must-haves,” for women. That is, if you want to make your life easier and more beautiful!

No worries guys…I haven’t forgotten you. I’ll list yours tomorrow!

5. Drugstore.com Cotton Swabs, wood sticks
These hard to find wooden stick swabs are much easier to handle and if it weren’t for Drugstore.com I seriously think they would be extinct. I hadn’t found them in years; and I always felt they were by far a better swab than the paper rolled type.

4. Swispers Select-a-Size Cotton Squares
Cotton square pads that are perforated to use the appropriate size for your needs. Whether it’s removing nail polish or applying a toner.

3. L’Occitane Almond Supple Skin Oil
This nourishing body oil hydrates the skin of the body while firming up the skin dramatically as well as reducing the appearance of stretch marks.

2. Tweezerman Nail Rescue Kit
Set comes with three tools to tidy up your nails in a snap!

1. Zadro 7X Gooseneck Vanity Mirror
This life saver is my favorite bathroom item. The unique design allows a proper mirror view at any angle and for any height. Additionally the 7X magnification is just perfect. Any less isn’t quite enough and any more adds distortion.

Remember that commercial on TV for a particular shampoo that aired years (actually decades) ago where the line was, “Gee your hair smells terrific?” I always wanted to buy it just so my hair smelled good like they proclaimed. However, now I don’t even remember the brand and had forgotten about it for years. However, I remember once my youngest daughter informing me that my head didn’t smell good. I was dying and thinking, ‘What the heck? I wash my hair daily and certainly pride myself on my grooming!’ However, when I was telling my older daughter that story she said, “Oh I’ve noticed that too!” Can you imagine my horror? It made me wonder if my significant other had ever noticed. I was mortified!

So ever since, I’ve been kind of a freak about it and try and find hair products that smell lovely. But only recently I found the crème de la crème of good smelling hair products. You’ve got to try Oscar Blandi Olio di Jasmine Hair Serum. It imparts incredible shine, controls my “Karen fuzz” (frizzies), gives my hair definition and most importantly smells incredible! It’s so nice because the infused Jasmine not only smells incredibly beautiful it's also known to soothe and calm the cuticle of the hair shaft. Sweet almond oil also smells nice and provides extra shine and controls frizz. Lastly the vitamin E that is also formulated into it protects and prevents further damage.

Oscar Blandi scores big with me with its Oscar Blandi di Jasmine Hair Serum!

Whoo-ah! Do I ever have an amazing product for you to try! Check out ARCONA Wine Hydrating Mask if you want to look amazing in a matter of moments!

ARCONA products kicks beautiful skincare butt with their Wine Hydrating Mask. It binds moisture with hyaluronic acid and nourishes the skin leaving it revitalized, firmed, soothed and supple. The skin is repaired, refined and appears plumped up and much more youthful. And all within 15 to 20 minutes!

It’s the perfect mask to use on an important night out for that incredible feeling of looking in the mirror and thinking, “Damn! I look good!” Because we all know we’ve had the polar opposite thought of, “Umm…I don’t think I want to go after all,” and that’s the worse feeling ever. Especially when you can’t get out of it! But it’s been my experience that this mask will guarantee that the latter won’t happen anymore.

I’m sold on ARCONA brand as it is…but this mask is my favorite ARCONA product for immediate gratification and a speedy, stunning up-lift. I always feel it’s just what the doctor ordered when I feel I look tired, old and dull. Other’s feel the same according to all the five star ratings! One reviewer even said that it leaves an interesting layer after you remove it that provides the perfect primer for makeup. Going on to say…“Your skin will look like flawless baby skin.”

Cold Sores….Myths, Facts and Treatments!

Is it just me or do others freak out that they may have a cold sore every time they get a pimple near their lips? I’m fairly certain everyone dreads the thought of a cold sore simply by how many questions I get about them on a daily basis. So today I’m going to share with you all the information I know about cold sore treatment, facts, myths and prevention.

Cold sores also known as Herpes Simplex Virus I are painful fluid filled blisters that may crop up on the lips, nose or mouth. It is also possible to find HSV I below the waist but those Herpes sores are usually caused by Herpes Simplex Virus II (HSV II) or genital Herpes approximately 90% of the time.

Approximately 80% of the population carry the HSV I virus that is responsible for the embarrassing sores. With so many people affected perhaps the embarrassment isn’t quite as warranted as we may feel, considering it happens to so many. However, the majority of people who struggle with cold sores do indeed dread the pain and embarrassment caused by them.

HSV I is highly contagious and is usually contracted by fairly direct human contact, such as, sharing a cup, kissing, or borrowing someone’s lip gloss. It is virtually never contracted by wash cloths, towels or other contaminated surfaces which have been a long reported myth. The virus is most contagious during the blister stage but can be spread anytime even when no sores are visible. It is also possible to re-infect another area of your body so it is imperative that you keep your hands off of it and wash your hands often. For example, if you were to spread it to the eyes it can be very serious and even lead to blindness. Although aside from that and a few other complications, cold sores are generally not a serious medical condition and resolve within a few weeks. The problem is they lie dormant in the ganglions of the nerves and wake up and recur when the body is under certain stressors or is exposed to certain triggers such as sunlight, menstruation, weakened immune system and stress. The best solution is prevention by trying to identify your triggers and do not expose yourself to them.

Aside from a few prescription medications (both oral and topical types) there is only one over the counter product that truly seems to be effective (according to my research and interviews). There are topical OTC products that can help with pain, itching and cracking but the one that seems to be touted as an effective comprehensive treatment (meaning shortens healing time and the duration of symptoms such as burning and itching), Abreva seems to win hands down. Although it works best when it is started at the first sign of a cold sore (when you feel the tingle begin). Be sure to use as directed. Abreva can be found at www.drugstore.com and I’ve noticed they have the best prices on it. However, you need to have it on hand as it is most effective when used at the first sign, so be sure to order it ahead of time if you know you suffer from HSV I.

