http://thebeautybrains.com/bbforum/categories/root/p10/feed.rss Fri, 24 May 13 06:33:04 -0400 Click here to visit the Beauty Brains blog. Root - Beauty Questions Answered en-CA http://thebeautybrains.com/bbforum/discussion/3088/dove-bar-vs-a-regular-bar-of-soap Tue, 18 Sep 2012 02:01:43 -0400 LeftBrain 3088@/bbforum/discussions Bebelyn asks…Does dove really hydrate the skin better than regular old soap? I love the scent and the creamy lather…so I probably won’t stop using it even if it isn’t any better, but I still would like to know if I am being ripped off by another advertising gimmick. The Right Brain responds: As far [...]]]> http://thebeautybrains.com/bbforum/discussion/3085/why-dont-they-make-spf-200-sunblock Mon, 17 Sep 2012 02:01:55 -0400 LeftBrain 3085@/bbforum/discussions Rozy says…I looked for SPF 200 on the internet (the INTERNET for crying out loud!) and I couldn’t find a single seller. wtf? The ever articulate Alchemist responds: Next year the FDA will introduce new limits making the maximum allowable claimed SPF50+. Although before this change was flagged there was certainly a race for ever [...]]]> http://thebeautybrains.com/bbforum/discussion/3081/beauty-science-news-september-16 Sun, 16 Sep 2012 02:01:07 -0400 LeftBrain 3081@/bbforum/discussions It’s been another great week for beauty science news stories… Would you use umbilical cord serum for your skin? (Ewwww.) Laser resurfacing treatments can tighten skin. Zinc pills make Botox last 25% longer. (Color me skeptical on this one.) L’Oreal “gene boosting” claims are nailed by FDA. (I love it when the government stops cosmetics from [...]]]> http://thebeautybrains.com/bbforum/discussion/3080/should-i-pat-my-face-with-water-before-applying-oil Sat, 15 Sep 2012 02:01:51 -0400 LeftBrain 3080@/bbforum/discussions Ida inquires: In another beauty-related forum, I read the following claim (from a member, not an “expert”) about applying a face oil: “Make sure your face and your hands are slightly damp when applying the oil. Rub the oil between your hands to emulsify slightly, then pat it on your face and massage it in. The [...]]]> http://thebeautybrains.com/bbforum/discussion/3078/is-the-stages-of-beauty-brand-worth-the-money Fri, 14 Sep 2012 02:01:08 -0400 LeftBrain 3078@/bbforum/discussions BamDay is bothered…I’ve heard a ton of hype abut the Stages of Beauty Products. Their claims seem exaggerated, and since their products are on the more expensive side, I was wondering if there is any proof of effectiveness in their claims/ ingredients lists? In particular their moisturizer and serum for 20 yr olds. The Right [...]]]> http://thebeautybrains.com/bbforum/discussion/3071/why-is-ph-important Thu, 13 Sep 2012 02:01:30 -0400 LeftBrain 3071@/bbforum/discussions In a previous post the Left Brain talked about how to check the pH of your cosmetics. But why should you care about the pH of products in the first place? I think everyone understands pH is a measure of how acidic or basic a product is (on a 14 point scale where one is [...]]]> http://thebeautybrains.com/bbforum/discussion/3066/are-you-impressed-by-these-hair-care-ads Wed, 12 Sep 2012 02:01:13 -0400 LeftBrain 3066@/bbforum/discussions Here’s an interesting Pantene advertisement that I saw on the shelf at my local Target and  I’m curious to see how the Beauty Brains community reacts. The first ad claims the product “virtually erases damage of 100 blow-drys.”             While the second purports to provide “zero heavy buildup. 100% body.” [...]]]> http://thebeautybrains.com/bbforum/discussion/3065/skinactives-do-you-expect-your-cosmetics-to-look-and-feel-a-certain-way Tue, 11 Sep 2012 02:01:16 -0400 LeftBrain 3065@/bbforum/discussions Are you familiar with Skinactives?  They’re a US based company that helps you create your own DIY cosmetics. You can peruse their Forum for recipes, then purchase active ingredients directly from them. Or, you can use their product selector to choose pre-made products that are customized for your needs. It’s a really interesting approach and [...]]]> http://thebeautybrains.com/bbforum/discussion/3064/does-your-vitamin-c-lotion-contain-a-dangerous-ingredient Mon, 10 Sep 2012 02:01:03 -0400 LeftBrain 3064@/bbforum/discussions Elana44 asks…I’ve recently heard that sodium benzoate when met with ascorbic acid (vitamin C) can lead to cancer and damage DNA. Is it true? The Left Brain responds: September must be national benzene month. Last week the Right Brain blogged about benzyl benzoate making fragrances smell like vinyl. And today I get to field a [...]]]> http://thebeautybrains.com/bbforum/discussion/3060/beauty-science-news-september-9 Sun, 09 Sep 2012 02:01:40 -0400 LeftBrain 3060@/bbforum/discussions Here is some beauty science news to brighten your day… J&J is removing “potentially” dangerous chemicals from its US formulations. But is this good science or just caving in to fear mongering? Still more research points to new sunscreens, this time from herbs! New spray on skin could accelerate healing. Can a wrinkle spray be [...]]]