MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU: New creams harness the power of natural electricity

Beauty Wonkette is no stranger to the use of microcurrents in skincare. In fact, she is quite fond of her NuFace device. And, yes, it has long been understood that skin cells naturally communicate and stimulate repair and regeneration via tiny electrical currents. These currents are stronger in young skin, and weaken as we age.

This knowledge inspired U.S. scientists at Johnson & Johnson, parent company of the skincare giants RoC and Neutrogena, to discover a way to harness the power of natural bio-electricity in a pot. And this year, both companies launched new high-tech skin creams which claim to do just this.

Described as a 'true revolution in skincare' RoC's Brillance range contains E-Pulse Skin Electro-Stimulation Technology, which is protected by no less than ten U.S. patents, while Neutrogena's Clinical Skin Care also contains a patented ion2 complex.

Both claim to rejuvenate in a similar way - by producing low level micro-currents to boost collagen, making skin appear firmer, smoother and less wrinkled.

Dermatologist Jane Khoury, who worked with Neutrogena on its Clinical range says: 'Diminished bio-electrical signalling has been observed in older skin. These changes may affect the balance of healthy turnover in the skin, resulting in visible signs of aging like wrinkles and sagging skin.'

UK anti-aging consultant Tina Richards, who developed the Tua Viso anti-aging device, adds: 'We know electronic micro-current stimulation works. It has been used in medicine for wound healing, physiotherapy rehabilitation and even orthopaedics and bone growth.'

The new miracle creams are actually two products designed to work together. The first is a grayish, silicone-based serum containing vitamin E and powdered copper and zinc (the elements of the 'battery') and the second is a water-based moisturizing cream that, applied over the serum, activates a weak ten micro amp electrical charge in the top layers of the skin.

You cannot feel it, but it's claimed this will trigger the skin to produce both collagen and elastin - proteins in skin that diminish as we get older.

Collagen gives skin its smooth structure and prevents wrinkles, while elastin gives skin its youthful bounce and resilience.

Certainly the new creams are generating excitement. The before and after pictures Beauty Wonkette saw before testing the products herself were impressive, and in RoC's clinical studies, 97 per cent of women said they saw positive results.

The company says results can be seen in just two days. But not everyone is convinced that these new bio-electricity creams can live up to their promises.

Tina Richards warns: 'The micro-currents generated by these creams are a watered down version of professional grade machines and I doubt they will have the same results.

'Also, they cannot give the same improvements in facial muscle tone and firmness that have a powerful anti-aging effect.'

Consultant dermatologist Dr Russell Emerson of the Hove Skin Clinic in England is even more sceptical. 'Skin cells do communicate using electricity, but I don't think a topical cream can work at cellular level in the way these companies claim.'

Well, Beauty Wonkette had to find out for herself. Reluctantly, she set aside her beloved RevitalEYEZ Double Peptide Emulsion (19.99 from Go Bare Skincare) to try the Neutrogena Clinical Eye Lift Contouring Treatment.

Beauty Wonkette's verdict? DAYUM THIS STUFF WORKS !!!

Yup - and Beauty Wonkette was amazed how just how quickly she saw results. BW has deepset eyes and was sort of craving a bit of a lift beginning at the tender age of 4 3/4. It was the beginning of a lifelong quest and a long string of eye products. She had finally settled on a combo regimen that consisted of the oh-so-pricey Zelens Triple Action Eye Treatment by day and the far more reasonable (but remarkably lovely and effective) Go Bare Skincare product by night. Well, that regimen has changed once again. BW has replaced the Zelens product with the Neutrogena combo in the morning and is still using RevitalEYEZ (because BW lovesssssssss peptides) at night. The firming of her upper eyelids is more than just a little noticeable and has provided more of a lift than botox! At about $40 for a combo pack that will last about a month using it once a day, it's not dirt cheap, but alot more reasonable than the Zelens. More importantly, though, IT WORKS !!!!