 

I was in Seattle last weekend for a wedding when I witnessed the worst nosebleed I had ever seen…and much to my horror; my grandson was the one having this severe bleed. I thought to myself, “What the heck is with my kids and grandkids always getting nosebleeds?” They get the worst nosebleeds a person could possibly get during childhood. My oldest daughter Ashley and (in this case) her son Blaze have or have had such severe nosebleeds that I seriously think they are going to bleed to death. I don’t see how a person could possibly lose that much blood and come out unscathed. And then to make matters worse, both of my daughters faint at the site of blood, so for us, a nosebleed can be a life threatening episode depending on how the scenario pans out. Let’s put it this way…the bleed must be stopped and stopped as quickly and effortlessly as possible or we end up with an emergency and a major mess (on a number of levels) on our hands.

After hearing every wives tale (head tilted forward, tilted backward, cotton under lip, tissue in nostril, blah, blah, blah) known to mankind and having unsuccessfully tried them all, I quickly learned last weekend that there is only one surefire way to stop a nosebleed…And it’s called compression. Think about how many times you’ve had blood tests or an IV removed and the one thing you must do is hold pressure for at least five minutes on the cotton to ensure the bleeding will stop. However, with a nose bleed you must hold pressure for 10 to 15 minutes for it to be effective in helping the body with its natural clotting process, and pinching a nose for that long is tiring and most of us give up only to have the bleeding recur and a very unhappy child. Having said that, we still ultimately know that compression is virtually the only way to stop it so there needed to be a way to keep the pressure (without discomfort) and tiring out both mom and child.

That’s where this amazing little patented soft, comfy, and effective jewel of a (FDA approved) medical product steps in. NoseAid is a compression device specifically developed for the management and control of a nosebleed and was the brainchild of a well respected ER physician. Many hospitals and school nurses already use it, but I have yet to see it available in the general public. And it truly should and needs to be in every parent’s first-aid kit.

Thankfully, there happened to be an ER physician at the reception and he saw all the commotion and frightened look on all our faces. He came over to us, told us to pinch the soft portion of the nose until he got back from his car. He came back with a NoseAid appliance and placed it on Blaze’s nose and not only did it work in terms of stopping the bleed, it kept us from getting tired from holding the nose closed with our thumb and forefinger and holding onto a squiggly, wiggly, upset child. Even better Blaze thought the soft little pincher was cool! He didn’t even want to take it off after the 15 minutes when it was obvious that the bleeding episode was well over and even wanted to keep it as a souvenir! So much for the Hershey Bar gifts with the wedding couple’s last name on the wrapper or the cute little bubbles! We said he could keep it until we saw him trying to put it in his little mini rented tux pocket. The doctor was a real champion not only because he stopped the nosebleed but because he went back to his car to bring back Blaze a brand new (clean) NoseAid to keep as a souvenir!

My hope is that my favorite pharmacy (www.drugstore.com) starts stocking this brilliant yet simple little device, because I will indeed order it and it will be a staple in my first aid kit…And I would venture to say, every other parent’s medicine cabinet as well.  My only gripe…is why on Earth I didn’t know about this when my girls were young?!?

For more information on stopping nosebleeds click on the links below:

http://www.stopnosebleeds.com/how_to_stop_a_nosebleed.html

 

http://www.stopnosebleeds.com/faq.html

 

Just when I thought I couldn’t love GoSmile teeth whitening brand anymore than I already do, they come out with a new whitening kit that cuts the time it takes to whiten teeth in half! Check out GoSmile 9 Count Speed Whitening System on SkinStore.com. It’s incredible!

For less than a hundred bucks you can have a whiter, brighter smile in just four days. How cool is that?!? The kit comes with an accelerator gel that releases the oxygen ions in the whitening ampoules to work faster, more effectively and all without painful sensitivities for most users. I have extremely sensitive teeth and I can use it with no problems or hesitation. Luckily I found this before I found a Crest Whitening System on sale for 50% off at my grocery store because that treatment hurts my teeth and makes me less likely to be compliant with it which obviously results in less whitening. But I always check out the clearance end cap at my market and I saw it there just a day after I had received my SkinStore package with my new GoSmile product in it. Had I found the sale item before I ordered the GoSmile kit I probably would have purchased it (only because it was 50% off) and never discovered the brilliant new GoSmile 9 Count Speed Whitening System which doesn’t cause sensitivity and works much more quickly and effectively. Thank goodness for great timing!

Boske Dermaceuticals is a skin care brand that’s new to me, but I’m sold on it after only trying two of their products. Boske provides results oriented skin care solutions by using not only superb active ingredients, but active ingredients that potentiate one another. This synergistic activity works at the cellular level because of the brand’s scientific delivery system. Absorption is amplified due to this unique delivery system which results in supreme treatment and repair of the skin.

Boske Dermaceuticals Hydra Boost is the answer to extremely dehydrated skin. The hyaluronic acid and pantothenic acid binds and retains moisture along with repairing damaged tissue.

Boske Dermaceuticals Molecular Repair is indicated for those of us with sun damage and aging skin who want the very best in anti-aging products. The specifically chosen active ingredients repair and preserve cell stimulation, production, division and health. It actually stimulates stem cell production which is key to increased and quicker tissue repair. This amazing product is a tad pricey ($129) but worth every penny! If you can only indulge in one anti-aging product…this would be my ultimate recommendation!