ARS.com
You’ve heard of Soy Dream, but have you heard of SoyScreen?  For you “greenies” out there this new soy-based sunscreen technology, is a natural alternative to petroleum-based sunscreens.  The company responsible for the new soy bean screen is iSoy.  No, it’s not sold at your local Apple store; however, the company’s ferulic soy glycerides (FSG33) a new soy-based anti-aging ingredient recently made its debut in New York City marketed by a major cosmetics company.

“When Agricultural Research Service (ARS) chemists Joe Laszlo and Dave Compton originally developed SoyScreen, they envisioned outdoor enthusiasts and other consumers using their invention as an environmentally friendly alternative to petroleum-based sunscreens.

Instead, SoyScreen—and the patented ARS method of producing it—became the technological platform from which iSoy Technologies Corporation of Cary, Ill., began launching a novel class of cosmetic ingredients called “skincare bio-lipid actives.”

In February 2007, a variation of SoyScreen formulated by iSoy—ferulic soy glycerides (FSG33)—made its commercial debut as a key active ingredient in a wrinkle-prevention skincare product marketed by a major cosmetics company in New York City.

FSG33’s burgeoning commercial roots began with bio-lipid reaction experiments that Laszlo and Compton conducted in 1998 at ARS’ National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research in Peoria, Ill.  There, they devised an enzyme-based method to make an all-natural sunscreen from soy oil and ferulic acid, a natural antioxidant that filters out UVA and UVB sunlight.”  Read More

Many people believe or at least want to believe that multi-purpose products are great, but do they work?  Is it possible that mixing certain ingredients may actually be more harmful than helpful?  A Beauty Brains reader recently asked specifically about the combination of sunscreen and insect repellent products “in-one.”  She was told that it was dangerous, and wondered if this was true.  The Brains thoughtfully explain that there is some reason for concern; according an Associated Press report there have been studies conducted “that indicate mixing sunscreen actives with DEET (the insect repellent active ingredient) might not only increase skin penetration of DEET but also reduce efficacy of the sunscreen” (The Beauty Brains).

The Brains warn, while two-in-one products sound great, you must consider the function/use of each product individually.  Insect repellents are meant to be applied occasionally (to prevent over exposure) while sunscreen should be applied in large amounts more frequently.  It’s a tough balancing act to get adequate use of each ingredient, so you may be better off sticking to separate products.

[via TheBeautyBrains.com ]

You know you should avoid it, you know you will regret it, yet your tanning addiction still gets the best of you.  If you can’t get enough of that genuine golden glow at least take proper post-tan action.  There’s tons of data to support why we should stay out of the sun however, cosmetics companies know there are those who just won’t kick the habit.  To cater to the sun worshipers of the world, TANODERM 3 has been introduced to fight aging in sun damaged skin.  I have not tried the product, but I thought it was a great idea.  This product is said to fight aging, extend the life of your existing tan and of course, moisturize.

How does it work?  According to SloarChem Labs, “TANODERM 3 uses 4 state-of-the-art Peptides (tiny protein fragments) to boost your collagen and elastin production minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.  The Tan Extending properties come from the proprietary TANOGEN Complex, clinically proven to extend tan Life by 49.4%. This means you spend less time in the Sun or Tanning Bed but still have the same great glow.”  If your going to tan at least there is now there’s a product specifically for you.  I did not read anywhere about an SPF but I guess that defeats the purpose.

For more info about this product visit Tanoderm.com

[Via PRWeb.com ]

Colore Science has introduced new ways to protect yourself from the sun.  The Sunforgettable range is an SPF 30 translucent mineral powder which comes in three application forms:  the Retractable Brush, the Rock and Roller Ball and the Shaker Jar.  Sunforgettable could make your daily SPF application a breeze!  The active ingredients zinc oxide and titanium dioxide "guard against the damaging effects of ultraviolet rays, while giving the skin a natural looking, flawless complexion." (from ColoreScience.com)  The product is water proof and will not absorb into the skin so it provides longer lasting protection.  Recently the line launched Sunforgettable with Sparkles which offers the same benefits plus a slight shimmer.  It’s available with or without bronzer, for a glowing complexion — minus the sun.

Note: This product has been approved by the Skin Cancer Foundation

Sephora has launched an exciting summer sun-safety campaign.  With hopes to educate customers about the importance of sun protection and provide skin cancer awareness, they have designed a customized Sun Safety Kit which includes a wide range of travel size sun protection products.  The kit also provides safe sun tips right on the package.  Also, 100% of the net profits will benefit the Skin Cancer Foundation, Sephora will donate a total of up to $182,000.00 before 12/31/2007.

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Summer is coming and we don’t want to blind people our white assets!  So, what’s a girl (or boy) to do?  These days we’ve two options:  Expose yourself to harmful UV rays (which can be addictive), or we can grease ourselves up with those notoriously tricky self-tanning lotions.  For most of us the very thought of orange streaks and brown knees makes the former a better short-term solution, but alas, there’s a solution.  Self tanning towelettes, brilliant!  The individually wrapped towels make it easy for you to travel & tan, without the mess of liquids.

Watch a video

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We all love the sun, but it’s more of a love/hate relationship.  We love the golden tan the sun provides, but we hate the wrinkles and age spots.  Even worse, excessive sun exposure can be life threatening.  It’s responsible for over a million new cases of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers every year.

Aside from a healthy snack, grape seed has been used as an anti-aging ingredient [against free radicals] in many beauty products, but a recent study has shown chemicals found in grape seeds may also help prevent skin cancer.  Researchers at the University of Alabama exposed hairless mice to ultraviolet rays in order to determine whether the presence of grape seed proanthocyanidins (GSP) in the diet affects the skin’s reaction to sunlight.

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Protecting your face from the sun is crucial but it’s not the only thing you should protect!  To keep you looking your best, make sure you apply sunscreen to the backs of your hands everyday.  The skin on our hands is very thin and delicate, it’s also one of the first places that show signs of aging.  It’s important to care for all of your skin, not just your face.