Parabens are the most frequently used cosmetic preservative. You may see them as methylparaben, propylparaben, etc. We have chosen not to use them because they are strongly suspected to be linked with breast cancer. Recommended reading: "State of the Evidence," the 2004 report from the Breast Cancer Fund. - top -

Health-and-Fitness:Beauty] Judging by the number of anti aging skin products that contain parabens, you'd have to think they contribute in a big way in protecting the skin from aging. Well this isn't quite true.

I prefer using the professional products I have in my kit. They give me consistent results. However, if you have products you really want me to use, I will be happy to accommodate.

Parabens are a group of chemicals that have been shown to have oestrogenic (hormonal) properties. Most of the other major cosmetic company formulas use Parabens in their products. Any substance that has the potential to raise the oestrogen level in the body is to be discouraged.

We tried not preserving our products, but they are loaded with fresh botanical ingredients, and frankly, they started to smell bad pretty fast. We know some people who make homemade cosmetics from fresh ingredients and keep them in the refrigerator, and we actually considered becoming the first refrigerated skincare line. Instead, we decided to use Germall Plus, the preservative that has the most admirable record for skin sensitivity.

We feel the best sunblock for the face is a good hat. There is a growing concern that the usual sunblocks inhibit the production of epidermal growth factor (EGF), which is essential to healthy skin in general, and especially to skin exposed to sun, wind and environmental pollutants.

Look for "noncomedogenic" cosmetics and toiletries. These products have been formulated so that they will not cause acne. Some acne cause irritation or pronounced dryness particularly during the early weeks of therapy, and some cosmetics and cleansers can actually worsen this effect. The choice of cosmetics and cleansers should be made with your dermatologist or pharmacist. Heavy foundation makeup should be avoided.

Here is a quote from the National Institute of Health: "People being treated for acne often need to change some of the cosmetics they use. All cosmetics, such as foundation, blush, eye shadow, and moisturizers, should be oil free. Patients may find it difficult to apply foundation evenly during the first few weeks of treatment because skin may be red or scaly, particularly with the use of topical tretinoin or benzoyl peroxide.

A I believe MAC cosmetics to be by far the best available in the marketplace. As a consequence I use MAC almost exclusively. MAC cosmetics are designed to look good to the eye and, crucially, to the camera as well. Fairly important when you get your wedding album back!

Acne sufferers can use non-comedogenic cosmetics. Non-comedogenic substances are those that prevent comedones. They are also called occlusive substances. It revealed recently that some cosmetic and acne preventing products contain mineral oil produced as a by product during gasoline formation. It is a highly toxic substance.

Look for "noncomedogenic" cosmetics and toiletries. These products have been formulated so that they will not cause acne. Some acne medications cause irritation or pronounced dryness particularly during the early weeks of therapy, and some cosmetics and cleansers can actually worsen this effect. The choice of cosmetics and cleansers should be made with your dermatologist or pharmacist. Heavy foundation makeup should be avoided.

No. Even more, we recommend people with dry skin to apply a moisturizing or nourishing cream of their preference after Elicina.

Because permanent cosmetics are applied in the skin and conventional cosmetics are applied on the skin, any conventional make-up applied will somewhat cover the permanent cosmetics temporarily.

Yes. Some cosmetics may provoke blackhead formation in skin and should be avoided by those with a tendency towards developing acne.

Parabens are chemical preservatives added to personal care products for extending shelf life, and widely used in tens of thousand types of cosmetic products today. Four main parabens are in use: methyl, ethyl, propyl and butylparabens; many products will have 2 or more of these chemicals as part of a preservative system. Even the definition of parabens is scary, as it states, "..