> http://thebeautybrains.com/bbforum/discussion/3054/what-is-kajal-and-is-it-safe-around-my-eyes Fri, 07 Sep 2012 02:01:34 -0400 LeftBrain 3054@/bbforum/discussions Rozy asks…Is Himalaya Herbals Kajal safe to put around eyes? What ingredient gives it pigment? The Right Brain responds: Before we can talk about this specific product, we need to explain what is kajal is. Curious about kajal Those of you not familiar with Kajal may recognize it by its more common name: Kohl, which [...]]]> http://thebeautybrains.com/bbforum/discussion/3050/why-does-my-fragrance-smell-like-vinyl Thu, 06 Sep 2012 02:01:43 -0400 LeftBrain 3050@/bbforum/discussions Jenny says…I am a fragrance oil hoarder lol and have purchased fragrances from many companies (like Brambleberry, Sweet Cakes, Natures Garden, etc). Most fragrances I love out of the bottle when I’m sniffing it, but oftentimes I put it into a soap or candle, I begin to smell a plastic vinyl scent. Everyone tells me [...]]]> http://thebeautybrains.com/bbforum/discussion/3048/st.-ives-timeless-skin-moisturizer-look-at-the-label Wed, 05 Sep 2012 02:01:17 -0400 LeftBrain 3048@/bbforum/discussions There’s a new contender on the list of Amazon.com’s top ten best selling beauty products: St. Ives Timeless Skin Collagen and Elastin moisturizer. Let’s look at the label… St. Ives Timeless Skin Ingredients Water (Aqua) Dual action ingredient-it acts as a solvent for other materials and provides the dose of moisture to skin. Mineral Oil [...]]]> http://thebeautybrains.com/bbforum/discussion/3046/the-truth-about-curls Tue, 04 Sep 2012 02:02:21 -0400 LeftBrain 3046@/bbforum/discussions You hear all the time about how social media is changing the way businesses work. But here’s a real-life example of how one beauty company, Paul Mitchell, is changing how they make and market new products using social media to gain input from their target audience. Old school product development In the not so recent [...]]]> http://thebeautybrains.com/bbforum/discussion/3044/labor-day-and-cosmetic-scientists Mon, 03 Sep 2012 02:01:34 -0400 LeftBrain 3044@/bbforum/discussions In honor of Labor Day we’re re-running one of our holiday posts for our American (and Canadian) readers. As you may recall, Labor Day originated in 1882 as “a day off for the working citizens.” But have you ever stopped to think how many “working scientists” are involved making the brand name cosmetics you use [...]]]> http://thebeautybrains.com/bbforum/discussion/3042/beauty-science-news-september-2 Sun, 02 Sep 2012 02:01:50 -0400 LeftBrain 3042@/bbforum/discussions Spice up your Labor Day weekend with these beauty sciences news stories… Beauty science breakthrough: is rosacea caused by bacteria?? New face paint could protect soldiers from explosion burns. Colgate toothpaste banned from using claim “Same Whitening Ingredient as Strips.” Should we be worried about cosmetic ingredients in our waterways?]]> http://thebeautybrains.com/bbforum/discussion/3041/will-wen-cleansing-conditioner-make-my-hair-fall-out Sat, 01 Sep 2012 02:01:53 -0400 LeftBrain 3041@/bbforum/discussions Chica1 inquires…I recently started using a generic version of Wen – Hair One – with great success. I’ve heard a number of wonderful success stories about Wen from various blogs and I’m interested in trying it but I’ve also heard a number of hair loss claims from blogs and youtube which makes me a bit [...]]]> http://thebeautybrains.com/bbforum/discussion/3037/is-aloe-vera-really-chemical-free Fri, 31 Aug 2012 02:01:03 -0400 LeftBrain 3037@/bbforum/discussions Elana44 asks…I need a clarification on this botanical. I know that there are these natural forms of aloe barbadensis. But what is aloe barbadensis gel? Is it all-natural or is it made of one of the other forms by the help of some chemical? The Right Brain responds: Here are the officially recognized terms for [...]]]> http://thebeautybrains.com/bbforum/discussion/3038/how-to-check-the-ph-of-your-cosmetics Thu, 30 Aug 2012 02:01:58 -0400 LeftBrain 3038@/bbforum/discussions Susan asks…In an attempt to save some money and guarantee myself a well formulated, fresh vitamin c serum, I am considering mixing philosophy’s Vitamin C powder into Bobbi Brown’s Intensive Skin Supplement serum. I was wondering if you can tell me by looking at the ingredients if the resulting mixture will be in the correct [...]]]> http://thebeautybrains.com/bbforum/discussion/3034/top-3-fixes-for-static-flyaway Wed, 29 Aug 2012 02:01:57 -0400 LeftBrain 3034@/bbforum/discussions Last week we were interviewed by an editor for Oprah’s “O” magazine about static flyway. If and when the article is published we’ll provide a link but in the meantime here’s the scoop on static charge on your hair. What is static flyaway? The name really says it all: it’s a static charge which means [...]]]