Beauty Wonkette Plays Frugalista with a Fabulous Foundation

Although Beauty Wonkette doesn't wear foundation herself, L’Oreal True Match foundation ($9 at just about any drugstore) caught her eye when burlesque star Dita Von Teese recommended it on Twitter. It turned out that Beauty Wonkette's 3 testers also loved the light, buildable coverage. And, with 24 different shades in three undertones (cool, warm, and neutral), you’re sure to find a perfect match for your skin. BW's tip: Apply foundation with your fingertips and then follow by buffing your skin with a powder brush for a flawless finish.

Woo Hoo - Beauty Wonkette Loves This Full Body Facelift!

Beauty Wonkette seriously loves spa days, but has trouble finding the time. So, when she finds an at-home treatment that is truly worthy, she becomes a true devotee. Well, this little jar of magic isn't just spa WORTHY, the fact is it yields better results than just about any spa treatment Beauty Wonkette can recall.

Yes, indeedy, masques/masks aren't just for faces anymore -- to give your body a full tune-up for swimsuit season, try Ole Henriksen's African Red Tea Indulgent Body Mask. Algae firms up areas where skin is loosing elasticity, Bentonite and kaolin clay detoxify, honey inhibits bacterial growth, yogurt and vitamin C hydrate and improve skin tone. Either incorporate the mask into your daily routine -- midway through your shower, after cleansing and exfoliating the entire body, work the mask with your fingertips into every inch of your skin, from the toes to the neck. Wash off after 30 seconds. For a deeper firming treatment, Henriksen suggests applying the mask to trouble spots and resting on a warm bath towel for 20. Then rinse with cold water. "It may be a little uncomfortable," says Henriksen. "But it really helps to firm and tone the body." (Beauty Wonkette nods vigorously)

24.5 oz will run you about $65 at Ole Henriksen

The RETURN of Beauty Wonkette !!!

Yup - this time I'm back for good (more or less. Yes, my lovelies, Beauty Wonkette missed you....sorta. BW cannot tell a lie. We spent 3 months in Tuscany renovating our dream house. BW loves you, but did NOT miss you - or anybody else for that matter... xoxo

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEK! my hormones!

No, no - it's NOT that time of the month.... NO, no - it's not a zit..... Well, then, what provoked that shriek, you ask? Well, last week, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration acknowledged that triclosan--the ingredient in everything from your cutest skivvies to cosmetics to toothpaste and antibacterial soaps--may pose a health risk. Specifically it may mess with your hormones, contributing to endocrine disorders (which impacts everything from fertility to metabolism) and may be the cause of increased resistance to lifesaving antibiotics. Disturbing fact of the day: Triclosan is so ubiquitous, in fact, that it's found in the urine of 75 percent of the population. So, it has taken Beauty Wonkette a bit of time to calm down as Beauty Wonkette is very sensitive about anybody messing with her hormones and / or endocrine glands!

Of course, the FDA is not telling us to ditch our triclosan-laced products just yet. They emphasize that they are reviewing the existing science--mainly animal studies--and will report back in spring 2011. That's a year away!

Beauty Wonkette is not going to be a freak about it (at least not any more of a freak than usual). AND, Beauty Wonkette loves her current lip gloss so much that the FDA will have to pry it from her cold, dead hands. But, Beauty Wonkette now considers herself officially done with antibacterial products and is going to make an effort to look at labels.

We live in a relatively germophobic society, but lathering up with antibacterial soaps isn't necessary--a solid 20 to 30 seconds of hand-washing with good old-fashioned soap is just as effective (and, as a bonus, it won't give you dry granny hands the way anti-bac products do).

Beauty Wonkette loves that The Body Shop, Whole Foods, and Trader Joe's sell only triclosan-free products.

Beauty Wonkette Celebrates Spring with a Zingy Peppermint Facial

Beauty Wonkette adores Spring. Maybe it's the bright sunshine, the cherry blossoms, the azaleas.... Whatever the reason, Spring is a time when everything feels new and energized and it is a fabulous time to give yourself an at home facial. Facials at home can be SUCH a relaxing experience, and something to look forward to after a day of Spring cleaning (you guessed it - Beauty Wonkette HATES housecleaning :( ). Once thought of as indulgences, today, facials are largely considered to be an essential part of a healthy skincare regime.