> http://thebeautybrains.com/bbforum/discussion/3033/yves-rocher-hydra-vegetal-in-the-beauty-brains-bathroom Tue, 28 Aug 2012 02:01:43 -0400 LeftBrain 3033@/bbforum/discussions This is a brand that we are not particularly familiar with so we were thrilled to receive a sample box in the mail. For anyone else who’s not familiar with Yves Rocher, here’s a quick recap of what they’re all about (from HAPPI magazine.) Yves Rocher is a family owned company that sells approximately $1.4 billion [...]]]> http://thebeautybrains.com/bbforum/discussion/3024/can-peptides-stop-facial-wrinkles Sat, 25 Aug 2012 02:01:23 -0400 LeftBrain 3024@/bbforum/discussions Jeanne asks…Which peptides in face creams are most effective in communicating with facial muscles to cause shortening of them and therefore firming the face? The Right Brain responds: According to at least one study, acetyhlexapeptide-8 is capable of reducing wrinkles associated with facial muscles. How peptides work This peptide allegedly works similarly to botulintoxin, aka [...]]]> http://thebeautybrains.com/bbforum/discussion/3029/do-we-need-more-events-like-this Mon, 27 Aug 2012 02:01:07 -0400 LeftBrain 3029@/bbforum/discussions This story about a Miss Science beauty pagent being held in Japan has me conflicted. On the one hand I think it is great that there is a beauty pageant that celebrates not only beauty but also brains. It demonstrates that it is ok to be concerned about your appearance even while figuring out the [...]]]> http://thebeautybrains.com/bbforum/discussion/3026/beauty-science-news-august-26 Sun, 26 Aug 2012 02:01:15 -0400 LeftBrain 3026@/bbforum/discussions It’s time again for a recap of our favorite beauty science news stories of the week… Strawberries provide UV protection (at least when tested on cell cultures.) Milk is good for acne. (Mmmm, strawberries and cream…) Shark skin research could lead to new sunscreens. (I wonder if sharks eat strawberries.) Two weeks ago we reported you [...]]]> http://thebeautybrains.com/bbforum/discussion/3022/is-red-really-more-attractive Fri, 24 Aug 2012 02:01:01 -0400 LeftBrain 3022@/bbforum/discussions Here’s an interesting article about color and its effects on tips from the Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Research. Who knew there was such a journal? Tipping point Anyway, in the research the authors conclude that men give more tips to waitresses who wear red clothes. Previous research had suggested that men found women wearing [...]]]> http://thebeautybrains.com/bbforum/discussion/3020/oily-skin-solution-suck-it-with-micro-sponge-particles Thu, 23 Aug 2012 02:01:15 -0400 LeftBrain 3020@/bbforum/discussions Rozy asks…What is Advanced Polymer technology? Dermadoctor’s Ain’t Misbehavin’ says “Advanced polymer technology that soaks up excess surface oils yet won’t leave skin parched.” The Right Brain responds: Based on the ingredient list (see below) the Advanced Polymer technology appears to be Microsponge (™) particles by Amcol Health and Beauty. (The chemical name is Methyl Methacrylate/Glycol Dimethacrylate Crosspolymer [...]]]> http://thebeautybrains.com/bbforum/discussion/3018/face-kini-3-reasons-why-its-a-bad-idea Wed, 22 Aug 2012 02:01:20 -0400 LeftBrain 3018@/bbforum/discussions It’s a little late in the season to be talking about sun protection products for the beach but we couldn’t resist commenting on this latest trend from China. Meet the face Face-Kini (think “bikini” for your face) a cover all for your face and head to protect you from UV radiation. Apparently it’s the latest [...]]]> http://thebeautybrains.com/bbforum/discussion/3014/dermatend-mole-remover-look-at-the-label Tue, 21 Aug 2012 07:43:33 -0400 LeftBrain 3014@/bbforum/discussions We’ve blogged before about the dangers of mole removing products. So imagine our surprise to see that a mole removing cream is the 6th best-selling product on Amazon.com this week. Let’s look at the label to see why this product can be bad for your skin. Dermatend ingredients Sanguineria Canadensis, Vegetable Glycerine, Water, butter of [...]]]> http://thebeautybrains.com/bbforum/discussion/3010/is-yube-lip-balm-unique Mon, 20 Aug 2012 02:01:27 -0400 LeftBrain 3010@/bbforum/discussions Exotic Panther asks….I am wondering what makes this product unique and if it is worth more or more effective than the brands I normally buy at Wal-Mart.  The Right Brain responds: I’m not sure which brand you normally use but let’s compare YuBe with a couple of other popular lip balms. How are YuBe ingredients [...]]]> http://thebeautybrains.com/bbforum/discussion/3006/beauty-science-news-august-19 Sun, 19 Aug 2012 02:01:40 -0400 LeftBrain 3006@/bbforum/discussions Here are our favorite beauty science news stories of the week. Enjoy! New handheld microwave device stops excess sweating Lip injections can give you a better smile Antibacterial soap may give you a heart attack Instead of smoking pot you can rub it on your skin Skin lotion can set off airport explosive detectors]]>