And why not? Facials can increase natural cellular regeneration by aiding in faster skin cell renewal and help make your skin healthy and vibrant. The use of exfoliating, extracting and hydrating helps remove daily impurities to reveal the skin’s natural state. Not only will you look better, you'll FEEL better.

And, as their popularity has increased, facials have evolved from the dull, old steaming and extracting routine to experiences where science, technology and even exotic foods (not to mention BIRD POOP.....lol) are combined to give your skin the ultimate clean-up.

While researching facials Beauty Wonkette came across an interesting peppermint facial scrub that she just had to try. It's easy to do, and requires a few simple ingredients. What caught BW's eye was the fact that this uses peppermint leaves, a leaf known for its medicinal properties. Chock full of Vitamins A and C, magnesium, potassium, inositol, niacin, and iron, this leaf is great for the helping the complexion. Usually associated with trying to naturally remedy acne, it has been used for more than 200 years for treating all kinds of skin diseases. And, even if you don't grow your own (just so happens that Beauty Wonkette does), peppermint leaves are very easy to find.

Soooo my fellow Beauty Wonkettes, here goes - just follow these easy peasy steps:

* Blend 1/4 cup dried peppermint leaves with 1 cup oatmeal (REAL oatmeal - NOT instant).
* Mix in a food processor or blender to form a coarse, dry mix.
* Put into a well-sealed jar and use a handful to rub onto wet, cleansed face and neck for a quick facial scrub.
* Add just enough water to make a thin paste.
* Stay away from the eye area. Rinse with cool water.

Enjoy!

Raising the bar (of soap, that is..... :D )

Being a bonafide product junkie, Beauty Wonkette has tried ALOT of products (ah, haven't we all???). That said, there are certain products that are etched in Beauty Wonkette's memory forever.

First up was some ungodly creation that was called something like Phisohex or Phisoderm?!?!? It came in a big green plastic bottle and was supposed to guarantee that my pubescent face remained zit-free. Unpleasant as the stuff was, I think it worked.

Next up was Noxema. The smell still makes me nostalgic. Then, I went the Clinique route. Everybody probably did at one time or another. But, then, Beauty Wonkette grew up and got a fancy shmancy job in fancy shmancy NYC and it was time for a real skin routine. That was when Beauty Wonkette became an Erno Laszlo girl (12:00 she was if the feeble memory still works). There was no product that made the impact that Laszlo's black soap made on Beauty Wonkette. ADORED it !

How can somebody get excited about soap (a question only the uninitiated would ask btw)? True, soap has been around for almost 5000 years. One would think it would have evolved a bit more since the Bronze Age, but there have been few advancements in its technology - at least, few for the better. It's one of the reasons Beauty Wonkette has a permanent place in her heart for all those artisan soapmakers out there. The soap they make may not be greatly innovated technology wise. But it's GOOD soap. It smells good, feels good, and is undoubtedly better for you than the dreaded Irish Spring BW's hubby refuses to part with.

For this reason, among others, Beauty Wonkette cannot help but get inordinately excited when someone comes up with truly inspired, innovative soap, like Erno Laszlo has done.

More than just a cleansing slab, Laszlo Blue Firmarine Treatment Bar is a wonder-chunk of skin-improving ingredients. As expected, it gently washes away impurities; but long after you've sudsed up, it's still working.

Like some of our favorite high-performance serums, the Firmarine Treatment Bar (which smells exactly how you'd expect the color blue to smell) features an encapsulated delivery system—a quality essentially unheard of in soap—that ensures the distribution of firming, smoothing, hydrating and antioxidant benefits from the likes of spirulina, algae, shea butter and vitamins C and E.

More anti-aging formula than cleanser (though entirely efficient as the latter), this brilliant bar is uniquely sophisticated in a sea of antiquated soaps.

At least that is what Erno promises.... ;- )